Moyer still aiming for comeback in 2012
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Moyer still aiming for comeback in 2012
Daily News staff
Less than four weeks removed from Tommy John surgery, lefthander Jamie Moyer remains optimistic that he will return to the big leagues in 2012, even at age 49.
"A lot of people have seen signs over the course of my career that I should quit or retire," Moyer told the Seattle Times. "In all honesty, I just don't feel like I'm ready to give it up. I feel I'm entitled to make my own decision.
"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, which people don't seem to be shy about expressing. I respect and appreciate when it comes from the right people. The baseball people I've talked to before and since the surgery, all have been very positive and very supportive."
Moyer said he hopes to begin rehab in early January once the sling is removed. Recovery time is typically 12 to 18 months. Moyer said the doctors have told him the surgery was "very successful."
"It may be difficult to find a job at the age of 49," Moyer said. "Then again, it may not be. I know where I stand: I'll probably get a spring-training invitation (rather than a guaranteed roster spot), and rightly so. I don't have a problem with that. Throughout my career, I've always had to earn the situation I've been in. I don't expect anyone to give me anything. It's never been that way, so why now?"
Moyer was 9-9 for the Phillies before missing the rest of the season with an elbow injury. He pitched briefly in the Dominican winter league before injuring the elbow again.
Moyer said he likely would head back to the Dominican next winter to get a sense of how he felt.
He said he intends to spend his time away from baseball with his eight children and being more involved in his highly successful charitable foundation.
Good idea to give it a try in '12. If he fails, he can step right in as Wheels replacement (Yes, TBear, there is a God)— NewMick314- maybe he doesn't want to stay home with his wife— your_mom_says_hi!
- you know what? I respect Jamie immensely. You can't fault a guy for trying. He said he wasn't ready to give it up yet. I would love to see him back with the Phillies organization as a player or pitching coach. I don't think it's about the money for him at all. Classy and competitive man.— nelllovesChooch
- Let's wait until Jamie recovers and if he's qualified give him the chance he deserves. The only one taking a risk is Moyer.— wcoastphan
- Good luck Jaime... I am just surprised there is someone still pitching in The majors that I played against in Legion Ball... I hope you pitch another 5 yrs— BBAX
- I really hope one of you idiots responds to this. Why are you people reacting like you are being personally insulted by a veteran who still thinks he can perform? This guy embarrased the Yankees twice last year (once in spring training when he was earning a rotation spot)and put together some absolute gems. The only reason his ERA was over 4 is because Charlie almost always let him work through rough innings on nights he wasnt as sharp. What do you think the TJ surgery will do? Take the edge off his fastball?? Get a life.......... or a brain.— sandymann
any team that uses him over a prospect should be embarassed, and its fans given refunds. any team in the running should have its brains checked if they even thought about him being a piece. if he'd play for free, that'd be only way i'd sign him.- Why do so many people get down on Jamie Moyer for wanting to give it a go to keep pitching. Obviously his family is on his side! Get over yourselves, naysayers. What's the worst that can happen here. He can't get back and has to retire after forever in baseball! Good luck with it, JM!— BEMiller
is he broke?? hang em up Jamie, please!— dexter55- Moyer might make a good clean up/long reliever, or even a good situational lefty. His days as a starter though I think are over. But long reliever, or situational guy...look at the market this year. There was nothing, especially from the left side. I think I might actually prefer him over wild Romero. I would love to see him pitch at 50yrs old.— johnandursula
- Jaime will always be a class act and the Phils should never let him get out of the organization.There has to be a spot for a guy with his knowledge and ability to work with younger pitchers— pcc503
- Yes, Blanda, and he also played QB at 46 when
Qb's were not a protected class. Go Jamie, push the envelope.
I don't see him coming out of the pen, though. Takes him too long to warm up. I know, he did some good long relief work for Pedro a couple of games, but on a regular basis? He's a starter and he knows it. Too old to change his habits? Maybe. Still, it'll be fun to watch and see if he can pull it off. Pitching for Seattle, though, not us. In 2012, even if RoyO retires or signs for big money with Yanks or texas, we'll still be loaded with pitching as some of the younger guys come up to fill in. Or KK fulfills his potential as dominant RH starter. OK, just kidding about that last one. New Year's resolution to not take gratuitous shots at Kylee and give him one more chance. Again...— Eephus - Jamie made 18 millions the last two years while winning 21 games and losing 19 with an ERA almost approaching 5.00. He will be 49 years old in 2012 after missing a full year and after being hurt also in 2009. No way the Phillies - or any team for that matter - should invite him to spring training in 2012. Don't tell me a kid like Worley, Kendrick or any other prospect can win 10 games a season while making considerably less money than Moyer. Time to give up old man. Let a kid with a future get his chance.— EL Zorro
- By that 2012 maybe a kid like Julio Rodriguez, who the last time I checked had a 3-1 record with and 2.00 ERA in the Puerto Rican Winter League, including a 28 scoreless streak and was part of the Puerto Rican All Star team that beat the Dominicans a few days ago, could be ready. Do you Moyer's lovers rather see Moyer or a prospect like Rodriguez?— EL Zorro
It is not possible to wish him any more luck than I do. Go For IT!
