Bye-Bye Borowski: Cleveland Indians Designate Closer

It's official. The dreams of Cleveland fans everywhere have come true, and Joe Borowski is gone. Not to the disabled list, not to the showers after blowing another game, but gone for good.

A year after leading the American League in saves, Borowski is out of a job.

Borowski was brought back on a one-year contract to anchor the Cleveland bullpen with the idea that he was a tough competitor, someone who fought for each and every out that he got. He did his job well enough to pass. While that is very true, sometimes being a competitor and showing heart just isn't enough.

It does not hide a lack of talent.

During his "great" 2007 season where he saved 45 games, Borowski became the first player in history to lead his league in saves while posting an ERA of over 5.00.

Of the top-10 pitchers in saves in the American League that season, Borowski allowed the most hits, runs, and had the most blown saves, with eight.

He was either good or very bad. This year, it has been more of the very bad.

In 18 appearances, Borowski had an ERA of 7.56 with four blown saves. He was showing decreased velocity, which led to significantly fewer strikeouts and more  hard hit balls. Borowski had given up 24 hits, including four home runs in 16.2 innings of work.

The decrease in velocity was mysteriously linked to an undisclosed forearm strain injury from spring training. The Indians tried to give it some time to rest and placed Borowski on the disabled list for five weeks, but after continuing to struggle to get outs, they finally had enough. 

After blowing his last save against the White Sox on Tuesday night, Borowski had not only blown away his job as an Indian, but essentially finished the Indians' season and any attempt they might have had at a comeback.

After a closed-door meeting Thursday, a new direction was set, Boroski was gone, along with bullpen-mate Rick Bauer. The Indians have 10 days to trade or release the veteran relievers. The kids are to be called up, and the Indians are now definite sellers in this year's trade market.

In his year-and-a-half in an Indians uniform, Borowski did help to give the Indians bullpen enough stability to allow others to assume their appropriate roles and help lead a young team to the brink of a World Series appearance.

Without Borowski and his role on the team, the Indians would not have been where they were.

Though, as we have seen this season, all good things must come to an end.

While the Indians' successful run may not officially be over, as there is still a bright future for the organization, it is hard to say the same about Borowski. 

I wish Joe the best on his quest to continue his pitching career—it's been great while the run lasted.

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