Morneau, Nathan have surgeries. Mauer gets award.
Posted on October 22nd, 2009 – 12:05 PMBy La Velle
As expected, Justin Morneau has had surgery to remove a bone spur from his wrist, just below the back of his right hand. Morneau was spotted in the Wild locker room after their victory over Colorado last night with his hand wrapped up.
Morneau is expected to be ready by spring training. That includes the stress fracture in his back. In an interview the night the Twins were eliminated from the playoffs, Morneau said his back was just starting to feel better.
What wasn’t known, however, is that Joe Nathan had two bone chips removed from his right elbow on Tuesday after Twins doctors recommended a cleanup. Nathan flew to Birmingham, Ala. on Tuesday to have the surgery done by noted surgeon Dr. James Andrews.
I’ve also been informed that Joe Mauer will be named Baseball America’s Player of the Year - not Albert Pujols. I don’t think this will be the last signifcant postseason award Mauer will win!
There will be more on this development later and in Friday’s print editions.
112 Responses to "Morneau, Nathan have surgeries. Mauer gets award."
first!!
len 3 any word on how the other sick bay guys are doing, like boff, neshek, perkins and slowey? add nathan to the list and the pitching staff has a lot of injury ?????
Mornosy - hopefully this wrist surgery will allow him to stop the bat from flailing at outside sliders (may also need to have steel rod inserted in lower abdoment to avoid sticking butt out and flailing to completely fix this).
That’s very interesting news on Nathan I wonder if it was bothering him during the season.
Mauer beat Pujols? That’s pretty impressive considering he Pujols is probably the NL MVP.
Mauer lives in Tennessee?
Nathan lives in Tennessee, Mark. Two Joes in the story.
Hmmm, I’d be inclined to think Nathan’s late season difficulties were related to the elbow issue but then you would think he would shy away from the slider, not the fastball. Anybody with medical knowledge have a guess?
Yeah it sounds like Mauer lives in Tennessee. It took a second to figure out that Joe was Joe Nathan.
Wasn’t it last year that the Nathan family was set to embrace the Minnesota winter, and live there all year?
They must have had a re-think.
I’m sure this surgery might help Joe, and partially explains why his velocity was down in ‘09. However, his velocity also dropped in ‘08 too.(http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1122&position=P).
This suggests that maybe the late season woes could have been due to an injury…but the longer term prognosis is that Joe is aging and losing some strength too. He’s still better than anything we have and probably good for 30-40 saves over the next 2 years….but may never be the dominator that he once was.
any sane person that wants to live here in the winter should have chips removed from their brain… 
I believe Nathan was a scratch from the WBC team when invited last December due to arm issues. I am of the opinion he has had this issue/discomfort/injury for a minimum of one year. He isn’t likely to say anything about it either as an excuse or otherwise. What point would it serve? He’s a proud guy that plays ball for millions of $. Perkins take note.
how much luck do you think the Twins will have in trading Perkins this off season… and for who? I can’t imagine Twins brass hanging onto him after the way he pissed them off this year..
Milwaukee reportedly needs pitching bad, send Perk there~
I wouldn’t think Perkins’s value would be real high. Maybe the Twins get a decent, but not blue chip, pitching prospect or a similar “needs a change of scenery” guy. I’ve been way off base before, though.
Must be bone chip week in Birmingham. The Great Pujols had chips removed from his elbow yesterday. I wonder if they do it conveyor belt style, one after another?
Unbelievable-
Milwaukee needs pitching bad or…Milwauke needs bad pitching? If it’s the latter we should be able to move Perkins.
Two thoughts:
1) Len (or DrDon), call Dr. Andrews and tell him, while he’s in there, to insert an additional 4-6 mph into Nathan’s arm. I would do it myself but seem to have misplaced his number.
2) I don’t like the idea of Morneau, with a sore hand, hanging around the hockey boys. Too easy to end up involved in a fight.
“I’ve been way off base before, though.”
~Yeah, but as long as you hustle back to the base safely though, you can usually get away with it.
True, heetcpa. So why do I feel oddly like Carlos Gomez right now?
