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A-Rod's Surgery Has 'No Surprises'

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 10, 2009

TAMPA - Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez underwent arthroscopic surgery Monday to repair torn cartilage in his right hip, and doctors said they found nothing that would keep him from returning to the lineup in May.

"The surgery went exactly as we planned," said Marc Philippon, who performed the 80-minute procedure at Vail Valley Surgery Center in Colorado. "No surprises."

Other options considered were a more aggressive surgery that would have sidelined Rodriguez up to four months or a conservative approach of rest and treatment.

"There is no doubt in our minds that this was the best option," Philippon said. "This was the best option for Alex and the Yankees."
General Manager Brian Cashman expects the three-time AL MVP back on the field "sometime in May." Rodriguez will need a more extensive operation after the season, and Philippon said Rodriguez will "absolutely" be ready for spring training in 2010.

Rodriguez suffered from a torn labrum - cartilage that lines the hip socket to stabilize and cushion the joint. Philippon said he found a small impingement in the cartilage.

WBC: Chipper Jones will take at least five days off to recover from a mild strain on his right side and the Atlanta third baseman hopes to return to the United States' lineup in the second round of the World Baseball Classic.

"You couldn't get me away from here with a crowbar," Jones said Monday before Team USA's optional workout at Rogers Centre. "I haven't even contributed to this point, at least offensively."

Jones was injured swinging at a pitch in the fifth inning of Sunday night's 15-6 victory against Venezuela, a win that ensured the U.S. would move on at the WBC. He limited himself to light running during Monday's workout but said he might try "some light stuff" today.

DODGERS: Manny Ramirez's money from his new $45 million, two-year contract won't be fully paid until June 2013, according to contract details obtained by The Associated Press.

Ramirez gets a $25 million salary this year, but just $10 million is paid up front. The rest is due in $5 million installments each June 30 in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

His contract calls for a $20 million salary in 2010, with $5 million payable up front. He is due two installments of $3,333,333 by June 30 in 2011 and 2012, and a final payment of $8,333,333 by June 30, 2013.

PIRATES: Outfielder Brandon Moss has only a bruise and mild sprain of his right thumb and should be ready for Opening Day.

RED SOX: Jon Lester had more to say about his change-up than he did about his future.

The left-hander threw 57 pitches in his third spring training start, and a makeshift Boston Red Sox lineup outslugged the Pittsburgh Pirates 15-14 in a 10-inning game that lasted 4 hours, 10 minutes.

Lester's outing came one day after Yahoo.com reported that he had agreed to a $30 million, five-year contract extension with a $13 million club option for 2014.

The Yahoo! Sports report cited an unidentified source close to the team. Lester, however, said no deal had been completed.

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