Jerry_Manuel
08-03-2001, 07:30 AM
This from the Daily Herald:
Harold Baines hasn't played in a game since June 14, when he suffered a left hip flexor on an awkward swing against the Reds.
The White Sox' 42-year-old designated hitter has not been able to swing a bat since that time, and his retirement watch is still in effect.
But as he headed for another rehabilitation session Thursday prior to the Sox' game against the Royals, Baines said it's too early to think about ending his 22-year career.
"I still want to play,'' said Baines, batting just .133 with no home runs and 6 RBI before going on the disabled list. "I've been doing a lot of exercising to strengthen the muscles around the hip. It's feeling better, but I don't know when I can try to play.''
The best-case scenario would be for Baines to join Class AAA Charlotte in mid-August for the final two weeks of the Knights' season. He could then join the White Sox after Sept. 1, when 25-man rosters can be expanded.
The Sox could then promote their final home game of the season - Sept. 27 against the Twins - as Baines' swan song.
"I'm sure we'll figure out something,'' Baines said.
Harold Baines hasn't played in a game since June 14, when he suffered a left hip flexor on an awkward swing against the Reds.
The White Sox' 42-year-old designated hitter has not been able to swing a bat since that time, and his retirement watch is still in effect.
But as he headed for another rehabilitation session Thursday prior to the Sox' game against the Royals, Baines said it's too early to think about ending his 22-year career.
"I still want to play,'' said Baines, batting just .133 with no home runs and 6 RBI before going on the disabled list. "I've been doing a lot of exercising to strengthen the muscles around the hip. It's feeling better, but I don't know when I can try to play.''
The best-case scenario would be for Baines to join Class AAA Charlotte in mid-August for the final two weeks of the Knights' season. He could then join the White Sox after Sept. 1, when 25-man rosters can be expanded.
The Sox could then promote their final home game of the season - Sept. 27 against the Twins - as Baines' swan song.
"I'm sure we'll figure out something,'' Baines said.