Moyer still aiming for comeback in 2012
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.
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.
Jamie Moyer still pitching at the age of 49 is an interesting thought.
Kansas City might be a good place to try a comeback given their young pitching staff. He is not needed in Philly, that's for sure.— Rick Wise Guy- I would bet right now that Jamie will be pitching in the Bigs in '12. If we can't find a "long" man for the bullpen by then, I'd sure be willing to see him with us. If not pitching, I hope like hell Charlie can get over his attachment to Dubee and use Jamie as his pitching coach...but I don't think Charlie would do that. Here's hoping he would be willing to be a coach in the minors for us if nothing else pops for him.— TBear
- Good Luck.— CptObvious
- At least he's not constantly flip-flopping and going over-the-top emotional like Favre. I don't recall Jaime ever saying he's retiring and then going back on it. Good for him.— hhkal
- Why?— mills621
- Jamie has not embarrassed himself in Carlton fashion yet. Not even close. At age 40 and beyond, Lefty was getting single digit wins each year. Jamie had 9 last year in a shortened season (recall he went on the DL for the elbow before blowing it out completely in winter ball). The three years prior he had 12, 16, and 14 wins which is far from embarrassing. I believe he would have had at least 11-12 wins this year if he hadn't gone on the DL. Many teams would kill for a #5 with those numbers. People have studied his mechanics and because he doesn't rely on power some say he can keep going. I applaud him for trying. I think he'll know when he's truly reached the point where it's time. Right now, other than judging him strictly by his age, you can't really point to anything that says he's definitely done. I doubt he'll be with the Phils but I could see him in the organization in some capacity after he hangs it up. He's a class act in my book. We should be proud he came from this area.— s
- OK-he's probably washed up, but he has the right to give it a try. If I were him, I'd sign on as a pitching coach with a major league team, do re-hab, and see where it goes from there. If it doesn't work out, he's got a pitching coach job. If he can pitch, then so be it. A lot stranger things have happened. Did anyone really think he would have won 9 games this year? If he didn't get injured, could have won a few more! Good luck to Jamie and hope things work out!— 3rick
- At the time of his injury,his WHIP was 10th in the league.His win at Yankee Stadium last June was amazing:He allowed only two baseruners in eight innings.— bigeastbeast
- I agree with skipper 22. Besides it will give Jamie some good motivation to get through rehab.— jsfgtmoore
The Mayans say "Forget coming back in 2012" to Jamie Moyer, since there won't be a 2013 season.- Ali, Mays, Carlton and now Moyer. Some athletes just don't get when is time to say goodbye.— EL Zorro
- if you had to put 8 kids through college, you'd be out there at 49 trying to get it done, too— zwarte piet
- Well I think you have to go by what you have seen in the past with Jamie. Although he is not a power pitcher look at the longevity of his carrier. His knowledge of the art of pitching is something to write text books on. So what if he is 49 as long as he is in shape, has the desire, and with the new arm well you just might be supprised. It would be nice to have him in the organization at some level but don't expect the Phils to dump Dubee unless they fail this year and the crowds fall off. Then you'll see Charlie and Dumbee go but not until. I'd have to agree with the idea that if Jamie makes a full recovery the Phils would be smart to use him as a long man in the pen.— Wally 24
- Jamie stills has a couple of thing s to take care of - GO FOR IT JAMIE!!! I hope you can do it as a PHILLIE!— flphilly
- 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
