Huber

[Amazinz]

Catcher was hurt before trade

By BOB DUTTON

The Kansas City Star


Catcher Justin Huber had an injured left knee when the Royals acquired him last week from the Mets in a three-team trade that sent third baseman Jose Bautista to Pittsburgh.

Club officials are sufficiently concerned at Huber's injury that they rescinded permission for him to represent his native Australia in the Olympics.

Instead, Huber will head to Birmingham, Ala., for further examination by Dr. James Andrews.

“I am denying permission for him to go to the Olympics to represent his country,” general manager Allard Baird confirmed.

“It's not easy to do. I was a member of the selection committee for the team that won the Olympics in 2000. Plus, I know he's a very important piece of that ballclub.”

Baird said Huber, 22, was injured before the trade but absolved the Mets of “malice or the intention of deceit.” Huber was playing with the injury at Class AAA Norfolk, Va., when the trade occurred.

“We've been in contact with the Mets,” Baird said. “We don't see this as something that will change the acquisition of the player. (Mets GM) Jim Duquette and I have talked about this.”

The injury occurred the night before the trade on a play at the plate.

“I blocked a guy at the plate,” Huber said, “and he hit me in my knee. I just thought it was bruised, so I played the rest of the game. The next day, I was traded. It hasn't gotten any better.”

Baird declined to speculate on the specifics of Huber's injury pending Andrews' examination.

“We should have a better idea by Tuesday,” Baird said. “I'm not going to say he's done for the year,” Baird said, “but he's not going to fly to Greece.”

Huber split time this season at Class A St. Lucie, Fla.; Class AA Binghamton, N.Y.; and Norfolk. He batted a combined .270 in 88 games with 13 homers and 44 RBIs.

“I'm not going to deny it,” Huber said, “it's a bit disappointing not to be able to wear your country's colors, fly in, be with them and all that. But these things happen.”

[raiders_umpire]

latest news on huber....

The Royals have added four players to their 40-man roster, bringing the number of players on the 40-man roster up to 39. On November 18 Dick Kaegel of MLB.com reported that the Royals added third baseman Mark Teahen, catcher Justin Huber, starting pitcher Ambiorix Burgos, and starting pitcher Devon Lowry to the 40-man roster

The Royals have George Brett in camp teaching Justin Huber how to play first base.
With John Buck settled in behind the plate for the Royals, Huber could be a full-time first baseman for Triple-A Omaha this season. If he can stay healthy, he should be ready to compete for a job in the majors next spring.

i dont think he is the best prospect around but anybody that can play catcher adequately and hit 270 or so will definitely get a shot in the big leagues....