Last year Masahiro Tanaka took the baseball world by storm. He was an All-Star, an AL Rokkie of the Year candidate, and an AL Cy Young candidate. Then Tanaka had a slight tear in his elbow, and the dream season came to a screeching halt. Instead of Tommy John surgery Tanaka rehab the elbow, and said he was good to go.
Tanaka first two starts of the season made everyone wonder why he just did not get Tommy John surgery last year. Tanaka talked about his struggles like a grizzled old veteran, knowing it is along season.