Acquired from Cleveland in the Coco Crisp trade this winter, David Riske came with the reputation of being a solid pitcher most of his career, who crumbled in September of last year. In Spring Training, the misery continued as he was shelled in nearly every performance. In just one additional regular season performance he was shelled again, and was finally placed on the DL with a mysterious back ailment. Many wondered what was really going on—including Riske. Last week, Riske finally approached Terry Francona in his office to inquire why he remained on the DL, even after his 15-day stint was up. A Call of the Green Monster reporter, disguised as a cleaning lady, provided the following transcript.
Francona: Hey, David, glad you stopped in! I got your post-it note saying you wanted to talk.
Riske: Uh, that was three weeks ago, but that’s okay.
Francona: You look troubled, son. What’s on your mind?
Riske: Well, it’s just, I have no idea why I’m on the DL.
Francona: It’s your back, David. It’s in rough shape, but it’s coming along. I love you, man. But I can’t let you try to pitch with your back in that condition.
Riske: But it feels fine. I’ve never had any back troubles.
Francona: That’s what you thought, son. But, believe me, I’ve seen the test results. That back is a mess. But we’ll get you back on that mound, don’t worry about it. Now, I hate to have to cut this conversation short, son, but Manny wants to talk about a bad dream he had last night, so…
Riske: But there were never any tests taken.
Francona: You know the miracles of modern medicine, son. The training staff musta’ just walked by and zapped a few tests when you weren’t even aware of it. And it wasn’t pretty, son.
Riske: You’re just making this up about my back, aren't you?
Francona: Yeah, I am. But don’t worry! We’ll get you back out there. So, anyway, Manny had that dream, and I can’t keep him waiting. And remember, we don't tell the press anything anymore. If they ask, tell them you can confirm that you have a back, and it's sore. That's it.
Riske: Got it. Thanks Terry, I guess.
Francona: No, son. Thank you.
bill@callofthegreenmonster.com
