Here's my notes from yesterday's interview
Josh Byrnes Interview with Darren Smith (MP3)
- Sometimes these symptoms are nothing, sometimes they're Tommy John -Josh Byrnes on Josh JohnsonIn the 5th inning of Josh Johnson's last start on Tuesday night he had his velocity drop off and he had some swelling in his elbow after the game. He's felt better every day since, which is encouraging. He's frustrated but determined to get through it. He won't throw for two weeks. "Sometimes these symptoms are nothing, sometimes they're Tommy John, sometimes they're more flexor mass, more of a muscular issue." There's a degree of unknown. He already had Tommy John in 2007. He had shoulder issues with the Marlins and bone chips last year. Anytime there is swelling in the elbow there's possibility of Tommy John, but it's not time to sound the alarm.
- Byrnes says there are a few pitchers that could replace Johnson. Robbie Erlin will probably fill that position, but Matt Wisler had a good showing and Burch Smith is in the conversation. For the most part the decision will be based on who is throwing the best. The Padres won't use their 5th starter until the 3rd series of the season.
- "We're testing our depth as most teams are, but were not quite as wobbly as we were the last two years in terms of injuries."
- Byrnes and his team have a pretty good idea of who they'll have on their 25 man roster. They'll tell the players in the next few days.
- Byrnes doesn't think he'll make a deal with Chase Headley in the next 5 days. "We've kept our commitments pretty open so we'll have some dollars to use whether on Chase or some of our other players or players that aren't with us now." There's no deal to report for Chase or negotiations to discuss at this point.