Major League Baseball is now facing an epidemic as the number of pitchers undergoing Tommy John surgery only a few months into this season is about to surpass the total number of cases from all of last season. Commisioner Bud Selig is desperate for answers.
No one can say definitively why this has so suddenly become an issue. The only thing people can agree on this that it's troubling (via ESPN):
"'I'm almost afraid to pick up the paper because of the bad news,'' Selig said. 'I'm very worried over the fact that it's happening with so much regularity, over and over. We have some great young arms, and it's very sad.
"'Let's see if we can find out some answers. Nobody has them, I'll tell you that -- including the doctors and trainers. Everybody you talk to has a different opinion.'''
One possible explanation is the strenuous year-round pitching starting in youth leagues. Another is that some feel the surgery has become en vogue because of its so-called miracle after effects. Dr. James Andrews, who has perfected the technique, suggests that maybe more pitchers don't need the surgery. Maybe more pitchers are seeking some perceived advantage (via Classicalite):
"There have been numerous success stories detailing sustained and even improved careers after undergoing the so-called miracle surgery. But it is not a magic pill, and Andrews sees the growing number of players looking for an easy fix as an alarming trend...
"Apparently the real reason for the success of so many Tommy John patients is the strenuous rehab program that focuses on sound technique and overall athletic and physical wellness."
What do you think? Is Tommy John surgery baseball's new steroids controversy? Or is there a more systemic problem reaching its way all the way down to Little Leagues all across the country?
Tell us your thoughts in the comment field below.
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