Thursday, May 26, 2005
Spin Doctors:
"According to clubhouse sources, Sox ace Curt Schilling visited with team owner John Henry recently to express clubhouse dissatisfaction with the team's new medical staff. Approached prior to last night's game against the Blue Jays, Schilling declined comment on both his visit with Henry and the progress on his rehabilitation from an ankle injury, but more than a few Sox players recently have groused about the team's care under the supervision of Massachusetts General Hospital doctor Thomas Gill. "
Red Sox Hub Opinion:
Red Sox Hub Opinion:
The switch was made for business and control reasons, as all medical care for the Red Sox players and their families now runs through Dr. Gill and hence the Red Sox organization. In theory, it does make sense to give the players comprehensive care, as nutrition and exercise programs can now be fully integrated. A lot of the care can now be provided within the new facilities built this season at Fenway by the team, which likely saves money and theoretically improves care and convenience.
Dr. Gill is an Orthopedic knee specialist, and doesn't have the ability to make autonomous decisions. Part of his appeal is that he will be making medical decisions "by committee", bringing in other specialists depending on the issue, rather than having the control and hold over the program and players that Morgan did. Morgan also enjoyed answering the media's questions, and in the opinion of some Red Sox insiders, may have been too forthcoming with information at times. Gill is towing a more conservative, secretive company line this season. Players are aggressive competitors that want quick and firm answers, and it appears unlikely that the new medical group is equipped, or enabled, to provide either. Perhaps, a new "spin doctor" was really what John Henry, Larry Lucchino, and the rest of the organization sought.
Sound familiar? A recurring theme can be found with this organization. Right or wrong, it is how they have chosen to do business. So far, it has worked well for them, so any deviation from their formula is unlikely.
It actually does make more sense to have full control, (The Patriot use the same MGH staff; Tom Gill has been an assistant to Dr. Burt Zarens with the Patriots), but when the players fully trust and are comfortable with one physician, change is bound to cause some disruption. Morgan has a fantastic reputation within the medical community in terms of his ability as a physician, and has a very strong personality. Rather than try and train a savvy old dog, it was probably just easier to get a new puppy. -NF
