Will Zimmerman's Injury Affect Him for 2008?

November 8, 2007 @ 16:13:19

By Eliott Wolbrom
Edited by Ryan Dodson

In what could be dubbed the first offseason injury that actually has a relevant fantasy impact, Washington Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman broke a bone in his left wrist while taking batting practice on Sunday, Nov. 4. Zimmerman underwent surgery Wednesday to repair the wrist. He is expected to make a full recovery in four to six weeks and should be good to go for spring training.

In an age where players often neglect their responsibilities both to their teams and paying fans by participating in off-the-field antics that result in injuries (e.g. late-night car accidents, breaking hands by taking poor performances out on Gatorade coolers etc.), it is highly refreshing - yet unfortunate - to see a young player injured while training. With the 2007 season over only a few weeks now, Nationals fans and potential fantasy owners should take stock in knowing one of their prized young stars was actively trying to better himself so early in the offseason. Unfortunately, in this case it led to an injury.

Following a year in which Zimmerman led the Nationals with 24 home runs and 91 RBI while batting .266 in 2007, his second full season in the majors, owners will now be cautious of the effects this injury may have on his 2008 season. In 2007, owners saw a slight decline from his 2006 season, where Zimmerman finished second in Rookie of the Year voting. With evidence of a sophomore slump, Zimmerman had 19 fewer RBI in 2007, saw his average dip 21 points from .287 and had only four stolen bases compared to the 11 he had in 2006. While his total numbers in 2007 were certainly very good, owners will now be wary of his 2007 decline now coupled with the wrist injury.

Already being challenged with being in a lethargic lineup, Zimmerman will need to make that expected full recovery to put up good numbers. On a team where each RBI is a blessing, if Zimmerman is less than 100 percent, owners will see a steady decline. As of now, the Nationals appear to be taking a proactive approach this offseason, already expressing initial interest in free agent outfielders Andruw Jones (Atlanta Braves), Mike Cameron (San Diego Padres), Torii Hunter (Minnesota Twins) and Aaron Rowand (Philadelphia Phillies). If the Nationals acquire any of these players, Zimmerman's fantasy value will immediately increase exponentially, especially if the injury is wiped out.

"As far as the offseason, this shouldn't prevent me from doing anything. Maybe it's better for me, so my hand won't be bothering me at all," Zimmerman said in a phone interview Tuesday. "Every so often my hand would act up and then it would go away. Hopefully I won't have to deal with it anymore."

This could be music to owners' ears as this injury could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. With a rejuvenated, healthy Zimmerman plugged into a lineup that may house either one of those free agents mentioned above; this could be a very lucrative, explosive year for Zimmerman.

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Eliott Wolbrom
Eliott has been with KFFL since 2007.

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