Coffey Time May Be Percolating Again

Todd Coffey, who underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-2012, has been rehabbing and readying for a MLB comeback. The right-handed reliever had tweeted graphic photographs of his stitches post-surgery on Twitter, and he mentioned his desire to come back to pitch in the Majors.

Todd Coffey will hold a showcase at the end of January for between 11-21 teams supposedly interested. Coffey’s arm will be on display for teams on January 17th in Arizona. If more teams are interested, then the showcase may be held back until January 24th.

This was Coffey’s second Tommy John surgery. His first operation was performed in August of 1999 which caused him to miss the entire 2000 season. As we have seen from the results of Brian Wilson, a second Tommy John surgery doesn’t necessarily mean one’s pitching career is over. Although Wilson reportedly engaged in a encompassing rehab regiment he worked on himself.

Coffey commented on the possibility of his return to the Dodgers:

"“[The Dodgers] have made a lot of signings this offseason with bullpen guys, but it’s a possibility. I would love to go back there. I loved it in L.A. It was unfortunate that I wasn’t able to finish the whole season with them that year. It’s always a possibility, you never know. I’ve learned that in my years in this game, you never know what’s going to happen.”"

Possible yes, but Coffey’s return to the Dodgers bullpen seems a bit improbable now that the Dodgers have re-signed Brian Wilson, J.P. Howell and added Chris Perez to the pen making the relief corps pretty stacked.

Coffey even claims he is feeling “100%.” He has been throwing bullpen sessions for two weeks and building up his velocity.

Todd Coffey will put on a showcase at the end of January for prospective MLB teams. Photo: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Todd Coffey pitched in 23 games for the Dodgers in the first half of the 2012 season. In 19 1/3 innings, he had a 4.66 ERA with 2.00 SO/BB. Coffey’s best year in the Majors was back in 2009 with the Brewers when he finished with a 2.90 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 78 games.

I’m rooting for Coffey to make a successful comeback, but I’m not sure it should be with the Dodgers. I wouldn’t be opposed to the Dodgers offering a Minor League deal with an invite to Spring Training, but with the plethora of relief talent the Dodgers have right now it would be hard to find Coffey a spot. With Chris Withrow on the bubble, I would rather squeeze Withrow in to the pen then to sign Coffey. I’m sure Coffey will have some interested teams looking at him at the end of the month, and the Dodgers will probably be one of them. The question is, will Todd sprint to the mound during the showcase?