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By MARC TOPKIN
© St. Petersburg Times, published July 9, 2001
ST. PETERSBURG -- Being unable to play in the All-Star Game because he strained his right hamstring Sunday was disappointing enough. But Greg Vaughn said it would be considerably more troubling if he still were sidelined when the Rays open the second half Thursday in Montreal.
"My main concern is trying to play for the Rays," Vaughn said. "I think I'll be all right by Thursday. Who knows? But that's my plan."
Vaughn's caution is not without merit. He sustained a similar injury May 26 last season, tried to come back and reinjured himself at least twice, then ended up on the disabled list, missing 32 games. Plus, his production dropped dramatically after his return.
Sunday, Vaughn felt the pain running to first base in the first inning as he beat the relay to prevent a double play. He went from first to third at less than full speed on Fred McGriff's ensuing double, and he didn't go out to leftfield for the second inning.
"It grabbed me," Vaughn said. "It didn't grab me as bad as last year, but I remember the first one wasn't that bad and they just kept getting worse."
Vaughn flew to Seattle Sunday night, planning to take part in the festivities and other events while getting treatment.
Though Vaughn was the only Tampa Bay player named to the team, baseball officials are not obligated to replace him with another Ray. His original selection satisfies the requirement that each team be represented. Seattle's Mike Cameron was added in his place.
"You look forward to playing, but it'll more disappointing if I can't play on Thursday," Vaughn said. "It's just one of those things. The real disappointment is being in last place."