Josh Johnson goes under the knife for elbow surgery

The Blue Jays have another stamp on Dr. James Andrews' frequent customer card, sending soon-to-be free agent starter Josh Johnson to visit the good doctor to remove bone spurs from his elbow, according to Johnson's agent who spoke with MLB Trade Rumors. It was a "minor surgery," and no damage to his elbow ligament was found, so he can start throwing in just over a month.

This season, Johnson was placed on the disabled list twice, first for triceps tightness in late April which knocked him out for a month, then he was placed on for right forearm strain in mid-August that ended his season. Interestingly, at the time of diagnosis, Dr. Andrews said it was just strain at the "elbow area" and the issue with bone spurs was not revealed (or diagnosed). He also had experienced some blister problems on his fingers during the season, and was suffering from knee tendinitis all season. Little-known fact: the game "Operation" was designed based on Josh Johnson.

Johnson was recently voted as the most disappointing Blue Jays player of 2013, but he does have all the stuff in him to bounce back in 2014, if he stays healthy. Johnson's agent Matt Sosnick said that Johnson "loved" playing for John Gibbons and had "bought into the vision" set out by Alex Anthopoulos so he would be open to return to Toronto to complete some "unfinished business." Sosnick, probably understanding that a qualifying offer will likely not be tendered, said that his client would "be happy to take it," but then later he said that he is looking for at least $10 million for his pitcher. I don't think he will get it, but with him pitching that number, one must feel that they might just go for $7-8 million base with incentives.