A-ROD SIDELINED FOLLOWING HIP SURGERY

It’s not even April yet, but Alex Rodriguez might be forgiven if he is already looking longingly at the end of the 2009 season. On the heels of the firestorm of controversy over his admission of using performance-enhancing drugs, the New York Yankees third baseman underwent surgery on his right hip Monday that kept him out of the World Baseball Classic and out of the Yankees’ lineup until at least mid-April.


Colorado surgeon Dr. Marc Philippon said about Rodriguez’ surgery, “There were no surprises. It was exactly what we prepared for.” Philippon repaired a torn labrum in A-Rod’s right hip while working on cartilage from a paralabral cyst. Rodriguez will eventually have another procedure performed, likely in November.

Rodriguez is in the second year of a ten-year, $275 million contract with the Yankees.

BERNIE WILLIAMS WINTERBALL COMEBACK BEGINS

Former New York Yankees star Bernie Williams, who never actually announced his retirement after becoming a free agent in 2006, has embarked on the comeback trail with the Carolina Gigantes of the Puerto Rico Winter League.
A 40-year-old native of San Juan, Williams hopes to play for Puerto Rico in next year’s World Baseball Classic. He took his first step last Monday by going 1-for-3 in Carolina’s 4-1 win over Mayaguez, stroking a line drive single up the middle off starter Jerome Williams in the first inning. Current Yankees catcher Jorge Posada is also on the Carolina roster, but has not played this winter.