Magic cow

We’ll still refrain from calling it a “blister” even if it sounds like it’s a, you know, “blister,” but in any case, it appears that Josh Beckett’s “avulsion” could force him to miss Friday’s start against the Braves.

“Beckett went out and played catch,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said after the 7-0 hurler got some work in yesterday afternoon. “He went out and played catch and even threw off the mound a bit, which is very encouraging. Now, again, other than that, there’s really not an update to give. It’s very encouraging how good he felt and how much this seems to be regenerating quickly, which is good. Regardless of whether he pitches on Friday, the news is good.”

Maybe that means Beckett will avoid the DL. Maybe not. We’ll have to let the cows decide.

In yesterday’s Extra Bases blog, Nick Cafardo pointed out that the Red Sox are seeking a number of avenues to try and discover how to solve Beckett’s recurring blis … sorry, pitching-hand skin issues. One method: cow urine.
No, really. Cow urine.
The cow is held sacred in Hindu culture, and its urine is considered a purifier of sorts. Either that or a miracle drug. Why, just look at all the afflictions Dr. Jain claims it can treat on cowurine.com:
Skin Diseases
Cancer
Heart Diseases
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Male Sexual Disorders
AIDS
Hypertension
Diabetes Mellitus
Blood Disorders
Respiratory Disorders
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Endocrine Disorders
ENT Disorders
Gynecological Disorders
Ophthalmic Disorders
Psychiatric Disorders
Urological Disorders
I always knew there would be a day when the cows would threaten the medical industry as we know it. Maybe Ken Griffey Jr. should look into this.
According to a 2003 column by Peter Gammons though, Beckett has already tried the moo method.

Beckett was rushed up to the majors with less than 200 professional innings. Then last year, he was bothered all season by blister problems. “We tried everything,” Marlins pitching coach Brad Arnsberg said. Indeed, Beckett tried superglue that tore off the skin. He tried rice, cow urine and, finally, late in the season he got hold of a vial of dermabond called “Stan’s Rodeo Cream.”
And Stan’s Rodeo Cream worked. Beckett applies a vial of the cream the three days he throws between starts. It is expensive, since each vial costs $40 and he uses the entire every time he throws. But the investment is worth it to the Marlins, who appreciate that Beckett has the stuff and the makeup to be a star.

Tigers starter Jeremy Bonderman recently used the substance to treat a blister, but remember, Beckett doesn’t have a blister.
It’s an “avulsion.”
Whatever the Red Sox choose to call it in order not to freak out the fan base that their star pitcher is having the same problems that have plagued him throughout his career, it’s got to be a concern. Here Beckett had Cy Young material written all over him, and now, who can be sure that he isn’t going to revert to the pitcher he was last season, when he shied away from breaking pitches in the fear that this might happen to him. Again.
And hey, if the cow thing doesn’t work out this time, he can always call Moises Alou as a last resort, right?