Surgery a success for Baker

Don’t rule out John Baker being back in 2011, and perhaps being ready for Spring Training.

Baker underwent Tommy John surgery on Friday, having his right elbow ligament repaired by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. All went well.

In a text message on Friday, the Marlins catcher noted that he was upbeat. As for recovery, he said: “There were even some rumblings of the words ‘Spring Training.’ ”

Dr. Andrews on Friday also smoothed the olecranon — the bone at the tip of his right elbow. In 2007, Baker broke the same bone.

Baker is looking forward to soon beginning the recovery process, and he is looking forward to coming back “stronger than ever in 2011.”

With Baker out, Brad Davis currently is handling the Marlins catching duties. Chris Hatcher is backing up.

On Monday, the team added some catching depth by signing Mike Rivera to a Minor League contract. Rivera could join the club at any time.

– Joe Frisaro

(Photo courtesy of John Baker)