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Calling out Joe Borowski

I don't blame Wedge for using JoeBo last night. Of course from a strictly baseball perspective it cannot be explained...Raffy B should've been in there. He's the better pitcher, and was rolling.

But as was brought up last night both on TBS and on the game thread, Wedge's management of this team doesn't exist in a bubble. He has to deal on a personal level with these guys every day, and as much as we hate to admit it, personal relationships and team comraderie may trump common sense, even in the playoffs. It may not make sense to us fans who cling to every win and loss like life and death, but these guys are friends, and their relationships will last well beyond this season. With JoeBo, Wedge has to constantly weigh the benefit of keeping him out of close games vs. what it will do to his clubhouse.

Which brings me to why I wrote this diary. I called out Nixon earlier in the season for being such a "team guy" but not having the balls to absolve Wedge of a duty to play him. You know you suck, you know there are better options, and you know the coach is just trying to keep peace by giving you at-bats. The situation with JoeBo is a little more high-leverage, but I don't see why the same logic cannot be applied. JoeBo is a great team guy. We all know this. But how he can continue to fool himself into thinking that he is our best 9th inning option is delusional.

He would actually become one of my biggest idols in sports if he went to Wedge today and said "Eric, I appreciate how you've supported me up to this point, but if you feel like the Raffies or Jensen give you a better chance, go for it. You don't owe me anything." Of course, the risk would be that Wedge takes this to be a lack of self-confidence by JoeBo in himself, and he takes all of his innings away....which I don't think would be fair either.

Someone in this organization has to address the elephant in the room instead of continuing to dance around this issue, hoping everything will turn out ok. We're 8 games from winning the World Series, and based on an entire season of data, I'm not sure how JoeBo goes through the next 3 weeks without a blown save.

Please, JoeBo, for the sake of your teammates, your coach, and the fans. Be a man.

Rant. Complete.

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Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Betancourt has to be viewed as the closer for the ALCS.
"Albert Belle blooped the ball over the fence." -- Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox after Game 5 of the 1995 World Series

by Eric Plunk on Oct 9, 2007 12:12 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
No doubt. Although if we do make the switch, I would want the organization to keep it quiet until after the first game Raffy closes. Think of the surprise factor. We're leading in the 6th, we throw Raffy-L out there, Jensen out there...Sox just coast because they think they'll get their chance at JoeBo in the 9th.....and BOOM IT'S RAFFY BETANCOURT!!! SURPRISE!

by supermarioelia on Oct 9, 2007 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
I'm not sure it would be all that surprising at this point.
"Albert Belle blooped the ball over the fence." -- Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox after Game 5 of the 1995 World Series

by Eric Plunk on Oct 9, 2007 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
I highly doubt Wedge will change the formula - a formula he views as having gotten us where we are today.

I understand the sentiment, but I think JoBo is the reality. And we need to, er, deal with it.

Then again, JoBo might get pink eye or something...

>> I reserve the right to extend and revise my remarks.

by paul sorrento to cooperstown on Oct 9, 2007 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
I like using Borowski because it keeps the pressure on our offense to keep the lead at 4 runs or more.

WEDGENIUS

by Toxicadam on Oct 9, 2007 12:35 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
HAHAHA. Interesting motivation.... Worked for the Phillies a little.

by crazymoloh on Oct 9, 2007 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
As much as we'd prefer it, I just don't see how you can expect someone with the mentality needed to make the majors willing to admit he doesn't have it anymore. We see all kinds of ballplayers play well past their usefulness. These guys have such a drive that won't let them give up.

by 7foot3 on Oct 9, 2007 1:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
A player has no obligation to tell a manager to sit him. A player's job , especially a closer, is to want the ball in the 9th.

Furthermore, JoBo has already stated clearly that he would be happy letting someone else close.

Also considering that JoBo leads the league in saves and succesfully saved the game last night he has no oligation to take himself.