Speaking of Gomez, boneyard, the Twins could probably package him along with Perkins in a deal with Tampa Bay. First, they like change of scenery guys from the midwest who are looking to get tropical, and second, they are always willing to rip off the Twins. We could probably get a Jason Pridie caliber player from them. Perfect match for a deal.
“True, heetcpa. So why do I feel oddly like Carlos Gomez right now?”
~I am not sure, but I do know this: It is always better to feel like Carlos Gomez than to feel like Miguel Cabrera on a playoff gameday morning at 8:00am.
heetcpa-
*rimshot*
Spurs and chips. No big deal, but interesting information. Thanks La Vellle.
“Baseball America’s Player of the Year.” I can’t think of one reason to care about this.
Well, that might start to explain Nathan’s lack of dominance down the stretch. Bone chips are a funny thing that can kind of make the discomfort come and go. Bravo to him for nuttin’ up and continuing to take the ball. He very easily could have just packed it in when they were 7 back at the beginning of september.
If you were just named player of the year, have multiple batting titles and gold gloves - might you think that you should be the highest paid player in the bigs?
LaVelle, just saw your tweet re: Nathan’s “I see this as a way to motivate me to get stronger” comment.
Seems to me the guy should have had several million dollars worth of motivation in the past… not to mention the motivation of not sucking on the big stage at the end of the season.
Just sayin.
Nathan, Street, Papelbon, Broxton, Fuentes, Franklin all gave up big hits this postseason. That’s why Mariano Rivera is the best ever. Aside from a few encounters with the Red Sox, he’s nails
Brewers not only need starting pitching, but the talk in the brew city is that they might not re-sign Mike Cameron, so they would be in the market for a CF (probably younger and cheaper).
Perkins and Gomez for Hardy?
Well, and there was that Arizona thing in 2001, but you’re absolutely right, La Velle. Rivera’s the best. Giardi has used him in some really difficult, non-save situations this post-season, and he has come through in a big way. He’s the best.
Once again a conspiracy in the works: The voters for player of the year are based out of B-town and NY. Usually they vote for their own guys no matter what. But this year, they see the greater good (for them) by driving Mauer’s value up beyond Twins’ means. (Yes, t-in-c)
Mauer lives in Ft. Myers FL during the off season sometime after Thanksgiving.
Nathan lives in Knoxville, TN.
Regarding Mariano Ri-dushce: I’ve never watched a pitcher who APPEARS (of course “appears” is from my television screen, not from a batter’s box) to be so very hit-able, but clearly he is NOT.
Work a deal with Fort Myers; trade Gomez for Sano.
Shaun in Chicago,
I think if the team lets Gomez go they’re gonna regret it down the line. The kid is already an elite defender. And has the tools to be elite on offense. I think he’s still 23. I don’t know bout you but, in my profession, the difference between when I was 23 and at my peak was unbelievably vast. This kid’s got a lot to learn. But look at im. He’s eager as all get out.
I’m not sure I’ve ever used the term “all get out” before. I’m startin to sound like my grampa.
keep gomez, but get him reps in AAA next season..give delmon a shot at playing everyday again..he earned it with his finish this year
Anybody here an expert in orthopedics?
Besides thrylos that is.
“Rivera’s the best.”
There’s a guy doing commentary on the TBS broadcasts that might not think so.
Rivera is one of the best but keep in mind all he’s ever done is pitch in relief. Eck was a very good starting pitcher before turning into a great closer.
Golly Gee Willikers Paul what a post!!
How big is a bone chip in one’s elbow anyway? When I think of a bone chip, I see quarter sized pieces floating around in somebody’s arm, kind of like the bugs running through the anonymous bad guys’ bodies in the Mummy movies. I’m guessing they are not this large.
I would think a bone chip of just about any size would hurt when you put the demands of major league pitching on an elbow.
I don’t know about giving up Gomez and Perkins for Hardy. Perkins alone probably isn’t enough (the worst the Brewers can do is say “no,” right?), but adding Gomez might be adding too much b/c of his youth and potential upside. Perkins and Crain, maybe? I don’t really know what the Brewers need other than arms.
