Miller: Five things to know
PEORIA, Ariz. -- Outrageously good fortune continues stalking San Diego shortstop Khalil Greene. But when Greene reaches out to grab it, his fingers and toes keep snapping like potato chips.
It is one of the most baffling, befuddling, frustrating sagas in baseball. You might not realize it because the Padres play on Dracula time, after most people in the East have gone to bed, and the ultra-shy Greene isn't exactly a must-stop on the interview circuit. Usually, his glove talks more than he does.
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| S.D. isn't sorry about taking Khalil Greene in the first round in '02. (Getty Images) |
His box score line so far: Three seasons in the majors, two broken fingers, one broken toe and one torn ligament in a finger.
"A lot of people say, 'Is it because of calcium deficiency?'" Padres general manager Kevin Towers says. "No. We've done tons of tests. It has nothing to do with that.
"He's just had some real tough luck."
With Greene, it isn't so much a Got Milk? issue as a Got Patience? deal.
There are stretches and weights that can help tight hamstrings and weak quads. There are braces and wraps for knees and ankles.
But fingers? Toes?
"I treat it no differently than before each individual injury occurred, really," says Greene, who has been playing exceptionally well both defensively and offensively this spring. "I'll play the season like I always do. You don't second-guess your instincts. You do what you do.
"I don't concern myself with getting hurt. If it happens, it won't be from a preventative form of playing."
At shortstop, his moves are those of an acrobat. His dives are gymnast-like.
At the plate, he brings surprising power and a knack for clutch hitting.
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