Banged-up shin still a source of pain
Hollandsworth unable to run



By Dave van Dyck
Special to the Tribune
Published September 14, 2004

When Sammy Sosa is in a slump, when Moises Alou looks fatigued by
making mental mistakes, it sure would be nice to have Todd
Hollandsworth to fill in for a few days.

Well, the good news is Hollandsworth took batting practice Monday
night. The bad news is his right leg isn't ready yet to return to
playing duties or even less pinch-hitting chores.

"It feels better every day, but it's not ready to be run on yet,"
Hollandsworth said. "I can hit, but I also have to be able to run."

Before a foul ball caused nerve damage and a hairline fracture in
his shin at the end of June, Hollandsworth hit .316 with eight
homers and 22 RBIs. He could have been considered the Cubs' MVP
while he filled in for an injured Sosa. These days he simply hopes
to be able to play sometime before the end of the season.

"I either need to play in a swimming pool or have a ghost guy stand
next to me in the batter's box so he can run to first,"
Hollandsworth said.

Hollandsworth would be valuable in September to give tired players a
day or two off.