Also according to your theory wedge also had an obligtion to not start byrd.

by world dictator on Oct 9, 2007 1:14 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Man,I thought I was a nattering nabob of negativism. That is, until I read this diary.....

A player has no obligation to tell a manager to sit him. A player's job , especially a closer, is to want the ball in the 9th.

Word. You want a roster of 25 people, every single one of whom wants the ball or bat in their hands. That includes players like JoBo and Barfield. That hunger and belief is important. What the hell is the point of having a guy on your team who thinks he sucks donkey balls?

by crazymoloh on Oct 9, 2007 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Don't worry, you're still a NNN.

I agree with that fact that hunger and belief are important. I semi-said the same thing in my diary post when describing the downside to JoeBo approaching Wedge in the manner I describe.

What makes self-confidence a non-factor in this scenario is that we know what we have with JoeBo. We know what he's capable of, and what his weaknesses are. And he knows this as well. Don't lump self-confidence and self-awareness in the same category. You can have confidence in your abilities to succeed while realizing that you're the 4th-best reliever on this team, and I'm sure JoeBo is well aware of this. He has the same access to his season stats and peripherals that the rest of us do.

Please don't get me wrong, people, I didn't intend to be overly negative in the diary. I'm just deathly afraid that this seemingly easy situation to remedy might cost us dearly. And I'd say I've been relatively tolerant of Borowski during the regular season. Seeing him last night giving up bombs scared the bejesus out of me.

by supermarioelia on Oct 9, 2007 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
I'm not lumping in self-confidence with self-awareness and if you watch Borowski pitch, its clear that neither does he. He doesn't pretend to be able to blow by hitters. It is worth remembering that we're talking about a small stretch of time and there have been periods of time where even Borowski can look like a major league closer. Tinkering with your team's confidence level in what is essentially a crapshoot seems silly to me.

Again, I agree that Borowski shouldn't be closing. I just don't think the ALCS is the time to find out whether Betancourt is closer material. Also, who knows what Wedge will do? Its clear that he's earned his team's trust and loyalty. I could easily see him using Betancourt for a 2 inning save and be able to walk into the club house without having dented anyone's perception of themselves.

by crazymoloh on Oct 9, 2007 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
then why didn't he do it in game 4?

by The Animal on Oct 10, 2007 8:21 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Wedge does, in fact, owe him nothing. Call me cynical but I think all Borowski is owed is his contract, which is being paid in full. Other than that he should do what he is told. It's what he's paid for (unless there is some clause in his contract specifying when in a game he pitches).

Here is another thing. The lineup got shuffled around a lot this year. Blake batted second for a while and now he bats ninth. Sizemore batted third and now he's back to first. Peralta has been all over the place. Etc. There is talk of consistency being important and not wanting to mess with hitters' routines. Fine.

But can someone tell me how the batting order can be shuffled but not the bullpen order? Or, more specifically, how the guy who's anointed the closer on day one must remain in that role unless he totally blows it? The other relievers have been shuffled around according to productivity, but not Borowski. For an organization that is one of the most forward thinking in the Majors this is practically beyond explanation. The trumpet of conventional wisdom blares loudly.

Besides, isn't this all part of being a professional?

End rant...now.

 

by osoc13 on Oct 9, 2007 1:17 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Just to clarify: I do not begrudge JoBo one bit for remaining the closer. It's not his job to manage the team; it's not his job to tell Wedge if there is a better option (unless he's injured or something).  

by osoc13 on Oct 9, 2007 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Also, there's a little more to being a closer than just being a good reliever. Just a little, but Indians think JoBo has it. I disagree, but I disagree with a lot of things they do.

What does a closer need in addition to being awesome?

  • Ability to pitch a day after costing his team a big win. We know JoBo can do it. We don't know how the Rafaels would respond.

  • Ability to maintain composure with guys on base. In the 9th innings, teams are going to throw the kitchen sink at you - fast pinch runners, better platoon splits, crowd intensity, etc....

