We had started to hear the rumblings that Duch, the Athletics' nominal ace heading into this season, was having elbow quibbles. Well now we know a little bit more, namely that they're serious enough to warrant athriscopic surgery.

Manager Bob Geren announced the surgery on Friday, but he said the team has not yet determined when or where Duchscherer will have the operation. He also said the A's won't know how long Duchscherer will be out until after the surgery. Typically, a pitcher would miss at least six weeks with an arthroscopic procedure on his elbow.

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The deal here seems to be that they do not know what they are dealing with regarding Justin's elbow. He's been bothered by it almost all Spring and had to pull himself out of his latest minor league start so the forecast would not be encouraging here. The chances that surgery uncovers a serious strain or tear seem more than remote at the moment, an injury that could seriously hamper the Athletics this season, who are already lacking quality depth in the rotation.

Of course, the Mariners aren't much better with the issues on Bedard and Morrow, but those certainly appear minor in comparison to this and the troubles facing the Angels as we approach Opening Day.

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And now comes word from the LA Times that John Lackey is expected to start the season on the D/L, joining Kelvim Escobar and Ervin Santana.

Ace John Lackey is expected to open the season on the disabled list after an MRI test revealed inflammation in his throwing elbow.

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The right-hander tried to play catch on Thursday, but when he continued to feel discomfort, he was sent for an MRI test Thursday. Dr. Lewis Yocum, team physician, will travel to Arizona on Saturday to review the MRI results, and the team is expected to know more about the injury then.