"You're gonna put in who?!?!"
Chuck Crowe/The PD
Today, I’m going to break down the Indians free-agent bullpen additions. This past off-season the Tribe added such stalwarts as Aaron Fultz, Roberto Hernandez, Joe Borowski, and the infamous Keith Foulke. At the time of these signings, some of Wahoo nation’s biggest die hard fans cheered while many others (like myself) were rightly skeptical of the moves. I mean, come on it’s not exactly the re-incarnation of the “Nasty Boys” after a drive up I-71 or anything here. Let’s face it, the bullpen is what killed this team last year and the realists knew a return to the playoffs will ride on the arms in the pen.
Ok, I know its only June 22nd (out of respect for the Summer Solstice I took the day off yesterday) and I hate to be the type of guy who likes to say “I told you so,” but…well, screw it.
I told you so.
It doesn’t happen every day that I feel like a young Nostradamus of the sports world. Granted it wasn’t exactly the most far-fetched of proclamations, but damn I was right and I deserve to gloat for a moment …even if it is at the expense of my Indians. Hey, with my fantasy baseball team stuck in a “self destruct” mode for the unforeseeable future, I need to holler about something else right now.
Now don't get me wrong here. I'm a Tribe fan. I see a few bright spots in the pen (such as the recent emergence as Rafael Perez) this season, but to get though the playoffs you need much more than what we've been given so far. Clearly, this is partial mock on the Tribe's Big Lots! type bullpen shopping; as well as a plea for help before the trade deadline. Please read the following with extreme caution.
Without further adieu, here’s a report on the Tribe’s free agent bullpen additions at the near half way point in the season:
Keith Foulke:
The Tribe signed the guy who closed out the 2004 World Series without taking into account the fact that Foulke has no cartilage left in one of his knees among a few other injury concerns. Foulke announced he won't be joining us afterall on the eve of the start of spring training.
Chuck Crowe/The Plain Dealer
Roberto Hernandez:
“Old-berto,” as some of the boys at Swerb’s Blurbs like to refer him as, came in from the National League with many concerns about his age and diminishing skills. Hernandez certainly didn’t disappoint the skeptics while posting a record of 3-1, with a 6.23 era before mercifully designated for assignment by the Indians on Tuesday.
Joe Borowski:
Granted, Joe was indeed the likely “best available closer” on a very thin market this past off-season, but he certainly can be considered unpredictable at best on the mound over the past several years. Borowski saved 33 games for the Cubs in 2003 and 36 for the Marlins last year. During the time between, this guy bounced around between the minors and the majors which included a (gasp!)…stint with the Devil Rays in 2005. So far this season Joe is 0-3, with a 6.23 era, and 20 saves. The Indians have successfully managed to find a slimmer Bob Wickman.
Aaron Fultz:
Fultz, a lefthander, has filled a very large need for the Tribe’s staff this season. He is currently 3-1, with a 1.10 era in 31 appearances. Clearly the bright spot among the free-agent additions is Fultz. Well, I guess this proves that if you throw enough crap against the wall, something will eventually stick.
Read the complete post at http://kidcleveland.blogspot.com/2007/06/tribes-bullpen-front-is-put-on-so-far.html