Yanks’ Top Pick To Have Surgery

The New York Yankees’ pitching staff has had more problems this year than most FEMA operations and unfortunately, the Pinstripers can add another casualty to the ever-growing list. Andrew Brackman, the Yankees’ first-round pick in the June draft, has decided to [undergo Tommy John surgery] after meeting with Dr. James Andrews.

The 6-foot-10, flame-throwing righty has had a [history of arm problems], even before the Yankees drafted him out of N.C. State. Brackman signed a four-year deal worth $4.5 million that includes a $3.3 million signing bonus and could escalate to $13.8 million if incentives are met, but post-surgery rehabilitation usually takes 12 to 18 months. On the upside, the surgery does have a 97-percent success rate and pitchers often come back [stronger than ever](http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2003-07-28-cover-tommy-john_x.htm) following the procedure.