Nathan Will Undergo Tommy John Surgery

No surprise. Nathan felt pain during his throwing session this morning. Quote via JoeC: "We knew it was a long shot, but this will help clear my head."

almost 2 years ago RandBall's Stu 23 comments 0 recs |

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I'd rather him do this.

Sucks that it had to happen at all, but this is probably the best for him long-term.

by Jesse on Mar 21, 2010 9:45 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah I don't think he has really any choice in the matter now

However he should definately choose the pyhsician very carefully, We all know Liriano’s surgery could have been much much better – just look at how he’s pitched since coming back! -jk jk

I joke I joke

Anyway’s thank GOODNESS for Anthony Slama!!!

Wow Blackburn makes nearly identical money as Baker does now....

by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Mar 21, 2010 9:56 AM EDT reply actions

Time to hitch up the ol' Slamawagon

by Han Joelo on Mar 21, 2010 10:20 AM EDT reply actions

Glad they're not trying to rehab, as they did with Neshek and Liriano

That only delays the inevitable and his eventual return.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Mar 21, 2010 10:25 AM EDT reply actions

Yup.

by RandBall's Stu on Mar 21, 2010 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

http://www.realityfish.com

by Robin G on Mar 21, 2010 10:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

+1

by John Veldhuis on Mar 21, 2010 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Too bad

for Nathan.

by taralynn09 on Mar 21, 2010 10:59 AM EDT reply actions

Just sayin'

Guardado was released a week ago by the Nats.

by Jeremy3 on Mar 21, 2010 11:01 AM EDT reply actions

I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.

by Jesse on Mar 21, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

+1

I love Twins Baseball and Minnesota Vikings Football.

by Percy Harvin My Fav! on Mar 21, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Me too, and there was blood in it

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Mar 21, 2010 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions

I hate to by Jonny Raincloud here but

is this the end of Joe’s legendary career? He’s 35 and turns 36 on November 22, so he’ll miss all of this year and probably most of next year which would put him at 37 years old when Spring Training comes around in 2012. Doesn’t he also have a clup option in this year? I’m just not feeling great about this because I love that feeling of knowing that if we get to through the 8th with a lead it’s game over, and now we may not be able to have that feeling for 3 years. (Sigh) this sucks no matter which wa you slice it.

I love Twins Baseball and Minnesota Vikings Football.

by Percy Harvin My Fav! on Mar 21, 2010 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

I think Nathan could come back and pitch next year.

Maybe not by opening day like they’re saying, but for a good part of the season.

There’s the chance this could be it for him, but I think we’ll have plenty of time to worry about that next spring.

And yes, there’s a club option in 2012.

by Jesse on Mar 21, 2010 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Oh ok

Thanks, I didnt realize they were shooting for opening day next season. I was under the assumption that when pitchers get this surgery they are out about a year and a half but if thats not the case then I definitly feel a little better about this situation.

I love Twins Baseball and Minnesota Vikings Football.

by Percy Harvin My Fav! on Mar 21, 2010 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions

It was a year and a half for Neshek and Liriano because they tried to rehab first

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Mar 21, 2010 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions

And I could be wrong here

But I think it takes starters longer to come back from the surgery than relievers.

by __JP__ on Mar 21, 2010 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions

And because

And because they were really cautious with both because they are young. With Nathan, he might as well be aggressive to get in next season, because if he doesn’t he isn’t gonna’ get a good contract anyway.

"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the damn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
~ Earl Weaver
"In God we trust. All others must provide evidence."
~ Billy Beane

by AdamOnFirst on Mar 21, 2010 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Billy Wagner

Older player, had a similar injury, came back 1 year later throwing effectively. Nathan’s velocity should stay good. It’s a question of how quickly his control will come back.

by Jon Kammerer on Mar 21, 2010 11:51 AM EDT reply actions

+1

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Mar 21, 2010 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions

I doubt this will end his career.

Yes, there’s a possibility something goes wrong with the surgery or rehab, but I believe him when he says that he doesn’t necessarily feel his age in his arm. We’re lucky he didn’t start to pitch until he was about 22. Aside from the surgery, this could help him stay relevant for longer than he would have otherwise as long as he maintains his control and velocity. Throw in the fact that he’s basically a one inning guy, and in the long run this could keep him around for a while longer.

by John Veldhuis on Mar 21, 2010 12:17 PM EDT reply actions

Batting Practice.....

Someone said he threw batting practice. Walked Delmon Young on four pitches. Alexi Casilla got a first pitch hit. So did Nick Punto. On his 7th pitch, Toby Gardenhire hit a grand slam.

Seriously, wish Joe all the best. He will recover…the question is does he wish to pitch until he’s 40-42…..

I believe he was possibly thinking along the lines of Brad Radke…can I be effective for a season plus and then gracefully retire at contract’s end. Not have surgery…..

Visit www.TwinsCards.com and check out "rosters" to see my collection!

by rosterman on Mar 21, 2010 12:31 PM EDT reply actions