Reggie Sanders. One of my favorites. I love yelling "Reg-gie, Reg-gie" at Busch, or at home (can't help it, I'm a goofball). Remember his appendectomy in the middle of spring training? Well look at his numbers this year, after that operation:
G 7
AB 21
R 6
H 6
2B 1
3B 0
HR 4
RBI 8
BB 2
K 3
SB 0
CS 0
OBP .348
SLG .905
OPS 1.253
BA .286
Pretty impressive numbers. So, was the appendectomy the key to this success? I think more research is necessary.
I think I'll apply for a government grant to study this phenomenon. Just think of the good that could be done. This could put an end to the whole steroids epidemic if there is a correlation. Want to increase your power numbers? Don't take steroids, man. Just get your appendix yanked.
I have a theory about this. Sanders is a right-handed hitter. He drives his swing off of his right side. The appendix, usually located in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, is often situated over the iliopsoas muscle complex. An anatomical variance of the appendix, or an unusually large appendix, could disrupt the generation of power of this large muscle by irritating it.
How? The iliopsoas, originating at the lumbar vertebrae and iliac bone, is the primary flexor of the hip, inserting medially on the lesser trochanter of the femur. If there is a weakened or painful iliopsoas, hip flexion will therefore be weak. The swing itself comes out of the hip flexed position, driving the femur into extension and internal rotation. The end result from a weakened hip flexion would therefore be a less powerful drive due to less potential energy available as the swing commences.
If my theory is correct, the 2005 World Series would be within our grasp. Because we'd just make Scott Rolen (another right-handed hitter) have an appendectomy two weeks before the playoffs begin. A repeat of the 2004 Series would therefore be impossible.
Class dismissed. Any questions?
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