Zambrano's Surgery Successful- And His Injury Was Worse Then Anticipated

Mets' starting pitcher Victor Zambrano had successful surgery today to replace a torn ligament in his pitching elbow, which will sideline him for the rest of the season and into next season, if he is able to return at all. Zambrano took himself out of a game that he started versus the Atlanta Braves on May 6, after striking out Andruw Jones. He had waved off his teammates and manager earlier in the count, but after striking Jones out, ran off the field in intense pain while the inning was in progress. He was then diagnosed with a torn flexor muscle. Upon operating on Zambrano, Dr. David Altchek not only repaired the tendon but also removed bone spurs and replaced the ligament (with one from a cadaver? Does anyone know?) Apparently, Zambrano was pitching in pain for quite a while, as we received "damaged goods" in the trade for Kazmir (the same week Fortunato, the other pitcher we received in the deal, ALSO was sidelined with the infamous "Tommy John" surgery). Zambrano was so anxious to make good on the trade in the fans' eyes, he refused to follow common sense and pain and tried to ride it out. We have admittedly been hard on Zambrano, as we have expected more from him, not only as the player we received for Kazmir but also due to the talent we saw in him when he was with Tampa; that being said, we wish him all the best as he rehabs from this tough operation and we admire his moxie. However, it is nearly impossible to come back from a second Tommy John surgery, coupled with the additional damage that Zambrano had, so at this point the Mets are planning life without Zambrano. If he were to ever come back, great, but Darren Driefort and Scott Williamson couldn't, so the hope level is very low for seeing Zambrano back in blue and orange. I guess this means that Rick Peterson's 15 minutes won't be necessary...