I wholeheartedly disagree with JoBo closing, but its clear that the Indians prefer working with known quantities than unknown quantities (C.C on days, new closer, etc...).

by crazymoloh on Oct 9, 2007 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
We all know JoBo can maintain his composure with men on base. Oh how well do we all know this.

by osoc13 on Oct 9, 2007 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
All of this is the point.  Borowski is closing now because (a) no one could do it last year, and (b) he has done the job -- make that he has gotten the desired results -- all year.  

You just cannot change that in the playoffs unless you are sure that the changes are going to be for the better.  And you just cannot say that now.

If Wedge was going to try out a different arrangement, August or even September was the time to do it.  

by Buzz on Oct 9, 2007 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
just wonderin how many closers have went an entire season without a blown save.also is the playoffs a time to see if a pitcher can handle closing pressure.Pitching in the 9th is a whole different pressure cooker.
Chas

by Chas-NYY on Oct 9, 2007 1:33 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
It's wierd to see all these lifelong Indians fan asking for Wedge to do all of these things out of the norm.

It's one of the very things that got Hargrove booted out of his job.

-- --

I think the theme of this Shapiro/Wedge team is not repeating the same mistakes of the 90's.

by Toxicadam on Oct 9, 2007 1:34 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
you would think after doug jones,bob wickman joebo would be old hat.
Chas

by Chas-NYY on Oct 9, 2007 1:42 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Yesterday crystalized everything.

My biggest concern is that Wedge does not seem to understand that what is required for a winning 162-game season is not the same as what is required to win a 7-game series.

We all wondered, going into the playoffs, if Wedge was the type of out-of-the-box thinker who would not be tied to convention; the kind of manager who could make a seemingly contrarian (but statistically correct) decision.

Last night we got the answer.  Wedge is not going to break any convention, and he's not going to alter anything he's done all year.  The reason, however, is not that he thinks conventional wisdom is always right -- it's that he feels a sense of loyalty to the hard-working players who got the team to this point.  He feels it's worth the risk to go with a lesser player in order to maintain the positive team atmosphere.

I've worried for a while that Wedge is loyal to a fault.  Turns out, he is.  But it also turns out that many players believe that obstinate loyalty is what keeps the team rolling along.

It's so hard for us to judge the effect; we're not there with these guys.  The implication is that if Wedge had let the obviously better pitcher (Raffy R) stay in the game last night, Borowski would be upset and the whole team dynamic would be thrown for a loop.

I can't believe that's true, but they're winning.  They seem to love their manager.

Well, I love this team.  I love JoBo and his torn up shoulder.  I love the over achievers that they are.  And I'm going to have to hope that this approach continues to work -- cause we're going to keep seeing it.

by tabler84 on Oct 9, 2007 2:31 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
I was with you to the point that you called the Indians overachievers.  I disagree.  I think what this team has achieved is directly related to its talent level and leadership.

They have been the beneficiaries of some lucky breaks this year.  That is necessary for any championship team.  However, the longtime sports cliche is that luck is a function of talent, or at least that's what I've heard from Yankees and Steelers fans over the years, and I'm more than willing to apply it to this year's Tribe.  What I'm not willing to apply is a label as "overachievers."

by woodsmeister on Oct 9, 2007 3:35 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Wood,

I use that term to describe their work ethic, not their ability.  It's a compliment; this team is not the big-contract, private-jet type.  That's all I'm saying.

by tabler84 on Oct 9, 2007 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
kinda see what you are saying, but disagree that Wedge has the same approach in the playoffs.  He realizes that winning a series is different than a season long approach... see generally, all the bunting.  

by Ryan Kelsey on Oct 9, 2007 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
I must have been watching a different game.

The one I watched featured Borowski looking up at the scoreboard, seeing a 3-run lead and getting thru Jeter, Abreu, A-Rod and Posada to finish the game.

He didn't let a bunch of runners on base.  He threw strikes.  He got the save.

