Liriano, Hudson Win Comeback Player of the Year

Rarely have there been 2 players to win Comeback Player of the Year that are this similar. Tim Hudson of the Atlanta Braves and Francisco Liriano of the Minnesota Twins both won the award this year.

The similarities are they both came back from Tommy John Surgery – Hudson had the procedure in 2008 and Liriano in 2007. They also put up great numbers leading their teams to the post-season.

Hudson, limited to 7 starts last year, went 17-9 for the Braves, holding a 2.83 ERA and striking out 139. He led the Braves in innings and wins.

Liriano set career highs in wins, starts, innings, and strikeouts (201). He anchored the Twins rotation with a 14-10 record and a 3.62 ERA. He missed all of 2007 for the surgery and parts of the last 2 years with other injuries.

The 30 MLB.com beat writers vote for the award. Last years winners were Aaron Hill of the Blue Jays and Chris Carpenter of the Cardinals.