Lieberthal Out For 2001

Lieberthal, who hurt his knee when he was picked off first base by Arizona`s Brian Anderson in the second inning of Saturday night`s game, also tore the medial collateral ligament and lateral meniscus.

Team physician Dr. Michael Ciccotti said he recommended reconstructive knee surgery after Lieberthal had an MRI on Monday. Lieberthal would be sidelined for six-to-eight months.

"He was very appropriately upset about the whole thing," Ciccotti said, adding that Lieberthal probably will have a second opinion.

Lieberthal, an All-Star last season, was batting .231 with two homers and 11 RBIs. He had 15 homers and 71 RBIs in 108 games last year. His best season was 1999 when he batted .300 with 31 homers and 96 RBIs.

Johnny Estrada, who was hitting .290 at Triple-A Scranton with 16 RBIs and only six strikeouts in 131 at bats, will replace Lieberthal as Philadelphia`s everyday catcher.

Gary Bennett will remain the backup, but should get more playing time.

Lieberthal`s loss is a major blow to the Phillies, who are leading the NL East at 22-14. The team has struggled without Lieberthal in recent history.

The Phillies were 51-48 when Lieberthal went on the disabled list with a pelvic injury in 1998. They went 24-39 the rest of the season. Last year, they were 13-27 during his two stints on the disabled list.

"Replacing an All-Star catcher won`t be easy," general manager Ed Wade said in a statement released by the team. "Getting Lieby healthy for next year is our utmost goal. We certainly feel for him. He`s a gamer."

(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Author: 6 ABC - Action News