Bleacher Report - Articles by Anthony Grethel

Temptation: C.C. Sabathia's Life in Vanity Fair

Anthony Grethel — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:17:54 -0400

Vanity Fair.

An allegorical city conceived in literature during the 17th century. A representation of all that is evil, and what is related to all devilish things.

Temptation, Lies, Cheating: Only a few of the many unfortunate burdens that have come across baseball in the modern era.

Let's go back to the story of The Pilgrim's Progress, the birthplace to Vanity Fair, and one of the greatest pieces of literature ever written.

We begin with Christian, who is the protagonist of our story.

Christian is a man that everyone can relate to, as he is burdened by sin that he receives from reading the Bible. The sin that is put upon him is what would be the cause of bringing him, or any other person, into the depths of Hell's devilish, yet tempted ways.

Unlike many around him, Christian sees beyond the strong temptations of the devil, and is drawn to the "shining light". In the story, the name of this destination is known as Wicket's Gate.

While Christian is set upon reaching his goal, sin and temptation causes him to get psi-tracked from his personal goals. But after being redirected to the path of justice, Christian stays devoted to his mission and continues upon his quest.

Christian eventually accomplishes his goal, but the stories continues...

Though I won't continue to sound like your high school's English teacher, I will relate this allegory to one of the most intriguing and most followed stories of this year's baseball season:

C.C. Sabathia's path of loyalty, desire, and most of all... temptation.

Imagine C.C. as Christian from our story. Now relate Christian's path to the Wicket Gate to Sabathia's quest of a contract.

As temptations and traps were between Christian and his destination, the same can be said for C.C. and his path to a contract.

Temptation, desire, treachery. All have already been placed before C.C, as Vanity Fair's wrongdoing has been put into the making.

As C.C. continues to travel upon his path, the determined pitcher's loyalty will be tested again and again.

Whether C.C. stays true to his path or not remains to be unseen. Even Christian, the man that all can relate to, couldn't make his quest without being halted by traps along the way.

Now, as a avid Indians supporter, I want to express to all of those reading this that buying into C.C's words of calling Cleveland his home is great to hear, but not at all any type of guarantee or hint of something already being discussed.

Picture C.C. walking on a path filled with traps of money and benefits set by teams such as the Yankees, Dodgers, A's, and other teams that may have interest for the young ace. While Sabathia is walking along the road aside of all these things, he slowly gets closer to the situation that he truly want's to happen. From what we have been told, Cleveland is Sabathia's own Wicket Gate.

While the long and winding road may be a challenge to resist, Sabathia is living his own version of Vanity Fair. As Sabathia continues to play the role of a modern version of the character Christian, our beloved pitcher of Cleveland has his destiny in his own hands. Whether he gets drawn by desires or stays true to his will, that is something only time will tell.

One and Done: Cleveland Indians Send Jeremy Sowers Back to Triple-A

Anthony Grethel — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:08:19 -0400

Talk about unfortunate circumstances.

Sowers, who was originally called upon to fill the gap for Indians' pitcher Jake Westbrook, now will be heading back to Triple-A Buffalo as Grady Sizemore's ankle injury seems to be more of an issue than people originally expected.

Even though Aaron Laffey was originally expected to be the pitcher optioned after this series against the Yankees, Grady Sizemore's sprained ankle unfortunately mended the situation. The Indians needed an extra outfielder, and the only option available was to option Sowers down, allowing Laffey to become the new substitute for Jake Westbrook's absence.

Brad Snyder was the outfielder called upon to fill the roster.

Sowers pitched 5 1/3 innings this past Saturday, giving up three earned runs (which by the way really weren't his fault) and striking out 3 in the process.

Manager Eric Wedge described Sowers as someone with "great poise", and told the press how he was impressed on Sowers' performance.

The Indians and Yankees are ending their series with on Monday with Mike Mussina and Aaron Laffey, the new Westbrook substitute, on the mound for each team.

The Indians will be aiming to win the majority of the series, while also getting back to .500.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: Winners and Losers of The NFL Draft, Day One

Anthony Grethel — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 23:11:43 -0400

Day one of the NFL 2008 NFL Draft has come to an end and there has been multiple questions that have been certainly answered.

For example: The Packers definitely raised some speculation about their direction with quarterback, as Brian Brohm was taken in the second round to bring some competition to Green Bay.

...Aaron Rodgers most likely isn't feeling too good about his situation right now.

