Wakefield expects to be ready for spring
Boston Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield underwent back surgery on Wednesday to address a herniated disk, and said Thursday he should be ready to go for spring training.
The 43-year-old told reporters during a conference call that the surgery was successful (describing the results as "awesome") and that he was already up and walking around. He said he was looking forward to rehabbing and anticipated he would start his regular training program in about four to six weeks.
"I still feel like I can contribute, I still feel like I can compete at the highest level," Wakefield said. "I'm going to continue to play as long as my body lets me and as long as the Red Sox will have me around."
The Red Sox hold a $4 million option for 2010 (and beyond) on Wakefield, who said that not returning for a 16th season in Boston "never crossed my mind".
After the Red Sox were eliminated in the American League Division Series, general manager Theo Epstein said the team planned on having Wakefield in their 2010 rotation.
Wakefield made his first All-Star team this season, thanks to a first half in which he went 11-3. However, injuries held him to just four starts in he second half and he finished the season 11-5 with a 4.58 ERA.
The knuckleballer has 175 wins as a member of the Red Sox, 18 from breaking the team record of 192, which is shared by Cy Young and Roger Clemens.
On Thursday, Wakefield said he aiming to break that mark.
