Even before Yankees pitchers and catchers reported down to
George M. Steinbrenner Field this week to begin Spring Training camps all the
eyes and discussions were on the elbow of Masahiro Tanaka. This is nothing new
for Tanaka or Yankees fans but this year it was for a different reason. In
years past the discussion and worry has been focused on his ulnar collateral
ligament and his “need” for Tommy John surgery despite the fact that five
doctors including specialist Dr. James Andrews diagnosis not to have the
surgery but this year all the attention is focused on the surgery that Tanaka
did elect to have. Tanaka had bone spurs removed from his elbow this offseason
after the spurs hampered him and his ability to throw a splitter for much of
the 2015 season, the same surgery that ended the season of Yankees relief
prospect Jacob Lindgren.
Lindgren had bone spurs removed from his elbow late last
June and he said after “about three months” he was feeling “great now.” Tanaka
had the same surgery after the season meaning he is pushing the four month
rehab and rest window now and yet fans and the organization are still worried
and/or holding him back for precautionary reasons. I understand Lindgren is
making $525K this season and Tanaka is making in excess of $20 million but the
future of both arms should be equally as important, so why hold Tanaka back?
Let Lingo Lightning do his thing this spring and win his
spot back into the Cirlce of Trust and let Tanaka do his thing and win the ace
spot away from Luis Severino in the starting rotation. It is bone spurs, it’s
not Tommy John surgery. Take the diapers off and let the kids throw! Just my
two pennies this morning.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Sorry for the Capatcha... Blame the Russians :)