Here’s a bit of a surprise on the Adrian Gonzalez front: he was dealing with a serious labrum issue last season. It makes his numbers all the more impressive, of course, but it puts the beginning of his 2011 season in doubt.
Adrian had his labrum repaired two weeks ago. He will start shoulder surgery rehab on Wednesday. He won’t be able to swing a bat for 4 or 5 months.
His shoulder bothered him all season. He stopped trying to hit home runs because of the shoulder pain. Gaslamp Ball.
Four or five months from the end of October is the end of February or the end of March. The 2011 season, for the Chicago Cubs anyway, begins April 1. That’s got to put a serious dent in the offseason trade market for Gonzalez, given that he’ll not be able to play for at least a couple weeks into the season, short of a quick recovery. And even then, his effectiveness could take some time to come back (assuming it does come back). We’ll have to keep close tabs on his recovery.
Whether it will affect the Cubs’ designs on trading for Gonzalez is yet unknown. A reliable source (that’s right, I have sources now) indicates that Jim Hendry has made at least some contact with the Padres since the offseason began. Presumably, the conversation turned to Gonzalez at some point, and his shoulder would be one of the first things discussed.