I spoke with Nick Blackburn this morning during a minor league game. He said he'll start throwing next week.

 

We talked about some of his pitching teammates from last year and all the problems that continue. I asked about Carl Pavano. He said he talked to him two days ago. Pavano's had some problems, as most of us know, having his spleen removed. But after that he developed a serious infection, and recently had half his pancreas removed. Now he's got another serious infection he's fighting. One can't help but feel sorry for the guy.

Geez, that is awful. Wishing him the best. Thanks for sharing.

Every winter you hear about lifting with your knees when you shovel, so that you don't throw out your back.

 

Pavano is a reminder not to perch that shovel in y our gut if you're going to plow! Hold it out front!

That stinks. He's a good guy and he of course deserves better. It's not uncommon for people who have their spleen removed to have problems with subsequent infections. The spleen is like the queen of the lymphatic system, which regulates the part of the immune system that fights infections.

Terrible terrible news.

Wow, I really feel bad for Carl. Such an benign thing to be doing and have that kind of accident. I think of all the careless things I do around the house that could result in some freak injury just because I'm too lazy to do it right or using bad technique. This is just a freak accident.

 

His baseball career was winding down anyway, but I really wish him the best of luck in his recovery. Hopefully these infections sort themselves out and stop recurring.

Terrible. I assume he's getting the best medical care money can buy, but still a scary thing. Best wishes to him from Twins Territory.

I know I poked fun at him about the spleen issue a while back. Reading this gives me that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.

Darn. I hope for the best. This is awful.

This is sad news. I hope that he makes a full recovery.

The pancreas is some serious "bleep". I truly hope Carl recovers from his infection, quits baseball without a second thought, and enjoys his life with his loved ones.