Valdez, who had reconstructive elbow surgery in 2006 and missed most of last season with a bum elbow, will be out six to eight weeks, trainer Dave Groeschner said, and closely monitored in spring training. Groeschner said the surgery is to "release the band of tissue that runs over the flexor mass" near the forearm.
The Giants have been so patient and finally got to see what this guy could bring to the table but it was only for 17 games. The Giants need Valdez strong and healthy at some point in '09 to make any kind of run for the West. In his 17 games last year, Valdez sported a 1.69 ERA with 13 K's in 16 innings. if everything goes right, Valdez should be ready in late April. I hope it does.