Beyond Green Bay's statement, let's look at some other big moves that will have an impact on each organization:

1. Miami Dolphins.

Jake Long isn't the only rookie Wolverine to be in Miami next year. With Chad Henne being taken in the second round, John Beck is probably not in the most comfortable position he could be in right now.
Another note: Bill Parcells has always been a believer in the philosophy of a big, strong-armed quarterback to throw the ball down-field. Is Chad Henne the next to follow in the Parcells scheme?
In all seriousness, this team could potentially take three players from the same team in this draft. I expect the Dolphins to take a WR down the road, and if Mario Manningham is on the board he most likely is the best available.

2. Atlanta Falcons.

Nothing says "Out with the old and in with the new" than the Falcons getting the best quarterback in the draft with the 3rd pick overall. Whether Mike Vick's career is done or not, one thing is for sure - his Atlanta Falcons days are at an end.

3. New England Patriots.

Similar to the Falcons, the Patriots used their early 1st rounder to get a point across that rebuilding their veteran LB core is their priority.
One thing I don't understand is how if they wanted to stay young, why not sign Rosevelt Colvin to a long term deal? That might have been a mistake.

4. Washington Redskins.

Apparently, getting turned down by the Bengals for Chad Johnson didn't hurt too much as they shut down any of the Bengals hopes for a better deal by drafting two WR's in Malcolm Kelly and Devin Thomas, along with TE Fred Davis.
All three of these players should be able to make an instant contribution, as the WR was obviously shallow, along with Chris Cooley benefiting from having an extra TE on the other side of the line to help him out as well.

5. Chicago Bears.

This is my least favorite. OK, so we all know that for the past couple years Lovie Smith has been saying that Rex was the QB, but seriously...
The Bears were in position to take any of the top 3 quarterbacks (beyond Ryan, of course)...TWICE! This was a huge mistake for the Bears, as this was the perfect opportunity to get a new face into the mix and end the Grossman/Orton/Griese era potentially.

Of course, these aren't all the teams that have made statements on Day One, but these are certainly some of the higher "impact" moves that occurred. As the draft continues, I'm sure there will be many more stories like these to come.

Now, let's get through the 5 best team selections put together in the first two rounds of the draft.

#1. Miami Dolphins.

Pick 1. Jake Long. OT.

Great offensive lineman who screams "rebuild". This guy will be able to contribute for many, many years to come. Whether fans wanted a big name or so called "impact" player, I don't see how Miami could have gone wrong with this pick.

Pick 2. Philip Merling. DE.

Very strong and big defensive end that many didn't pay attention to due to a sports hernia. If healthy, many expected him to possibly have been in the top 10. This could very well have been a sleeper.

Pick 3. Chad Henne. QB.

The second Wolverine chosen by the Dolphins, and possibly could be an instant impact player especially in the quarterback situation that Miami is currently at. He fits the Parcells scheme completely, and with his trusted offensive lineman from college, I expect Henne to start his professional career off the right foot.

#2. Kansas City Chiefs.

Glenn Dorsey. DT.

Strong, big, and has a great football mentality. This is a player to revolve and build your defense around. The Chiefs should be very happy to have landed this player with their pick.

Branden Albert. OG.

A great college guard, but the question remains whether the Chiefs either keep him there or move him to tackle. Whatever they do, chances are this player will play at a very high level. Very athletic and has quick feet. Should help aid that offensive line that once was known as the best in the league.

Brandon Flowers. CB.

This kid may not have the best 40-yard dash or best size, but the intangibles are almost flawless on him. The only true problem he needs to avoid is not trying to make spectacular plays on each down. All he needs to do is play his own position and he'll be fine.

#3. Dallas Cowboys.

Felix Jones. RB.

The 2nd of the two RBs at Arkansas. I don't think he is a player who could be successful in a one-RB system, but with Marion Barber he'll play just as well as if he was still in Arkansas. He is a very good open field type of running back who is hard to tackle once he gets past the line.

Mike Jenkins. CB.

Very versatile player who can play at both corner and also safety. Whether Pacman Jones can play or not shall determine the role he is assigned in this organization.

Martellus Bennett. TE.

Personally, I see this pick as one of the "hit or miss" type of players. Many are hoping that this guy can end up like Antonio Gates, who has very similar attributes and previous experiences (played college basketball for two seasons). If this pick ends up being successful, the tandem of Jason Witten and Bennett will be more than what any can handle along with a strong WR core.

#4. Pittsburgh Steelers.

Rashard Mendenhall. RB.

