Indians Add Closer, Depth to 2009 Bullpen

Last season the Indians bullpen was abominable, and, along with an anemic offense, cost the Indians many games. Mark Shapiro made finding solutions in the bullpen a priority this offseason, and with the moves he made in free agency and the in-house options available, the pen seems to be headed in the right direction.

While there are still questions regarding the health or effectiveness of several members of the bullpen, the increased number of options and signings should help the Indians in the late innings. Lets take a look at the key players in this years pen:

Kerry Wood (RHP)

The Indians biggest offseason acquisition and the closer for the club. Wood changed to bullpen after a slew of well-documented injuries. His health is a major concern, but last year he was healthy and effective at closing out ballgames. While he no longer has the stuff he had when he first came into the league, he is still very good at getting strikeouts (over 11k/9 IP). If he stays healthy and maintains what he did last year, he should be the best anchor the Indians have had in years.

Jensen Lewis (RHP)

Lewis was very effective closing games down the stretch and should move into the primary setup role. His mindset, experience, and ability to get ground ball outs make him a potential replacement for Wood if needed. He doesn't have the overwhelming pitches for a closer, but his toughness and ability to pitch in pressure situations are intangibles that make him an option.

Rafael Perez (LHP)

Perez was a consistent performer for the Indians last year and should continue to share late-inning duties with Lewis. His ability to get strikeouts (over 10k/9 IP) and effectiveness against both right-handers and left-handers make him an asset in the bullpen.

Masa Kobayashi (RHP)

The Japanese hurler wore down at the end of last year, but with a year of major league experience under his belt and fewer innings he should be a solid option.

Rafael Betancourt (RHP)

Two years ago, Betancourt may have been the most effective relief pitcher in the American League. Last year he lost his usual pinpoint location and left too many fastballs over the plate. His lack of an effective second pitch make him a liability when his fastball isn't hitting the corners. If he can find his control, he could reclaim a spot as a late-innings reliever.

Joe Smith (RHP)

Smith features a sidearm delivery that gives the pen a different look. He will probably be used as a match up pitcher and depth option.

The last spot in the rotation is up for grabs, but Adam Miller is the likely candidate if he is healthy.  Miller has been the top pitching prospect in the Indians organization for a number of years, but injuries and starting pitching depth have kept him out of the big league picture. John Meloan, Ed Mujica, Vinnie Chulk, and Rich Rundles are also options.