Bone chips? I don’t know. Ask thrylos.
ya get one bone chip for every blown save if you’re a closer. pujols gets one bone chip for every HR he hit.
thats what it said on WebMD.
stinky…gonna be a lot of bone chip surgery for relievers with the number of blown saves in this years playoffs.
Yes, trading Perkins and Gomez for Hardy would be great, but I doubt the Brewers would do it. Might have to throw Liriano in as well. None of those 3 will ever be a positive factor for this team again, so get what you can when you can…
All the talk about Gomez “5 tool potential” is over-hype…it was probably genrated by the Twins PR dept after the Santana trade.
Gomez is a great fielder, but does not have the hand-eye coordination to hit at the major league level and doubtfully ever will. If he couldn’t bunt or beat out dribblers, he’d be a lifetime .180 hitter. We already have too many of those…
Boneyard makes a good assumption that any size bone chip would hurt a major league pitcher. That makes me think they are similar to kidney stones, where passing a tiny one feels like peeing out a Mack truck. The elbow area is much smaller, so the chips are probably smaller. Although I am not a doctor (but I play one on the Viking blogs) I think Boneyard is right.
Again, I must say I am not a doctor, but I suppose I could take a look at someone.
eh? Weez-Deesh?
Unbelievable! Yes, throw in Delmon along with Perkins, Gomez and Liriano for Hardy. Its about time we do one of those 4 player trades where we let 4 stiffs go for talent in return!
The TWins need D, not O. They scored plenty of runs this season (check out that team stats relative to other teams). Near the top in runs scored, near the bottom in runs allowed by starters. Gomez prevents runs. He should be in the OF.
B-Good
LOL!!
One of the reasons the Twins don’t need much more O is because Young — in a disappointng season — still had 60 RBIs in only 395 AB’s.
Another reason is OCab had 36 RBIs 242 AB’s (59 games).
A full season with OCab gets him to around 90 RBIs on this Twins team (i.g. hitting before Mauer).
A full season with Young easily gets him to 90+ RBIs, since there is great potential for a breakout year — as he started breaking out in Sept.
Could Hardy play 3B?
Yankees benefitting from an umpire’s call again, according to the Angel’s pitcher. I guess you could say it led to a six run inning with two outs.
Lucky dogs.
Ump makes the wrong call, batter walks with 1 out and 1 on. Bases then get loaded. Lackey leaves with a 4-0 lead and 2 outs.
And sure enough, it becomes 6-4 Yankees just like that.
Where have all the good umps gone?
Apparently all the good umps are on the yankees payroll along with all of the good players.
Mike Wants Wins… so, if the Twins need D not O, then trade Delmon instead of Gomez. Delmon is inconsistent offensively, but absolutely the worst defensive outfielder the Twins have ever had. The kind of defensive liabilities that don’t get better with age…just worse.
If we need D why give up on Liriano? Maybe the guy shouldn’t have pitched 200 innings the fist year after TJ surgery and then pitch winter ball also.
There were actually people predicting CY Young for him this year. He is also very young. Give him another shot after 5 months rest.
Biggest question……
How will Slowey, Neshek, Bonser, Nathan, and Liriano recovery from their injuries? Looks like it’ll be 9 months before we get a complete answer.
And Dantes929 is right — sometimes it takes two years to recover from TJ surgery. Wipe the slate clean for Liriano.
And I wouldn’t be so quick to get rid of Perkins. Might need him in the BP in addition to being a starter.
And wouldn’t it look great to see Perkins, Swarzak, and Duensing as starters in Rochester as insurance for the season.
agreed that pitching is the biggest question, romer. but i mainly wonder if they’ll be able to find another starter or two, or if they’ll go with what they’ve got. eighty-seven wins ain’t so bad.
also can’t help wondering what percentage of angels and yankees fans think their manager should be fired — both sure seem to make their share of, um, “bad” moves …
“That’s why Mariano Rivera is the best ever. Aside from a few encounters with the Red Sox, he’s nails”
and except for when d span singled off rivera in the eighth inning of game two in new york — harris scored to make it 3-1 twins.
anyway, even though teixeira ended it in the eleventh, it was a pretty big run at the time … and will never be properly reflected in rivera’s ungodly postseason earned run average.
