Rays/MLB

Twins' Liriano needs surgery, will miss '07

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published November 4, 2006

MINNEAPOLIS - Francisco Liriano and the Twins were afraid of this: His left elbow needs major surgery, and the pitcher is expected to miss the 2007 season.

Liriano, 23, found out Friday that he requires Tommy John surgery, a ligament transplant procedure that usually takes at least a year to recover from.

"Unfortunately, we're going to lose him for a year, but people come back from these with the ability to rebound," general manager Terry Ryan said.

Promoted to the rotation in mid May, Liriano dominated the AL with a wicked slider that he often threw well over 90 mph. He went 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA and 144 strikeouts in 121 innings as a rookie before getting hurt.

Mets: Pedro Martinez said that if his right shoulder doesn't return to full strength, he would consider retiring. "It's getting better, and progress is above all what is hoped for," the pitcher said. "To go back, I have to recover. I have to be healthy."

Labor deal: Owners unanimously approved a new contract during a conference call. The deal runs until 2011.

Dodgers: The team declined Eric Gagne's $12-million option, making him a free agent.

Reds: Brook Jacoby was hired as hitting coach.

White sox: Free agent outfielder Luis Terrero agreed to a one-year contract.

Gold gloves: Pitcher Greg Maddux won his 16th Gold Glove, tying the record shared by Jim Kaat and Brooks Robinson.

P - Greg Maddux

C - Brad Ausmus

1B - Albert Pujols

2B - Orlando Hudson

3B - Scott Rolen

SS - Omar Vizquel

OF - Andruw Jones

OF - Carlos Beltran

OF - Mike Cameron

[Last modified November 4, 2006, 01:41:13]