Sano Out?

Miguel Sano is one of the top prospects in all of baseball. The Twins were going to use his power at the plate and his glove at third base in the very near future, possibly as early as THIS season.  As I mentioned a few months back, it was possible that he would need Tommy John surgery for his sore elbow. The Twins elected to rest him for the winter instead.

Something "popped" yesterday when he threw one of his first throws of the spring. No word yet on how serious it is, but let's face it, pops are never good. He's going to be re-examined by Dr. James Andrews (the premiere sports surgeon and rehab guy in the world) soon, and both he and the Twins will figure out what's next shortly after that.

Most likely? TJ surgery. And a missed season of baseball. At least for position players the recovery time is faster because he isn't required to throw 100 pitches a game upon his return.

I like what Francisco Liriano did a few seasons ago when he was in the same boat. He elected for the surgery right away rather than wait through another rest and rehab session. He knew the elbow was bad and had it taken care of so he could get back out there.

I think Sano must be thinking the same thing at this point. Waiting MIGHT help, but eventually he will need the surgery. If he does it now, his major league career will start off sooner and better. And he won't have to worry about his elbow any more.

The longer he waits, the worse waiting will become.