Strong, big, and surprisingly fast for his size. Mendenhall perfectly fits the Pittsburgh mentality. Great steal in the draft.

Limas Sweed. WR.

Good speed and hands. Most likely will never become a highly feared down-the-field threat, but he most certainly would be a great possession wide receiver, somewhat similar to TJ Houshmanzadeh from the Cincinnati Bengals.

#5. New England Patriots.

Jerod Mayo. LB.

The definition of what type of versatile player that the Patriots strive for. As Vrabel and company grooms Mayo, this guy could possibly be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come.

Terrence Wheatley. CB.

Very similar to Brandon Flowers, but with higher speed capabilities. Could be a very good shut down corner in the league if he can stay healthy.

That rounds out my top Day One Selections in the NFL Draft. Now onto the disappointments.

#1. Cleveland Browns.

Unfortunately for one of my favorites, this draft is simply an abomination. They have absolutely no picks until the 4th, and yet they still only will get 4 picks overall, all coming on the 2nd day of the draft. Most likely, there will be no instant or possibly ever impact players they can get at that point available. At least they got what they needed to solidify their offense as one of the best during the off-season with Donte Stallworth.

#2. San Diego Chargers.

Antoine Cason. CB.

It's one thing to take need over value of a pick, but seriously. Antoine Cason definitely wasn't 1st. round material. Inconsistency and other problems have plagued his college career. Not having any other picks until the 5th round also is a huge setback towards this year's draft stock.

#3. Detroit Lions.

Gosder Cherilus. OT.

Even though this guy is still is good player, he frankly isn't worthy of a top 17 pick overall in the NFL draft. There were multiple better linemen available that Detroit could have chosen that would have made more sense. Still, he is a very good pass-blocker.

Jordan Dizon. LB.

Not very big, and the biggest thing I've heard about this player is that he "plays above his expectations". Don't get me wrong, it's good that players can overachieve, but in the NFL, that only takes you so far.

#4. Chicago Bears.

Chris Williams. OT.

Good player, but wasn't the best on the board at the time of the pick. Still, he is a very good pass-blocker.

Matt Forte. RB.

This is when the Bears killed their draft. I understand that Cedric Benson hasn't been that great, but not picking a QB or another RB over Forte is completely ludicrous. After all of the drama with Orton and friends struggling, this was the chance they had to put that all away and get a new face into the system.

#5. Minnesota Vikings.

Tyrell Johnson. S.

Unfortunately for the Vikings, their draft was destined for mediocrity with only one pick in the top 4 rounds. This pick was simply used for a need, and respectively so. Most likely the Vikings will get the least talent out of this draft, but at least they are making the best they can out of it instead of wasting the picks (cough, Bears, cough).

There you have it folks.

Please comment on anything you agree or disagree with and please share your opinions.

Cincinnati Bengals: Day One Draft Analysis

Anthony Grethel — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 20:26:07 -0400

The Bengals' organization has been dampened by injuries, player distractions (thanks, Chad), and legal trouble for what seems like an eternity.

This draft is supposed to help stop the bleeding and get this franchise back on track to their playoff hopes.

Before coming into this draft, Marvin Lewis stressed three key factors in what he wanted to get out of this weekend.

Production. Consistency. Character.

With that being said, let's see how the Bengals fared in the first day of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Pick 1. (No. 9 overall) Keith Rivers, LB, USC.

Keith Rivers defines all three qualities Marvin Lewis was aiming for. This was a great pick for the Bengals, in the locker room and on the field. His work ethic and love for the game will hopefully influence all others around him.
With Odell Thurman recently reinstated, this could be a very good setup for building a long-term core at linebacker. It's truly a shame about David Pollack, as he would have also been a great contributor as well.

My overall grade for this pick: A

Pick 2. (No. 46 overall) Jerome Simpson. WR. Coastal Carolina.

This was a shocker to many, including myself. Frankly, I'm not so happy about this one. Limas Sweed, Devin Thomas, and Desean Jackson were all on the board above this guy. If we truly did want this guy, we could have waited to pick him until the next round, if not later.
Whether he was the right person or not, the position was the right choice. Whether Chad is playing or not, the Bengals' once-strong WR core is now set back to only TJ and (if you can consider) Chad.
One thing I've heard about Simpson is that he is known for good character. Marvin Lewis must really be focused on that standard.
In the Bengals' system, I believe a great choice either would have been Limas Sweed or Mario Manningham. Granted, I don't think Manningham would have been chosen because of character issues, but you can't deny his talent. If Mario is still on the board later throughout the draft, a risk might be worth it.
Overall, this pick won't be approved by fans until Simpson produces on the field. Many preferred the big names.

