Hello again. I’ve finally returned to The Athletic lineup after a lengthy stint on the injured list. I had to deal with some health issues that, metaphorically speaking, prevented me from pitching deep into games.



I couldn’t go seven innings.



I was running out of gas after four.



You may be confused. I understand.



Question: Bernie, if you were hurting, then why were you still doing five three-hour radio shows and cranking out written pieces each week for the ESPN affiliate in St. Louis?



Answer: I was able to fulfill my full-time obligations for the station. It has been a strain, and don’t ask me how I generate the energy to blast full-volume opinions on the radio. But I’m not engaging in any illegal activity. Extra coffee, extra rest.



But frankly, the radio routine and some quick columns were about all that I could handle over the past few months.



So what was wrong?



I’m happy to give...