Neshek takes big step in Tommy John recovery
Posted on November 6th, 2009 – 11:35 AMBy Joe Christensen
Twins reliever Pat Neshek updated the readers of his blog Monday with good news about his progress coming back from Tommy John surgery:
I’ve been throwing fastballs and change-ups at full speed off the mound and my arm feels better than it did before I went down during the season in 08. This week we start with sliders and I’m excited because that’s my pitch!
Following up, we sent an e-mail to see how it’s gone so far with the slider, and Neshek sent an enthusiastic response from Fort Myers, Fla.:
I had an excellent bullpen session [Thursday] throwing all three pitches. I’m throwing max effort right now and it feels great. I have about 3 weeks left then I’m technically done with rehab but I will stay down here and work out with [Twins strength and conditioning coach Perry Castellano] all winter.
[Twins rehab coordinator] Lanning Tucker and Perry noticed my arm slot was a little higher…kind of like how I was in 2006 and 07…in 08 my arm got tired and my shoulder would slope down and that’s pretty much what caused my injury.
Being on top a little more is making my slider run a lot. Also we didn’t have a radar gun out but today it felt like I was throwing harder than the start of the 08 season. I’m pretty excited this was a great day mentally.
That should be encouraging news for the Twins, especially considering Neshek posted a 2.19 ERA in 2006 and a 2.94 ERA in 2007 before posting a 4.73 ERA in an injury-shortened 2008.
By Feb. 21, when Twins pitchers and catchers report to Fort Myers, Neshek will be 15 months removed from the reconstructive elbow surgery, and it sounds like he’ll be at full strength.
16 Responses to "Neshek takes big step in Tommy John recovery"
… and let the “trade Nathan, make Neshek our closer” discussion begin.
Glad to hear that our set-up guy is going to be healthy!
Go-Go for Hardy
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
Gomez for JJ Hardy!
BS makes a good move to start the offseason. Getting JJ Hardy for Gomez is a gamble worth taking? Now will he play SS or will they try and convert him to a 3B?
Mr. Christensen, have you heard anything to verify this rumor of J.J. Hardy now being a Twin?
Love the move! We deal from our OF depth to shore up one of the numerous holes in the infield. I think you keep Hardy at SS (where he is a plus defender), Punto likely at 2nd (hate to say it), and a TBD at 3rd base. Maybe another incentive-laden deal for Crede or take a shot on Beltre/Glaus if they come chear. Valencia hopefully also in the picture.
Not sure if I like this move. Would have rather had gomez in AAA, and traded a pitcher like Perk, Liriano or Duensing plus a prospect or two. I guess it all depends if Hardy can bounce back. I think Gomez is going to be a great centerfielder eventually. He just needs more time to develop.
Absolutely amazing!! I can’t believe it.
Fan-f’ing-tastic! Just wish we coulda got it done with Perkins. We’re gonna miss Gomez.
Go-Go for Hardy is a no-brainer.
The Twins are positioned to win (the AL Central) now, and Go-Go is still several years away. I will miss his D, but there won’t be that much of a drop-off with Span in center.
I will not miss Go-Go’s flailing away at sliders low-and-away in the dirt.
Looks like D-Young has found a home in left at Target Field. Time to work on his glove…
should play SS. market is better for 2B and 3B.
A healthy Neshek will be a huge asset in 2010. Love watching this kid pitch.
[…] Around the Majors » Blog Archive » Neshek takes big step in Tommy John recovery blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/christensen/2009/11/06/neshek-takes-big-step-in-tommy-john-recovery – view page – cached Twins reliever Pat Neshek updated the readers of his blog Monday with good news about his progress coming back from Tommy John surgery: […]
This post got understandably run over by the trade announcement… but this is REALLY encouraging with regard to Neshek. Having him healthy would be huge.
I think Neshek is in the seventh inning mix,Rausch is now the eighth inning guy.
Having Neshek back will be huge! And hardy for Gomez is a great deal for the Twins. Looks like great moves to start the offseason. Now to get rid of Perkins!