My overall grade for this pick: C

OK. So these are the actual picks, but who would I have preferred? Well...

Anthony's Preferred Pick 1: Keith Rivers. LB. USC.

That's right, I agreed with who the Bengals actually chose. The reason for this is simply because Sedrick Ellis and Chris Long wouldn't have been available for the Bengals.
I think it's safe to say that Cincinnati got the best of what they could have received for the value of the pick.

Anthony's Preferred Pick 2: Limas Sweed. WR. Texas.

Jerome Simpson wasn't the best WR on the board at the time they picked him. I prefer the better talent available. Limas Sweed is someone you could put either in the slot or out in trips formation for a fade. He would have been a great substitute for Chad if we actually do get rid of him.
It might have been better to go for a defensive pick again or an offensive lineman. There were plenty more wide receivers available who would still be around if Cincinnati had passed them up.
A tight end might also would have been a good choice also, but Jon Carlson, who was the only TE at that level of value in the secnd round, was already chosen.

As the draft continues on Sunday at 10 a.m., I shall report again later throughout the day with another analysis on the Day Two selections, along with the overall grade of the draft as a whole for the Bengals.

As for the conclusion of Day One, the only thing we know for sure is that it seems coach Lewis is serious about choosing players of character this year.

Until later, see ya' folks!

Here's to April: The First Official MLB Power Rankings

Anthony Grethel — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 18:13:11 -0400

As the first month of baseball comes to an end, it's safe to say that this isn't exactly what people like to call a " consistent" start to a season.

Teams such as Detroit, Cleveland, Florida, and New York (Yankees) have started in positions not many expected.

Detroit and Cleveland, who many thought were the obvious favorites of the AL Central, don't have a record over .500. The Marlins, with low payroll and all, have jumped out to a lead in the NL East over the Mets, Phillies, and Braves.

Even stranger... the Rays are over .500!

Here are the Official Power Rankings of April:

1. Chicago Cubs:

Simple explanation. Pitching wins games. One Ted Lilly gets back on track, the rotation with Zambrano and Dempster will be something to reckoned with. Also, Kerry Wood is fitting well at the closing position. Did I mention Alfonso Soriano isn't even back yet?

2. Arizona Diamondbacks:

Really the D-Backs have done just as well as the Cubs to start the season, but I gave the edge to the Cubs' stronger offense. Still, the rotation of Webb, Haren, and Randy Johnson is arguably the best in the league.

3. Oakland Athletics:

With Frank Thomas on board, the only worries for Oakland is consistency from the rotation and bullpen. If all stay healthy, this club should end up playing in October. The A's are my official dark horse of the season.

4. Los Angeles Angels:

This team is going to be scary good when John Lackey is healthy and Vlad Guerrero gets hot. The Angels and A's should be in for a tough competition against each other for winning the West.

5. Boston Red Sox:

Boston being Boston. Do you really think this team won't end up in the playoffs? ...That was a rhetorical question.

6. St. Louis Cardinals:

Definitely a team who could go either way in the season. No matter, Albert Pujols will always one of the best in the league, and he will keep this team in playoff contention all year.

7. Baltimore Orioles:

I understand that the Orioles have gotten off to a great start, and I respect that. But I honestly don't expect this team to continue their level of playing for all of the season. Eventually, Boston and New York will take the reigns of the East.

8. Chicago White Sox:

A team with talent at both pitching and batting. It's going to be tough for this team to win the Central if the Indians and Detroit gets hot.

9. Philadelphia Phillies:

Chase Utley and Pat Burrell have been magnificent to say the least. If these two can stay at a high level all year, who knows how far this club can go if Ryan Howard can get on track. They don't have much time to wait for Howard though. With Atlanta, Florida, and New York all in their division, it's inevitable to say that the this division will be coming down to the wire.

10. Florida Marlins:

No doubt that it's been a great start for a team with only a fraction of money compared to the rest of the organizations. But just like the Orioles, it seems highly doubtful this team will be able to say at the level of playing it's currently at all season, especially with the competition in the NL East. Still, I'm happily surprised by this team's early success.

11. Milwaukee Brewers:

Another team who has start strong, but most likely won't be able to compete at that level for the whole season. Chicago and St. Louis are too strong of competition for Milwaukee to be able to win their division. Gagne and the rest of the bullpen won't be able to hold this team together in tight games.

