Tough news for Boof Bonser and the Twins Wednesday. Arthroscopic surgery on Bonser's throwing shoulder revealed tears in his labrum and rotator cuff, and, barring a miracle, Bonser will make his return no earlier than 2010.He was in the running to be the long relief man before this setback, so the Twins will have to look elsewhere on the roster for help. It also means between injuries to Bonser and Pat Neshek, the Twins' middle relief will have a significantly different look than last year.
It also might mean that the Twins will step up their reported interest in Juan Cruz or perhaps be more willing to bring back lefty specialist Dennys Reyes to help out the later innings in the 'pen now that the Twins might have to look at a guy like Phil Humber to be their long man. Outside of Joe Nathan and Jesse Crain, the Twins' bullpen could use some help, whether it be from another free agent or crossing their fingers on a guy like Craig Breslow taking the next step in his career to lessen the hole in relief.
But most of all, it means that baseball will be losing one of the great names for the entire season. I know I'll miss typing "Boof".
