“The surgery went exactly as we planned,” said Dr. Marc Philippon, who performed the 80-minute procedure at Vail Valley Surgery Center in Colorado. “No surprises.”

Rodriguez, his doctors, and the Yankees decided upon the arthroscopic procedure instead of a more aggressive surgery that would have kept the superstar out for about four months. The other option, rest and treatments, was probably never a real possibility. This type of injury is sure to affect the swing of a power hitter such as Rodriguez, and it is hard to imagine that it would not severely limit his mobility at third base. It remains to be seen if he will be back to himself come May after choosing the less aggressive surgery, but early returns from the doctors look promising.

The more aggressive option for surgery will still be needed, but the Yankees and Rodriguez hope they can delay that until the off season so that he would be ready for Spring Training come 2010.

This surgery will allow Rodriguez to begin rehabbing immediately, to include range of motion drills, and stationary bike riding. Within a week, he may even be trying to begin the process of getting his swing and rotation of hips back in shape. Having immediate clearance to begin rehab bodes well for Rodriguez’ chances to hit the field this season. If the injury were more serious, he would have a period of rest between the surgery and rehab.

The Yankees are probably more glad than ever that they signed Mark Teixiera and all that pitching talent in the off season as this will severely hamper a powerful offense. The Yankees are still not short of bats, by any means, but you can not take away a player the stature of Rodriguez and not feel the bump. The full effect of his injury will not truly be felt until the Yankees take the field opening day. It remains to be seen if the Yankees will try to fill the gap in house, or go the free agent route.