After Rafael Betancourt's blown save Thursday night to the Seattle Mariners, the Tribe's bullpen is now 4-for-10 in save oppurtunities. Good for last in Major League Baseball.
Manager Eric Wedge's hair has to be falling out or turning gray, or both, the way the season has been for his Indians.
Between Joe Borowski's struggles to close a game out or throw 85 mph for that matter and Rafael Betancourt's inconsistent 9th inning showings. The Indians have been giving away games early in the year that they cannot afford. Especially with the bats hitting a collective .250 following the first month of the year.
The Indians really have not had that dynamic closer that was almost a sure lock since the Jose Mesa days in the late 90's. Last year, the Indian's bullpen was considered one of the best in the league, but this year they can't seem to get an out if they need to.
With the bats still cold as the weather, Cleveland has struggled to hold leads and let another good starting performance slip away. Paul Byrd shutout the Mariners through 7 2/3 innings before turning the 1-0 lead over the bullpen. The lead quickly discintegrated with a wild pitch, stolen base by Ichiro thanks to a Casey Blake error and then a home run on the first pitch of the 10th by Richie Sexson quickly gave Seattle a 2-1 lead.
The home run, surrendered by newest bullpen member Masa Kobayashi, was the 35th home run the Tribe pitching staff has allowed.
Starter Paul Byrd's wasted gem is frustrating because his run support is hovering around 1. The Indians bats are struggling still with Hafner dropped in the lineup to the 6th spot and Ryan Garko just getting out of his recent 0-for-25 slump.
Although, Garko's one-out single started the rally that got to Mariner's closer J.J. Putz, as Grady Sizemore's bases-loaded walk scored Jamey Carrol to tie the game at 2. In the bottom of the 11th, the Tribe loaded the bases with 2 outs and young stud Asdrubal Cabrera laced a single into right to save the Indian's pathetic bullpen effort.
With the month of May turning the corner, the Indians should search the free agent market or look to make a move for a consistent closer. Their young guns (Perez, Betancourt, Lewis) have yet to prove that they can hold the lead night in and night out like they did last year during their ALCS run. GM Mark Shapiro is a bright guy who usually has a good sense for talent and will evaluate a good closer from a bad one.
The Tigers, the Indians real threat at the AL Central crown, have not played anywhere near their potential. But with the Tribe's bullpen not capitalizing, maybe that one move for the shutdown closer will get them over the edge and make them again, the elite team to beat in the AL.
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5 months ago
Even though many might not agree, I personally think that Borowski is still our best option. I understand that he is risky, and I understand that hes had a bad start to the season, but after watching our bullpen trying to adjust in his absence shows that we don't have another reliever that can handle the spot.
Hate Joe or not, he did lead the league in saves last season. He really isn't that bad, he just needs to stay healthy.
5 months ago
It was hard watching another blown save, but I don't see any other options right now....There is nothing on the Free-Agent market that could even resemble a closer at this point and nobody will trade a closer this early in the year. We have the right guy in-house, it is just up to them to step it up. Whether it is a healthy Borowski (I don't think so) or a young Perez or Lewis...Maybe Jorge Julio who has past experiences closing....I still think right now Betancourt is still the best option. Ichiro was the main reason tonights run scored, he has a way of causing havoc on the bases. He distracted Betancourt very well. It is more on the offense to actually score some runs so guys like Byrd can get a W for their outstanding efforts.
5 months ago
Betancourt didnt really blow the save.. I put that on Casey Blake more than I do Betancourt..
5 months ago
I know it was only 1-0 last night, but if Mariano Rivera comes in, GAME OVER. He made Indians hitters look dumb last weekend.
As Indians fans (like myself) don't you guys tremble when we go to a reliever after our starting five(which has been impeccable) comes out? I know I do. I was at Game 4 ALCS last year and the entire Jacobs Field was panicing when Borowski came in, but he got the job done. Maybe if he gets over his injury he will return to good form.
This season and last season his opponents average is above .300 (.412 so far this year, 0-2 2 blown saves). He is a contact pitcher, something the fans do not want to see. Maybe our farm system in Buffalo has a fireballer brewing that will come up and possibly be the next Joba Chamberlain for us. Until then, I have to change underwear every time the 9th rolls around.
from 5 months ago
Adam Miller.. But with Paul Byrd being old, CC possibly leaving, putting him in as a closer would be a waste.
Mariano Rivera has blown saves before.. Like I said earlier, I'm not pinning the Blown Save on Betancourt tonight. Casey Blake should have caught that ball and tagged Ichiro out..
Borowski can close the games.. Enough said.. I hope he comes back because him being out certainly has thrown our pen and the roles of everyone into a tizzy. Betancourt is a way better set up guy than he is a closer as well.
5 months ago
thankful the Indians arent far off the pace. I think Betancourt can be a good closer if given time. However time isnt given, because at any moment the White sox or Tigers could go off and start playing well. THe Indians havent and they need to as well, but they are within range because everyone in the division is playing well below potential.
5 months ago
Iron Joe will get another chance if he comes back. I think the Fightin' Raffy Brothers are more suited for the set-up roles. Kobayashi may turn out to be the answer to the puzzle as my boy Jenny Lewis has failed to step up this year.
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