Hanley Ramirez Likely to Disregard Shoulder Risk

Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez -- having undergone shoulder surgery last fall -- is reported to be on course for doctors to release him for full baseball activities well before the conclusion of spring training, though he may be held back for awhile as a precaution as he faces a relapse potential of perhaps 10 percent, medical authorities told www.MLBnewsonline.com.

The problem is that Ramirez -- not only because of his character and makeup but because of his love of the game -- cannot be expected to play with anything less than full enthusiasm, thus will soon place his surgically repaired torn labrum at greater exposure than doctors might ideally desire.

Still, the likelyhood of Ramirez sustaining a serious relapse is probably small based on recoveries and surgical failures experienced by other patients, about 90 percent of whom have returned to normal activity in about six months or less following the procedure, according to medical authorities.

Ramirez's surgery can be likened to that undergone by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who dislocated his shoulder in 2005 but recently threw for more than 4,000 yards with 28 touchdowns with no lingering difficulties over the course of a 16-game season.

The Marlins have every reason to expect that Ramirez will have a normal and highly productive 2008, and continue to be regarded as one of the top three shortstops in baseball.