Going to Borowski wasn't just the right call becuause of the results, it was the right call because at some point Wedge will need Borowski.

Sure every game could be a blow-out or an extra inning home game or a loss or whatever scenario that allows us to never have to be nervous about Borowski, but that ain't gonna happen all post season.

Say what you will about Borowski, but the man did save a ton of games and blew a few.  How about how he actually forces Wedge to maximize the time the other COT'ers pitch.  You'll never see Borowski come in in the 8th in a jamb.  You see him when we should win the game when he just needs to use his closerness to get a few outs.

by Brick. on Oct 9, 2007 2:50 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Brick,

I don't think most people would dispute much of what you said, but here's the main concern:  When members of the COT are available and fresh, Wedge will go with JoBo instead because it's a save situation.

It's pretty clear now that had the score been 4-3 instead of 6-3 going into the ninth, Wedge would have pulled Raffy R and gone with JoBo -- because it was a save situation.  All the evidence indicates that this is the case, and someone posted that Hammy said as much on the radio last night.

by tabler84 on Oct 9, 2007 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
what i'm saying is there will be point when he's needed in a save situation and those guys won't be available, so you have to use him in a case like last night for all of those nebulous confidence type things...

by Brick. on Oct 9, 2007 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Borowski was throwing strikes that 2 Yankees batters absolutely crushed. Fortunately, Posada's went foul.

I don't care how many games Borowski saved in ther regular season and for me his astronomical ERA for a closer is a huge red flag.

There's little room for error in the postseason and Borowski's knack for putting runners on based just won't fly in the ALCS.

"Albert Belle blooped the ball over the fence." -- Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox after Game 5 of the 1995 World Series

by Eric Plunk on Oct 9, 2007 2:59 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
he didn't put any runners on base yesterday. He also threw a pitch that Posada completely missed and swung through. You might remember it as the last pitch of the ALDS.

by hans on Oct 9, 2007 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Sorry ...

Also! The Abreu homer was on fairly good pitch.

by emd2k3 on Oct 9, 2007 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Down and in to a lefthander is not a good pitch.

by notsince48 on Oct 9, 2007 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Down and in off the plate to a left hander is a really good pitch.....he just left it on the plate to a guy who for as good of an OBP guy, has completely lost the "5 tool" status after that HR contest a few years ago.

by hans on Oct 9, 2007 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
And I know it would be unprecendented for a pro athlete to actually do this.

I'm racking my brain here, and the only instance in sports I can think of is Charlie Conway giving up his spot in the lineup to Adam Banks. And may I remind you guys that the USA went on to win the gold medal of the Junior Goodwill Games. I'm just sayin.

by supermarioelia on Oct 9, 2007 3:02 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Mario,

It's a noble thought, but I agree with the previous poster that this ain't on JoBo.  He's pitching his heart out -- and he might very well be doing so with the World Series in his hands!  Benching himself is out of the question.

by tabler84 on Oct 9, 2007 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Yeah the questioning his manhood comments were way over the top. Completely forgot about his shoulder trouble for a solid hour there. I guess he has faith that Wedge understands the situation well enough that JoeBo shouldn't have to even say anything.

I think we need to lock the two of them in a room for a couple of hours and let them sort this out. If both of them feel that JoeBo as closer is our best shot for the ALCS/WS....well then let's rock and roll!

by supermarioelia on Oct 9, 2007 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Oh, and how was Hargrove fired for going against the grain?
"Albert Belle blooped the ball over the fence." -- Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox after Game 5 of the 1995 World Series

by Eric Plunk on Oct 9, 2007 3:03 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Like everyone else here, I'm tired of holding my breath through the 9th inning wondering how JoBo is going to blow it.  But at the same time, if Wedge were to shuffle the bullpen roles and anoint Raffy B the closer for the rest of the playoffs, where does JoBo then fit in?  

