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Wakefield Optimistic Following Back Surgery, Eyes Return in 2010

Don’t worry Red Sox Nation, Tim Wakefield isn’t going anywhere. The 43-year-old knuckleballer sounded optimistic following surgery Wednesday, Oct. 21, to repair a herniated disk in his lower back. Retirement “never crossed my mind. I was fully confident in what our doctors were telling me,” Wakefield said in a conference call  the next day. “I’m not very sore at all, so I’m looking forward to getting to my rehab and get ready for next year.”

Wakefield was 11-3, and was selected as an All-Star for the first time in his 16-year career with the Red Sox, before a herniated disk caused him to win zero games in limited action after the All-Star break. He finished the 2009 season at 11-5 with a 4.58 ERA, .25 higher than his career average ERA of 4.33.

Wake, What Have You Done For Us Lately?

Everyone knows Major League Baseball is a “What have you done for me lately?” business. With this in mind, I think Wakefield has performed well over the last few seasons. His combined record from 2007-2009 stands at 38-28, and his average ERA in those three seasons is 4.49, just slightly above his career average. In each of those seasons, he has surrendered less than 30 home runs, allowing only 22 home runs in 189 innings during the 2007 World Series Championship season. Wakefield is the epitome of consistency, and if he can regain his health, he will provide the Red Sox with a guaranteed double-digit game-winner in their starting rotation for at least one more season.

Have Injuries Finally Taken Their Toll?

Certainly, at the age of 43, Wakefield’s recovery is by no means guaranteed. My father, a fit masters swimmer, suffered a herniated disk at essentially the same age, and from personal experience I can attest that recovery from the injury following surgery is both lengthy and unpredictable. However, if there is anyone who can recover from a herniated disk, it is a knuckleball pitcher. For a power pitcher like Josh Beckett, who relies on velocity, and whose fastball consistently hits 95 MPH, a herniated disk would probably be devastating. On the mound, Wakefield relies on location and craftiness, and doesn’t need to physically exert himself like a power pitcher. He throws his knuckleball in the mid-60’s, and throws a fastball that hovers around 72 MPH.

Even at 43, the 17-year veteran has set some lofty goals from himself. He said he wants to pass Roger Clemens and Cy Young for the franchise record of 192 wins, and would like to get to 200. Wakefield has 175 victories with the Red Sox, meaning he will need to pitch at least two more seasons to have any hope of setting the franchise record, and will realistically need three more seasons to have a shot at reaching 200. There are plenty of pitchers like Wakefield who have managed to pitch into their late 40’s, including Jamie Moyer (46), Hoyt Wilhelm (49), Nolan Ryan (46), and Phil Niekro (48) (the winningest knuckleball pitcher of all time), among others. Therefore, if Wakefield can recover from the herniated disk, we could see him pitch for several more years, and even retire on his own terms.

Should Wakefield Return in 2010?

If Wakefield feels healthy enough to pitch in 2010, he should do so. Wakefield’s return to the starting rotation would be highly beneficial to the Sox. He is the longest-tenured player on the team by far, and a team leader, not to mention a Red Sox legend. He has always been a classy performer on and off the field, and in Wakefield, manager Terry Francona has a proven commodity and someone to lean on in the clutch. Additionally, he was named to his first All-Star team this season.

“I’m just thankful that I was able to make an All-Star team for the first time in my 16-year career and I’m looking forward to trying to win some more games next year for the Boston Red Sox” said Wakefield.

Certainly, such recognition has given Wakefield confidence, and played a factor in his decision to try to pitch for the Red Sox in 2010. Perhaps even more importantly, Wakefield has the confidence of General Manager Theo Epstein, who said the team planned on having Wakefield in their 2010 rotation. The Red Sox have until five days after the World Series ends to pick up Wakefield’s $4 million option for 2010, but such a move is seen as a formality at this point.

Tags: Red Sox, Tim Wakefield