Anytime James Andrews visits with one of your players, it can’t be a good sign.
When Andrews announces that Nathan’s surgery was a success, it makes the hills come alive like the sound of music.
Perkins is gone for sure…he ticked too many people off from the FO to the coaching staff. No way he’s a starter or in the BP for the Twins in ‘10. The question is - what will we get for him? Who do we package with him to get some talent in return?
Well, if the Twins FO doesn’t act Denarded, show a little Pridie and not behave so Young, they will take their time and not Rausch their decision. They can lend Credence to the deal by calling a meeting in Orlando, try to think clearo and Sano about the options, move Slowey and precisely, add a few Perk ins to the deal, and get ‘er done. I just hope they don’t get Boofed by another team again.
Getting “boofed” is usually a pleasurable experience.
Or are we not talking about the same thing?
I only enjoy getting “boofed” when I am with Twins!
You guys are funny
heetcpa:
Wonderful. 
During Nathan’s late season slide I posted a comment that he just did not seem himself and it would not hurt for the Twins to at least have him looked at by the docs. Hmph.
What did everyone think of Scoscia’s bone-headed move in removing Lackey last night? I guess you know my thoughts on it. I don’t think that even Gardenhire would have done that, not with a vet on the mound.
Thanks Walter, being a dork seems to come naturally for me, ha.
Boy the offseason is slow times, almost forces me to do actual work all day!
“I just hope they don’t get Boofed by another team again.”
sy says:
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:46 am
Getting “boofed” is usually a pleasurable experience.
Or are we not talking about the same thing?
_______________________
Depends on the team in question: Are we talking about the Super Bowl or the Lingerie Bowl?
Kay, I think Soscia’s move was not a good one, although every time a manage makes a move he’s going to get second-guesssed. Also, I think it’s safe to assume he know the personnel (and the game in general) a whole lot better than we do. Still, in a do or die situation, I’d rather get beat with the best I’ve got (particularly when the guy still wants the ball) on the hill rather than a middle reliever.
Btw, sy, your “boofed” post was funny, and I sympathize with you, heetcpa. It is slow.
Some Twins’prospects are off to a good start in the VWL:
Wilson Ramos .375/.434/.771, 15 RBI
Justin Huber .357/.471/.429
Frank Mata 2-0, 2.16 ERA
“…eighty-seven wins ain’t so bad.”
And that was without full seasons from Slowey and Pavano.
I’d definitely retain Pavano. He pitched like an ace during that last game this year (about the same way Lackey did last night vs. the same team). He’s got what it takes and definitely rose to the occasion. Very easy to assume he’ll be part of the surge this year in the new stadium.
“…the hills come alive like the sound of music.”
It’s hills come alive WITH the sound of music……I think.
romer’s “hills are alive with the sounds of music from the karaoke king”!!!!!!!!
I’m lukewarm about Pavano. He had a great Game 3, but he was not consistent throughout the year and he is definitely not a #1, which is what the team lacks. This is not to say I don’t think the club should resign Pavano, it just means he doesn’t fill the void we need filled. Of course, the Twins are not going to go out and get Lackey, for instance, so maybe that’a void that simply isn’t going to be filled unless Liriano does a 180 or Baker or Slowey show they are more than solid #2-#3 types.
The two most intriguing (for me) FA pitchers are Bedard and Harden. They are likely not to be too expensive, neither is particularly hittable when healthy (although Harden was susceptible to the long ball this year), both are young for FA’s (particularly Harden), and both are Type B. What’s not to like? Well, both are hurt almost as much as Pavano was when he was with the Yankees. Sigh.
heetcpa with a lot of time on his hands at 9:10.
And if you’re just lying around thinking, writing good stuff like that beats scratching your ass, for sure.
heetcpa….”Depends on the team in question: Are we talking about the Super Bowl or the Lingerie Bowl?”
as long as we are never “Poofed” in the Toilet Bowl.
Isn’t that what happened to the Twins in the Divisional Series, Dr. Don?