Do you put him in the 6th inning setup role and push everyone else back?  It seems to me that you're just starting the bleeding earlier in this scenario.  Sure, you're giving the offense more time to make up a deficit if JoBo allows 2 or 3 runs, but you're also boosting your opponent's confidence.  Maybe it's a wash, but I kind of like slamming the door early so that by the time the 9th rolls around, the opposing team is more or less cooked.

Do you remove him from the circle of trust altogether and chain him to Mastny at the end of the bench?  Tempting for sure, but now you've limited yourself to 3 relievers to cover 3 or 4 innings every game you have a lead.  Call me crazy, but I like being able to sit part of the COT each night - not so much to keep them rested, but to prevent the opponent from becoming too familiar.  This isn't such a concern in a short series, but in a 7 game series it could be.

I am - and always will be - a strong supporter of riding the hot hand.  Raffy B should have been left in last night if only because he was effective and showed no signs of fatigue.  But closing out ballgames is what Borowski was brought in to do.  If he can't be trusted in this role, it's less a problem with Wedge and more an indictment of Shapiro.  The bullpen is what it is at this point, regardless of how Wedge manages it.  We can only hope that it's good enough to carry us to a WS championship.

by jjfoosk on Oct 9, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Speaking for only myself, I would be just as nervous if Betancourt were used in save situations for the first time all year in the ALCS, even more so in Fenway Park.  I absolutely understand the significance of his relief achievements this year but I think Betancourt is likely to have more of a reaction to being handed the responsibility of closing than Borowski and the team would have to him being demoted.  

In addition, the decision on Borowski closing in the playoffs was probably made months ago when the Front Office discussed trade possibilities and playoff scenarios after the Indians had proven competitive. I have no doubt Shap and Wedge (and Antonetti's magic computer) have already had the conversation we're having, probably a lot earlier in the season, and with more advanced analysis than we have.  This is not to stifle discussion, just to point out that it probably has been considered far more deeply than we might think and that it certainly is not the product of stubbornness or chemistry maintenance.

If they thought they needed to make the change, they would have done it long ago.

by NickFantana on Oct 9, 2007 3:52 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Everyone,

There seems to be a misunderstanding in this debate.  There are two scenarios in which Wedge can use Borowski, and they are very different:

  1. The COT is spent and we have the lead in the ninth.

  2. The COT has more in the tank, but hey, it's a save situation.

Don't confuse the two; everyone seems to agree that Borowski has to be our guy in scenario number one.  It's the second scenario that is debatable.

The problem, as I see it, is that Wedge does not differentiate.

by tabler84 on Oct 9, 2007 4:10 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
I just want to point out that Borowski is clearly in Wedge's COT. He's not in ours but the original point of the term was that it's the guy's Wedge trusts, maybe to a fault.

Borowski is a charter member of the COT.

by afh4 on Oct 9, 2007 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
I think you dance with who brung ya.  That's why Wedge went with Byrd last night, and that's why JoBo will get the ball each and every time we carry a lead into the ninth (of 3-4 runs or less, yadda yadda).  These men are the reason we won 96 games in the regular season, and these men will carry us to a World Series victory this year.
When bunting is a crime, only criminals will bunt.

by BostonWahoo on Oct 9, 2007 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Mario, you need to refer to your medical training - first do no harm.  The patient is stable and progressing nicely.  Now is not the time to change theragy or strategy.  
LeBron must GO!

by mauichuck on Oct 9, 2007 4:41 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
I guess it's just a matter of how unreliable everyone feels Borowski truly has been.

The fact that Wedge or Shapiro trusts Borowski for whatever reason certainly doesn't make it right and could lead to a great lapse in judgment.

The stick to your guns approach with the idea that this roster got to this spot so we go with the season's closer no matter what is pure stubbornness at its worst.

"Albert Belle blooped the ball over the fence." -- Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox after Game 5 of the 1995 World Series

by Eric Plunk on Oct 9, 2007 4:51 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
How is doing what has won 96 reg season games and 3 post-season games stubborn?  Why isn't what you want to do crazy and stupid?  Because your fear of being snakebitten by another closer is overriding your ability to appreciate what Joe has done.

