Since Tommy John told Dr. Frank Jobe in 1974 to "make something up" to repair his left elbow, ligament transplants have saved scores of careers. Meet the Tommy John All-Stars, a staff of rebuilt hurlers whom any manager would give his right arm to have. Or at least his MCL.

MATT MORRIS, RH Starter, Cardinals

Pre-TJ Promise: Showed ace potential with a 19-14 record in first 50 big league starts. (Under the Knife: 1999)

Post-Op Payoff: Cy Young candidate started 4-0 this year: his 22 wins last season were most by a Card since 1970.

KERRY WOOD, RH Starter, Cubs

Pre-TJ Promise: We all remember when 1998's Rookie of the Year threw that 20-K clinic against the Astros. (UTK: 1999)

Post-Op Payoff: Hasn't pitched a full season, and ditched sweeping slurve, but fanned 11.2 per 9IPs last year.

DAVID WELLS, LH Starter, Yankees

Pre-TJ Promise: Ages ago, Double-A starter in Jays system threw two-hit shutout in last game before injury. (UTK: 1985)

Post-Op Payoff: 169 ML wins; pitched perfect game and won World Series with Yankees in 1998.

SCOTT ERICKSON, RH Starter, Orioles

Pre-TJ Promise: Four seasons with 15-plus wins, 16 shutouts, 1991 Series crown and '94 no-hitter with Twins. (UTK: 2000)

Post-Op Payoff: Throwing more sinkers than sliders, he beat the Yankees on Opening Day 2002 in first game back.

ODALIS PEREZ, LH Starter, Dodgers

Pre-TJ Promise: Ripped through Braves farm system and made MLB debut in 1998 at the tender age of 20. (UTK: 1999)

Post-Op Payoff: Won spot with sinking fastball, solid slider. He's 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA, and one-hit Cubbies on April 26.

STEVE KARSAY, RH Reliever, Yankees

Pre-TJ Promise: Was hot ticket -- A's traded Rickey for Karsay and another Toronto farmhand in 1993. (UTK: 1995)

Post-Op Payoff: Throws in high 90s and makes $4M per as Yanks setup man seven years after being in the shop.

KERRY LIGTENBERG, RH Reliever, Braves

Pre-TJ Promise: Independent League refugee saved 30 games in 34 chances as rookie for 1998 Braves. (UTK: 1999)

Post-Op Payoff: Lost closer role to John Rocker; now setup man for fellow Tommy John survivor John Smoltz.

JOHN SMOLTZ, RH Closer, Braves

Pre-TJ Promise: Anchor of Big Three was team's crunch-time ace, going 12-4 in postseason. (UTK: 2000)

Post-Op Payoff: Has endured ups and downs as closer, but still boasts mid-90s heater and take-a-seat slider.

BILLY KOCH, RH Closer, A's

Pre-TJ Promise: Fourth pick of the 1996 draft went under knife just three games into pro career. (UTK: 1997)

Post-Op Payoff: Throws straight gas; saved 100 games for Blue Jays in three seasons before heading to Oakland.

ERIC GAGNE, RH Closer, Dodgers

Pre-TJ Promise: Montreal native had 3.28 ERA, averaged 10.2 K/9 IPs as Class-A starter in first pro season. (UTK: 1997)

Post-Op Payoff: Failed starter has clicked as LA's closer with nasty breaking stuff described as Nen-like.

This article appears in the May 13 issue of ESPN The Magazine.