…but he was not consistent throughout the year…”
I’m under the impression Pavano WAS consistent. He only had a couple bad starts, I think.
Not really an ace, for sure. In any case, I have as much confidence in him as Baker or Blackburn.
“romer’s “hills are alive with the sounds of music from the karaoke king”!!!!!!!!”
Nobody’s ever sung Sound Of Music at my gigs……but you’re welcome to take a crack at ‘er.
“Not really an ace, for sure. In any case, I have as much confidence in him as Baker or Blackburn.”
I agree with that statement, romer, which is exactly why I’m lukewarm on Pavano.
“I’m under the impression Pavano WAS consistent. He only had a couple bad starts, I think.”
With the Twins, that is true. But when he came over, I think his ERA was over 5 and his number of quality starts was fairly low. Maybe what we got was the “real” Carl Pavano now that he’s healthy.
“….consistent throughout the year” to some people means win every outing. No one is consistent, then. Jeesh.
Pavano pitched well for us, overall. I say bring him back.
“Nobody’s ever sung Sound Of Music at my gigs……but you’re welcome to take a crack at ‘er.”
But you’re the one who knows the lyrics, romer. It’s gotta be you.
romer, I didn’t say “Sound of Music”, I said sounds of music.
Regarding the lyrics, I concede the inaccuracy. That’s probably part of my problem; I was forced to watch Sound of Music over and over as a child. But that’s been many a year now.
By the way, if I have a choice of where to go spend kareoke night, I’m choosing Romer’s place over yours, DrDon.
right on, heet. romer is the karaoke king.
Count me in on bringing Pavano back.
Crede - no, .230, too injured.
Rausch - under contract right?
Mahay - yes, unless injury returnee’s prove better choice.
O-Cab - I say yes unless a better option comes along that doesn’t rhyme with Bunto.
Punto will be starting somewhere next year.
Billy Smith is probably working on LNP’s next contract right now.
Dr. Don, I didn’t mean that pitchers have to win every outing to be consistent. A 5.37 ERA, a 1.39 WHIP, and a .299 BAA are not heartening numbers. After Pavano got here, the numbers were better, but not by a whole heckuva lot. My point is we shouldn’t allow his Game 3 heroics to obscure his entire body of work.
an “Ace”? how may other teams are looking for an ace? with the money already in contracts for next year and even a budget around 90m there is little room for signing a real ace type pitcher. i think the last one we had got like 20m a year? bedard and harden are both top guys “when healthy” which means they are not top line guys because they are on the dl way to much. they could maybe pickup silva cheap!
Until this past year Pavano was also on the DL “way too much.” So the alternatives are: 1) to stand pat b/c, as I also pointed out, landing a #1 is unlikely (again, Liriano could do a 180); or 2) try and improve with someone affordable with upside but also someone who is unpredictable. I think both approaches are reasonable, I just prefer #2. That is, as long as the acquisition is not Carlos Silva!
Generally I say anyone can get hurt any time anywhere and if a person is healthy now he has as good a shot as anyone of staying healthy. Part of this stems from my fantasy baseball partner talking be out of McGwire right before he hit 70 home runs because he said he was injury prone.
Crede is a little different because his injuries are definitely chronic. Even then I say sign him if they think he can play 90 games.
If Bedard is healthy now then sign him. He should be cheap.
Sign Bedard if healthy and Pavano. You can’t have too much depth. I am only certain of one thing for next year. Someone you are counting on to have a good year won’t. Someone you have given up on will have a great year. Probably multiples in each case. The year’s results hinges on how many of each. Maybe Mauer hits .290 and Casilla bats .345. Man I really miss the season. I wish there was team in the playoffs I could get behind.
Beating Pujols is like beating Ted Williams. Pujols is the best all around hitter I’ve seen except for maybe Jim Rice in 76-79 or Mattingly from 84-88, but Pujols hits .330 with 30 homers 120 RBI and people just expect it. It’s not even a big deal. If he hit .350 with 50 and 140 people would be like… Pujols had a good year. I wonder what it would take to make people truly appreciate how great he is? Kind of like how Mauer had to finally hit homeruns to get people like me to give him more respect? My guess Pujols has to hit .365 with 55 homers and 150 RBI before people would even think he had a GREAT year. He’s that good. So for St. Joe to do this… outstanding!
