Mueller has knee surgery
He'll miss part of spring training
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Bill Mueller, who missed six weeks last summer because of right knee surgery, is expected to be sidelined for half of spring training following arthroscopic surgery Monday on the same knee.
Mueller, who turns 34 March 17, had swelling in the knee while progressing through his offseason conditioning program.
"It became clear that the best path was for him to get surgery now and be back in time for the season," said general manager Theo Epstein.
Mueller could not be reached yesterday. Epstein, meanwhile, said he expects Mueller to begin full baseball activities in four weeks. Manager Terry Francona said the third baseman wants to be on the field March 8, 9, or 10.
Francona also said he expects Mueller to report with the rest of the position players Feb. 21 and begin working with assistant trainer Chris Correnti.
The regular season begins April 3.
"This will be fine," said Francona, whose own career was abbreviated by knee troubles. "This will be a nonfactor once the season starts."
Yet Francona acknowledged the reality facing his third baseman.
"He may have to address this the rest of his career," Francona said. "He's getting it fixed now and hopefully won't have an episode during the year. If he does, we'll take care of him and not overdue it. He might have to get it cleaned [during the season]."
Satisfied with Mueller's grit, disciplined bat, and capable glove, the Sox picked up a $2.1 million option for 2005 in November. But the nine-year veteran played just 110 games last season -- 96 at third base, 14 at second.
Twice during the 2004 season, Mueller traveled to Arizona to visit David Zeman, the orthopedic surgeon who did Monday's procedure. Mueller had surgery in late May and received a cortisone injection in September. Zeman also removed bone chips from Mueller's left knee in 2002.
"We don't expect Bill to miss any time during the season," Epstein said. "But we're very happy to have Kevin Youkilis ready to play third if the need arises."
Youkilis, who played 65 games as a rookie in Mueller's place, could spell him if he goes down again. Another possibility is Ramon Vazquez, acquired from San Diego in the Dave Roberts trade. Vazquez played in 52 games last season, nine at third base.
Silva suspended
The Red Sox suspended scout Hubert Silva while the club investigates allegations that Silva attempted to fix a Nicaraguan league game by offering to pay opposing players to lose. Red Sox spokesman Glenn Geffner, who confirmed the report, said the team Silva was coaching is not affiliated with the Red Sox . . . Curt Schilling donated the bloodied sock he wore in Game 2 of the World Series to the Hall of Fame as part of a Red Sox exhibition celebrating the team's sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
