RockieBill
07-08-2001, 12:26 PM
The Tommy John surgery Dodgers pitcher Darren Dreifort undergoes Tuesday will be his second, both performed by Frank Jobe. Jobe has done nearly 2,000 of the surgeries and doesn't remember doing it twice on the same player. Dreifort will be out through the 2002 all-star break.
Dreifort's critics say his mechanics, never textbook, have contributed to the injuries. When he returns, however, the Dodgers won't change the way he throws.
"I don't think there's going to be a major change in mechanics," general manager Dave Wallace said. "That's something everybody looks at, and it sounds so easy. But the reality of it is, it's a very difficult thing to do. And he's been pretty successful with the way he's been throwing the ball."
Dreifort is in the first year of a five-year contract worth $55 million. With Andy Ashby also out for the year after flexor muscle surgery, the Dodgers have $77.5 million worth of starting pitchers on the disabled list. The Dodgers' insurance policy, however, calls for them to get a year's salary back if either player misses an entire season.
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Dreifort's critics say his mechanics, never textbook, have contributed to the injuries. When he returns, however, the Dodgers won't change the way he throws.
"I don't think there's going to be a major change in mechanics," general manager Dave Wallace said. "That's something everybody looks at, and it sounds so easy. But the reality of it is, it's a very difficult thing to do. And he's been pretty successful with the way he's been throwing the ball."
Dreifort is in the first year of a five-year contract worth $55 million. With Andy Ashby also out for the year after flexor muscle surgery, the Dodgers have $77.5 million worth of starting pitchers on the disabled list. The Dodgers' insurance policy, however, calls for them to get a year's salary back if either player misses an entire season.
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