Sign Chone Figgans to play 2nd base, and bring up Valencia. If Valencia isn’t ready, then you can have Figgans move over to 3rd base, and either Punto can come off the bench and start, or Casilla can come in from AAA and start. Figgans would be the ultimate number 2 hitter in this lineup.
His blazing speed, his ability to play 2nd or 3rd well. His attitude, and his playoff pedigree are outstanding.
I would also look at trying to ship Perkins or Liriano (or both) and a prospect to the Brewers for JJ Hardy.
I would also like to see the Twins look at some of the 2nd tier guys in free agency at pitching, Tim Hudson, Rich Harden, Mark Mulder, hell maybe even Tom Glavine as a middle to bottom of the rotation guy on a spring training minor league contract.
But I want to see them try and trade for one of the two big aces that are wasting away in mediocrity. Brandon Webb who wants out of AZ, and Roy Oswalt who is never going to go anywhere near the playoffs with the Astros in that division.
“Sign Bedard if healthy and Pavano.”
In a theoretical world…….yup.
I don’t think the Twins will spend such money though.
80-90% chance of rain/thunder all afternoon and night tomorrow in NYC.
Expect a doubleheader on Sunday.
Best and strongest BP and/or starters-who-are-suddenly-relievers wins the AL pennant.
Figgins will be expensive and a Type A. I don’t think the Twins will, or should, go after him. Felipe Lopez is a Type B and shouldn’t break the bank. He strikes out a lot, though, and I’m not sure what he brings to the table defensively. Tim Hidson will be expensive if he hits the market. Mulder, on the other hand, could be an interesting option. Health rears its ugly head again.
It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard… is what makes it great.
<Jimmy Dugan in A League of Their Own
Amen Walter!
Hudson will command 8-12 million a year because he has been hurt for two years
Sheets will probably want 15-18, but end up getting 10-12 unless he signs with a team like Texas or Houston who will over pay for him.
Mulder if his elbow and shoulder are healthy will sign a 2-3 million dollar contract with a ton of incentives and then try and get a big contract after like Crede would have liked.
From what I was told Figgans is only going to be a type B free agent. Have you seen the free agent list and who is a type A and a type B? I have not found that anywhere.
I realize I almost never get what I want for the Twins because I aim too high, but with the new stadium, and from what I’m seeing in the economy things are turning around, the new stadium is a lock to be sold out for at least 3 years… and with the new stadium the TV and radio contracts are both up… I think the Twins will be getting a ton more money.
If we can sign Mauer for 7 years at 17 million a year that will free up more than enough money to bring in at least a 2nd tier pitcher and Figgans.
Money we saved from Crede’s contract. They will most likely not be resigning Pavano unless he’s at 3-4 million a year, and they won’t sign Cabrerra unless he’s at about 2.5 million a year. I also am not sure signing him would be a plus… his arm and range are worse than Jeter’s!
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/09/elias-rankings-update-5.html#comments
That shows Figgans as a type 2 free agent.
Hey look at that….Game 6 rained out. Good thing they took that pointless extra day off between games 4 and 5 in Philly. Otherwise it would only ONE game they have to fit in with this weather instead of two.
Oh well, T. Guess I will watch reruns of the Flintstones.
Nathan had a arm problem late in the year that he kept secret you say.So many on this board said he was washed up,therefore trade him for a used jockstrap.Maybe there was a reason he struggled(DUH).That’s why there are so many non winners posting over here!
Look at the f******g cowards. What’s wrong with some Ernie Banks good-day-for-two excitement?
My f*****g god, THAT would be like some kind of tournament or something. Why would any of us be interested for 8-9 hours to watch two games?
So much $$$ to be lost…..
Same ol’ same ol’.
The Cubs are due in ‘62.
The Cubs are gonna shine in ‘69.
Ernie Banks
Son, what kind of pitch would you like to miss.
Dizzy Dean
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
Chili Davis
