Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Outfielder has bonemarrow edema in his left knee
Associated Press
CHICAGO -- Magglio Ordonez's injured left knee is starting to heal and the Chicago White Sox outfielder is close to beginning his rehabilitation process.
Ordonez has been on the disabled list since July 22 with bone
marrow edema in his left knee. Before Wednesday's 7-6 win over the
Minnesota Twins, White Sox general manager Ken Williams talked to
Ordonez and his agent Tom Reich.
"They obviously sought out the opinions of a number of top
doctors around and it's gotten to the point where he is starting
now to feel some healing going on with the injury," Williams said.
"The optimism that was expressed to me today from them gives me
some optimism moving into the offseason."
Williams said Ordonez hasn't started any rehab yet, but is
getting closer.
After failed contract extension talks with the White Sox,
Ordonez will become a free agent after the season and will be able
to test the open market. Williams was asked if the injury will
lower Ordonez's market value and if so, would the White Sox have a
better chance of re-signing him.
"My feelings for the man won't allow me to hope his value has been suppressed in any way, shape or form," Williams said. "I
wish nothing but the best for him, but if it works out that his
value is such that he can get what he wants for his family, his
future, and we can also afford to pay him and fit him in the lineup
then its good for everyone."
Williams said he expressed his gratitude to Ordonez for a number of successful years with the White Sox.
"I expressed to him, whether or not we are able to come to
agreement, bring him back or not, he is still forever going to be
part of the White Sox family and I felt he appreciated that,"
Williams said. "He then told me how good he was starting to feel
now and his rehab is going to start very shortly."
