Wounded Bird

Third time's the charm? Don't tell that to Greg Bird. The Yankees power-hitting first baseman is booked for his third surgery in three years -- although this one appears to be relatively minor. After reporting pain in his right foot, the one that was operated on last year, Bird saw a noted New York foot specialist Monday. Doctor Martin O'Malley identified a bone spur as the source of the pain that forced him out of action.
It's estimated Bird will miss six to eight weeks, putting him on track to return by Memorial Day.
But it's troubling that this promising player, after impressing during last fall's playoffs, won't be ready opening day.
All of a sudden, GM Brian Cashman's bargain signing of Neil Walker for just $4 million (plus incentives) looks like a stroke of genius.

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