Corey Koskie is trying to make a comeback
- Former Twins third baseman Corey Koskie signs minor league deal with Cubs
liked Koskie and have been hoping he'll manage to resurrect his big-league career. The former infielder hasn't played in the major leagues since July 5, 2006, after suffering a concussion during a bizarre accident while fielding a routine fly ball. He struggled with symptoms of post-concussion syndrome for the better part of two years, feeling dizzy and nauseous, struggling with his balance and basic motor skills, and getting disoriented easily. It wasn't until he met physical therapist John Groves, who specializes in whiplash cases, that he finally found treatment that worked. He's been symptom-free since January, and has been working hard to get back into the majors. Recently he earned a spot on Team Canada's roster, and signed a minor league deal with the Cubs.It's been a long and difficult road for the former Twin, who's had to struggle with a number of devastating and bizarre symptoms in the past three years. Worse yet, he had trouble getting the medical community to believe that there was something wrong with him. All of his tests would come back normal, and doctors told him he was fine. Except he wasn't fine. He would walk into doorways, had trouble doing simple tasks like picking up a spoon, would get disoriented easily in crowds or hot weather, and would often sleep most of the day. His doctors for the most part refused to believe there was anything physically wrong with him, and thought he either had anxiety or that his problems were all in his head. It wasn't until Koskie met concussion specialist Dr. Robert Cantu, who then referred him to physical therapist Dan Dyrek, who in turn referred him to another physical therapist, John Groves. Groves has been doing ground-breaking work with victims of whiplash, and it is his treatment program that finally alleviated the strange symptoms Koskie had been experiencing.
Once he was cleared to participate in baseball-related activities by his doctors, Koskie started working out with the University of Minnesota baseball team, trying to make a comeback. The Twins agreed to let Koskie work out with them during spring training so he could try to get back into playing shape. His ultimate goal was to play for Team Canada in the WBC and hope to draw the interest of a few major league teams. It wasn't long after he was named to Team Canada's roster that he signed a minor league deal with the Cubs. He'll report to camp once his stint in the WBC is over, since he had already agreed to represent his country. And so far he's shown little rust, going 1-2 and getting hit by a pitch while scoring three runs in his first game on Tuesday against the Blue Jays. He's still a long shot to make the Cubs' active roster, but at least he now has a shot. Koskie was one of my favorite players when he was with the Twins, and I was really sad when he signed with the Blue Jays in 2005. How could you not love a guy who once smeared chunky peanut butter all over the inside of David Ortiz's pants? He was the everyday third baseman for nine seasons, and was a very good third baseman and just a good guy in general. Not to mention the fact that his departure left a huge hole a third that hasn't been filled until just recently (and even Crede isn't a permanent solution, he's mostly just a stopgap so Danny Valencia can develop). I wish Koskie the best, and I hope he does manage to catch on with the Cubs, even if it is only in a part-time role.
What a great story about Corey Koskie! I hope he can make it back! Here in Boston we have had several of our Bruins suffer horrible concussions over the last few years - Patrice Bergeron was out for the better part of a season with one and suffered another shortly after his return. And there is a study going on with NFL players - a number of them have signed on to have their brains studied after their deaths - to help not only protect players, but to help with the recovery from these brain injuries. I wish Koskie well!
Julia
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Koskie is looking like a force in the Team Canada lineup this year. He hit really well in the game against the Jays Spring team. I was sad when Koskie left (got traded) from the Jays. I had high hopes for him. We just couldn't pay him while being injured. However, it is not like we got anything great from Scott Rolen or Troy Glaus in his place. Aaron Hill is also coming back for devastating concussion this season. I know from experience playing rugby in high school, they can really take a toll on a person.
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On the human level, yeah, how can one not root for Koskie? Of course, I'm only part human, and since he's trying to comeback with the Cubs, I have no choice but hope he fails... unless he gets an open spot because Aramis goes down for the whole season -- now THAT'D be somethin'.
--Jeff
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Julia,
Concussions are much more common in contact sports like hockey and football than they are in baseball, which is one of the reasons Koskie struggled to get treatment for so long. Still, though, something needs to be done to better identify the symptoms and treat the problem better. There's no reason the poor guy had to suffer as long as he did.
Jeremy,
I'm glad to hear that Koskie was playing well, even if it was against your Jays. It's too bad he didn't work out in Toronto, I know you guys spent a lot of money to get him. Didn't you get something of value when you traded him to the Brewers, though? I thought you got a really good pitching prospect or something.
Jeff,
I know you can't cheer for a Cub any more than I can cheer for the White Sox, so I understand if you can't be all that happy for Corey. Maybe he won't make the Cubs' roster and will instead catch on with a team you don't really care about (Kansas City, perhaps) instead.
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With Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee, and Micah Hoffpaiur, there is no way he will get a spot on the big leage roster.
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Didn't Ryan Church with the Mets go through some of the same issues? He had a concussion, maybe even more than one, but wasn't properly diagnosed and treated and had recurring symptoms, I think. He's playing now though, so hopefully Koskie will too. Sounds like quite an ordeal.
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Erin,
Great story, I hope Koskie can make a comeback. Candidate for the Tony Conigliaro award now (or eventually) you think?
-Elizabeth
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metsmainman,
That's true, unless Ramirez gets injured or something. But I still wish him the best.
Jane,
You're right, Church suffered two concussions within months of each other last year. He, too, struggled with some of the aftereffects, though he only missed a few months. Koskie has more of an uphill battle, since he's older and hasn't played in three years. Hopefully he'll get a chance with somebody, somewhere.
Elizabeth,
Koskie, if he does manage to comeback with a big-league club could be a candidate for the Tony Conigliaro award, but he's a long shot. He has yet to make the team with any major-league club, and a this point he probably wouldn't see much playing time. The Cubs, for example, only signed him to add depth. At this point, though, he's just glad somebody has given him a chance.
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I'm definitely rooting for him. Very happy to see him make a comeback. Most people find it difficult to do the normal every task after something like this, but for him to give it another shot at ball is courageous. I was hoping he could stay with the Brewers (we still could have another glove over at 3rd), but it's all business. Glad to see him back!
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Nicholas,
I, too, have always liked Koskie and wish him the best. He's still a long shot to make the roster, but at least he's got a chance now. It's too bad he and the Brewers had such a falling-out over the treatment of his condition, otherwise he would be a very solid backup for you guys.
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