12. Tampa Bay Rays:

Seriously, how can you not give respect to this team? They are above .500 and have shown signs of some young, promising talent. With Longoria and company, this team might have a shot of some success this year. (Be advised: Boston and New York most likely won't allow that to happen)

13. Atlanta Braves:

This is a team loaded with experience and talent from veterans. With Chipper Jones and John Smoltz playing like rookies again, this club seems destined for success. Let's hope they can hold it together for the whole season and stay healthy.

14. New York Mets:

Even with Johan Santana, it looks like the pitching is the weakest spot for the Mets this year. A somewhat porous bullpen and only one consistently strong starter, this team is going to have a tough time making it to the playoffs with the competition they will be playing against in their division. Still, David Wright, Jose Reyes, and Carlos Delgado won't go down without a fight.

15. Cleveland Indians:

A team with more potential than anyone. They started off the wrong foot, but if C.C can get back to Cy Young ability and the bats get swinging, this team will be back in the AL Championship. Sabathia, Carmona, Lee, Westbrook, and Byrd are arguably the best rotation in the game. It seems probably that Cliff Lee is the early favorite for comeback player of the year. Expect a dual against the Tigers for the division.

16. Detroit Tigers:

This team has more firepower than anyone. Whether they use it, that's the question. A great rotation with a satisfactory bullpen. Like I said though, the firepower will single handily keep this team alive throughout the season.

17. Seattle Mariners:

Like the Tigers, this team had much higher expectations. My biggest question is beyond Ichiro who is going to be getting on base? Overall, this team I don't believe is as good as what people thought they were.

18. New York Yankees:

Even though somehow this team will most likely make the playoffs (you know, since their the Yankees and all..), this team really isn't as good as how much their payroll is worth. Currently, Wang is their only truly consistent pitcher, and Abreu has been leading the offense. Like I said though, they'll manage to get into the playoffs no sweat.

19. Cincinnati Reds:

I'm sure many question the Reds being higher than others, but they actually do have a strong rotation and offense. If both can actually get on the same page, this team might exceed their expectations. Only problem is that there is no way they will be able to compete with St. Louis and Chicago.

20. Colorado Rockies:

This team isn't the same team who made that semi-legendary playoff run. This team is going to somehow have to beat out the Diamondbacks for the division if they want to get back to the World Series. The wild card of the NL seems certain to either go to the East or Central. All the teams after the Rockies I don't believe have any shot whatsoever of making the playoffs.

21. Houston Astros:

There is a large drop off from 20 to 21 in the rankings. The Astros simply lack explosiveness and pitching all together, yet they are getting by currently. This will be a sub .500 team all year and will never make a splash.

22. Los Angeles Dodgers:

For a team with a higher payroll, why doesn't this team do so well? Oh that's right... they spend their money by signing players like Andruw Jones.

23. Kansas City Royals:

What's this? Not the last team in the Central? Heck, at least it's improvement for KC. Let's just take baby steps for progress, OK?

24. San Diego Padres:

This team has a good pitcher in Jake Peavy and a lackadaisical offense to contribute. This is the definition of what you call underachieving in the league this season.

25. Minnesota Twins:

This team has nobody to talk about. Johan and Torii are gone, so who's left? This team is officially the new lower level of the AL Central.

26. San Francisco Giants:

OK, so I just watched this team play tonight, and honestly there is nobody in their offense, yet along field, who's name sounds somewhat considered "star player". With Bonds gone, this team has nothing besides Lincecum. I will say though, the 2B Velez is possibly the fastest baseball player I've ever seen.

27. Toronto Blue Jays:

Well, Roy Halladay is good.

28. Texas Rangers:

Josh Hamilton has been a pleasant surprise for the Rangers, and also a regrettable one for the Reds. This team in fact actually does have a few good young players. Unfortunately, this might be the worst pitching core in the league.

29. Pittsburgh Pirates:

This team will be bruised heavily in a tough NL Central. At least the rotation has been semi-pleasant though.

30. Washington Nationals:

This team has a just as good approval rating as it's neighbor, the White House, does.

Well, there you have it. The official rankings of the first month of the MLB.

And now, my official early prediction of the World Series:

Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians

... We have a long way to go, but that's my early thought. Of course, anything can happen.

Cleveland Indians: Ryan Garko Exceeding Expectations

Anthony Grethel — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:50:00 -0400

While the Indians have started the season at a mediocre 5-10 with some struggles, Ryan Garko has been exceeding all expectations.