Numbers be damned, he gets the fucking job done.  End of story right there.

When bunting is a crime, only criminals will bunt.

by BostonWahoo on Oct 9, 2007 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
In my mind, Borowski's propensity to put runners on base and almost inevitably give up runs (ERA over 5.00 as a closer!!!) rules him out of a game where we lead by one or two runs. I have no confidence in him. I suspect had that HR last night had tied the game for NYY, there'd be a lot more people singing my tune. Oh well. I hope I'm dead wrong.
"Albert Belle blooped the ball over the fence." -- Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox after Game 5 of the 1995 World Series

by Eric Plunk on Oct 9, 2007 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
In my mind, one need only look to Carmona as closer last year to dissuade me from wanting Wedge to bench Borowski from Betancourt.  Granted, Raffy has way more experience than Carmona did at the time, but closing games can have that effect on guys.  We don't want to find out Betancourt can't handle it while disgruntling Borowski all during the ALCS.

by rog on Oct 9, 2007 5:06 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Borowski is the man because it's our year, and no matter what we do...we will prevail.
Appalachian State-34 Michigan-32.....Oregon-39 Michigan-7

by gahnki on Oct 9, 2007 6:44 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Does anyone have any data that shows the importance of a closer in the playoffs?  All of this arguing that we need to change the pattern in the playoffs has me perplexed.

In fact, I would argue that the closer's importance is higher during the regular season, but when you get into the playoffs the starters and middle relief become much more important.  Unlike the regular season when the final 2 innings take on the highest importance, all nine innings of each playoff game are important.  

The emotional swings and momentum are huge.  Think about it, the clamp down by Perez and Betencourt in the 7th and 8th innings did more to defeat the Yankees than Borowski in the 9th.  JoeBo was reduced to doing mop-up work.

Finally, here is a list of closers from the past 10 WS champs.  Some were great, but I would take JoeBo over a few...
Adam Wainwright
Bobby Jenks
Keith Foulke
Ugueth Urbina
Troy Percival
Byung-Hyun Kim
Mariano Rivera
Robb Nen

by Spidey on Oct 9, 2007 9:48 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
Borowski is near the bottom of that list.
"Albert Belle blooped the ball over the fence." -- Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox after Game 5 of the 1995 World Series

by Eric Plunk on Oct 9, 2007 11:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
If JoBo were to beg out, he would NOT be a man and therefore not fit to be closer.  Its a Catch-22.

by DixonCayne on Oct 10, 2007 12:23 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Re: Calling out Joe Borowski
I'll offer a defense for JoeBo,

If the lead had been smaller than 3 runs in the 9th, Betancourt would have remained in the game.  Though Joe has previously blown bigger leads, not entrusting the nominal closer to a 3 run advantage is a slap in the face.  You can have Borowski pitch with another reliever piggy-backing Joe in the 'pen, i.e. Jensen Lewis.  Joe is assigned a short hook; there must be forward progress along with very little distress, or he's out.  The solo HR happened with one out, so that could be pardoned.  There's still a two run lead with two outs to go.  Even Joe Bo is statistically likely to survive at this point, but with one more false step you don't take that chance.  If A-Rod follows Abreu with any non-out, then a change is made.  Joe was never in a position to blow the save--the tying run never even came to the plate (though it very nearly did... Jesus).

If it were up to me, I leave in Betancourt.  But I've tried not to get too worked up about it.

by homelytourist on Oct 10, 2007 1:05 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

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Jason Grilli Signs Minor League Deal?
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2009 AL Central Off-Season Transactions and Rumors

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Who would you like to see hired to manage the Cleveland Indians?
Bobby Valentine
106 votes
Travis Fryman
41 votes
Manny Acta
113 votes
Don Mattingly
78 votes
Torey Lovullo
30 votes
Other
51 votes

419 votes | Poll has closed

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Casey Blake shaved his beard
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