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by **Havok1517** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 4:39 pm

Francisco Liriano will undergo Tommy John surgery Monday in California.

Dr. Lewis Yocum, who examined Liriano on Friday, will perform the surgery, which was determined to be the correct course of action after four opinions. Liriano is likely to miss all of 2007, leaving a huge void in Minnesota's rotation. Fortunately, there's a good chance he'll return at full strength in 2008. rotoworld

by **LiveForever** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 4:56 pm

Wow this suck. Hopefully he will come back stronger then ever in 08. :,-(

by **LiveForever** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:00 pm

Last update: November 03, 2006 – 2:32 PM
Liriano to have surgery
Twins lefthander Francisco Liriano will undergo Tommy John surgery Monday in Los Angeles. The surgery will be performed by noted specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum, and assistanted by Twins team physician Dr. John Steubs, the club announced Friday.

La Velle E. Neal III, Star Tribune
Twins lefthander Francisco Liriano will undergo Tommy John surgery Monday in Los Angeles. The surgery will be performed by noted specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum, and assistanted by Twins team physician Dr. John Steubs, the club announced Friday.

The surgery will likely sideline Liriano the entire 2007 season, leaving the starting staff short of depth behind ace Johan Santana. Veteran righthander Brad Radke indicated he would retire after the 2006 season, but has yet to make a formal announcement.

The surgery ends a lengthy period of uncertainty for Liriano. After being examined by Twins physicians and specialist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. -- as well as consulting with Dr. John Uribe in Miami -- Liriano was examined Friday by Yocum to determine whether the pitcher needed surgery or if he should continue to rehabilitate.

"What were hoping is that Dr. Yocum will determine what the problem is and give us a solution," said Greg Genske, one of Liriano's agents. on Thursday. "Francisco is eager to determine what is wrong with him and get back to pitching as soon as possible."

Liriano has been plagued by a mild strain of the ulnar collateral ligament since early August. He attempted a comeback in September but left a Sept. 13 start against Oakland in the third inning when he felt the same pain.

It was determined at that time that Liriano would only need to rest the elbow before beginning a rehabilitation program.

Liriano then experienced the same discomfort last month during rehab work in Fort Myers, Fla., as he went through a light throwing session. Frustrated, Liriano left Fort Myers to figure out his next move. He spent part of the time in the Dominican Republic to celebrate his birthday.

Yocum has studied copies of Liriano's exams, but the seriousness of the situation called for Yocum to exam him personally.

Twins General Manager Terry Ryan, watching prospects playing in the Arizona Fall League this week, said he spoke with Liriano earlier this week and both sides are on the same page as far as determining what's wrong with Liriano's elbow and moving forward.

The Twins already plan to add starting pitching for next season. Losing Liriano, 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA, hurts the Twins' rotation even more. Lefthander Johan Santana is the only sure thing in the rotation.

©2006 Star Tribune. All rights reserved.
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by **Yoda** » Fri Nov 03, 2006 5:11 pm

It is tough to say "I told you so" when a young phenom like Liriano has a career threatening injury/surgery. However, the warning signs were there and unfortunately for the Twins, Liriano and baseball fans, we won't get to see him in the spotlight for at least another season. I wish him the best.