Twins notes: Third base coach Newman rushed to hospital

La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune

 

Published September 11, 2003 TNOT0911

 

CHICAGO -- Twins third base coach Al Newman was rushed to a hospital during Wednesday night's game against the White Sox after suffering an aneurysm.

 

Newman, 43, underwent a CAT scan at Rush Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center that diagnosed the condition, and spent the night undergoing more tests.

 

The White Sox's medical staff acted quickly to keep Newman out of danger. Twins trainer Jim Kahmann said that White Sox team physician Bernard Feldman had Newman sent to the city's top neurological center.

 

"Because of the diligence of the White Sox staff, we were able to catch this very early," Kahmann said. "The White Sox were exceptional."

 

Newman appeared to feel fine as he chatted with media, players and coaches before Wednesday's game, but began feeling pain when he stretched his neck.

 

"Right before the game, he came down with some serious headaches," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "It got a little nerve-racking around here."

 

Kahmann said Newman complained of having the worst headache he's ever had, which sent up a red flag. While Scott Ullger filled in as the third base coach, doctors attended to Newman.

 

Gardenhire politely asked the media to leave the clubhouse for a few minutes after the game so he could inform players of Newman's condition.

 

"Our thoughts are all with Al," Gardenhire said, "as they should be."

 

Milton on Sunday?

 

Righthander Joe Mays will be placed on the 60-day disabled list, which will create roster spot for lefthander Eric Milton, who has recovered from March knee surgery.

 

Now there might be a spot in the rotation for Milton to slide into, too.

 

Gardenhire said Milton is strongly being considered to start Sunday in Cleveland. Righthander Rick Reed and lefthander Carlos Pulido are in the running, too, but Milton appears ahead.

 

Pawlenty visits The Cell

 

Gov. Tim Pawlenty visited U.S. Cellular Field on Wednesday night, but said his appearance had nothing to do with stadium politics.

 

"We got here this morning for a Midwest-Japan bioscience summit," Pawlenty said. "We weren't planning on coming to the game. We kind of ad-libbed that."

 

Pawlenty was asked if he had any advice for Gardenhire. "Just win, baby," he said.

 

Etc.

 

• The White Sox released pitcher Jose Paniagua on Wednesday, a day after he made an obscene gesture at the plate umpire as he left the field.

 

On deck

 

White Sox righthander Esteban Loaiza (19-6, 2.60 ERA) has a chance to win No. 20 today at 1 p.m.. Righthander Brad Radke (11-10, 4.93) will start for the Twins.

While I hate the Twins as a team, I hope Newman is ok and pulls through this

While I hate the Twins as a team, I hope Newman is ok and pulls through this

I second that. I wish him the best towards a speedy recovery, as I am sure we all do.

Ya can't but hope for the best. I am glad he got the help in time. It's nice to hear we have a crack medical staff for the Sox too. They came through for Al Newman. The Twins seem to be having some health issues, Mays out for the season and Newman having problems. That must be rough for them.