Lackey to Miss Entire 2012 Season Due to Tommy John Surgery

New Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said today that pitcher John Lackey will have Tommy John surgery and miss the 2012 season.

Lackey had elbow soreness during the season, and recently saw a specialist, Dr. Lewis Yocum.

"John Lackey will go ahead and have Tommy John surgery," Cherington said.

"We look forward to having him as part of our staff, hopefully in 2013," Cherington said.

Lackey was 12-12 in 2011 with a 6.41 ERA and 1.62 WHIP.
I don't know about the whole looking forward to him being part of the Red Sox in 2013 part, but I can tell you that this news guarantees Lackey's 2012 season will benefit the Sox more than his 2011 season did.