With a .314 batting average, 9 RBI's, .435 OBP, and 1 home run, it's hard to argue that Garko has been a reason why the team is struggling. Another factor of Garko's success is his eye while at the plate. Already, Garko has drawn 10 walks this year with 58 plate appearances, when he only managed 34 in 541 throughout last season.

On Wednesday, Garko was hit by a pitch on his hand which he initially believed to be broken but the training staff diagnosed the injury only as a bruise.

"When it's cold, it always hurts a little more", says Garko.

Garko is the only Indian who has managed to get on base at least once throughout each of the first 14 games of the season.

Chad Johnson's Criticism: Cincinnati's Biggest Mistake

Anthony Grethel — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:59:33 -0400

As a Cincinnati native, I believe it is my duty to explain to fans of both the Bengals and the NFL in general, of the truth beyond the relationship of our own Chad Johnson and the city itself.

Since the conception of No. 85 in 2001, Bengal fans have madly been in a state of infatuation with the wide receiver. Whether it was because of talent or marketability, it has been almost impossible for anyone in the city not to drawn his antics and cockiness.

Let me make one thing straight: Cincinnati has ALWAYS loved it's football, no matter if it was 1996 or 2005. People here have always cared about the Bengals, but for the longest time there was nothing to actually cheer about.

Chad Johnson is more then just a player to Cincinnati... he's a living representation and symbol of Bengal's return to...well... respectability.

Even though the Bengals technically have only made the playoffs once during CJ's time as a Bengal, the team has no doubt become much more of an "authentic competitor". The majority of the city believes there were three crucial pieces to the puzzle. Marvin Lewis, Carson Palmer, and of course, Chad Johnson.

Think of Carson and Marvin as more of the "silent contributors". There is no doubt they indeed were the crucial broth and noodles to the soup, Chad was the chicken.

As the Bengals became better and better over the past several years, so did the expectations of Bengal fans everywhere. It was almost unbearable for some to wait until the season to begin, as many were expecting another playoff visit or another AFC North Championship to again be crowned by Cincinnati.

...Chad Johnson was how people expressed their feelings.

Ocho Cinco's constant talk and beaming charisma is what so many people here in Cincinnati would represent themselves by. As Chad would say one thing, a fan would become more and more drawn into hope of the next season.

Unfortunately for all of Cincinnati, 2007 wasn't what many planned for.

With only half of the season played, already fans were throwing in the towel for the season. People were clueless or shocked. Someone had to be blamed.

The obvious answer people should have thought about was defense and the lack of linebackers on the field, but apparently a few extra drops were enough for people to become obsessed with hating on Chad.

Johnson ended up with a franchise record 1,440 yards, yet still it was inevitable to fans that Chad was the problem.

For weeks after the season ended, blaming Chad and insisting trades was all the rage. Chad obviously got the memo, and quickly responded.

"What? It can't be! Chad want's to be traded? But why? We love Chad here!"

Have you ever heard the saying "Be careful for what you wish for?"

Now, as Chad demands either being traded or sitting out if he doesn't leave Cincinnati, people are actually asking themselves how it got to this point.

I guess Cincinnati is most likely going to get their wish.

Joe Borowski Placed on DL, Tom Mastny Called Up from AAA-Buffalo

Anthony Grethel — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:57:22 -0400

Joe Borowski's stint as a Cleveland Indian might be nearing it's end.

After a strange 2007 that included an ERA of 5.07, along with leading the AL in saves (45), it seems that Joe Borowski's chances of getting another shot in Cleveland are questionable at best.

With an 18.00 ERA and 2 blown saves already accounted for, Borowski has been off to his worst start ever produced in his career.

On Tuesday, Borowski was placed on the DL with an apparently strained triceps. Whether the accusation is true or not, there is no doubt that something has been bothering the closer since spring training.

Over the past few weeks, Borowski has been pitching with a lack of velocity that has been described as a "dead-arm period", in his own words. Indians manager Eric Wedge believes that the extent of this injury could cause Borowski to sit for possibly a month.

With Borowski on the DL, Betancourt has been assigned closing duties for the time being.

Tom Mastny, who pitched for the Indians in 2007 with a 4.68 ERA and was slotted to play in AAA Buffalo, has been called up to fill the extra slot.

Wedge has stated that he believes Borowski will take the closer role once healthy again, but doesn't guarantee anything.