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Borowski to the DL, Mastny called up

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According to the PD, Bororwski has been placed on the DL with a triceps injury, and Mastny has been called up to take his spot on the roster. Wedge is supposed to address the closer issue prior to the game tonight, with speculation that Betancourt will get the first shot.

Full story here.

I'm wondering (Indians claims to the contrary notwithstanding) if the tests showed any real damage, or if this is just a phantom injury. It will be interesting to see how our uber-Manager handles this latest twist. Can Casey Blake close games?

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Here’s to hoping that whoever is given the closer job can handle it. Trust in Raffy.

Burn on, big river, burn on...

by Turkmenbashi on Apr 15, 2008 1:30 PM EDT   0 recs

jorge julio for president closer!

by xrickx on Apr 15, 2008 1:35 PM EDT   0 recs

Don’t care what anybody says. Fastball George is the man.

by fleerdon on Apr 15, 2008 1:39 PM EDT to parent up   1 recs

how do I rec this DOWN?

by JulioBernazard on Apr 15, 2008 1:52 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Raffy was uneven last night - bad pitch to Casey, who fortunately has warning track power only. He has the stuff to close, and he battles. I imagine he gets first shot, but I wouldn’t be totally surprised to see someone else get a shot pretty quick if Raffie falters (not Julio; Masa is my guess). Interesting thought for tonight - Raffie has pitched two nights in a row, more than one inning last night. In the unlikely event that it’s close tonight, who closes? Might be Masa sooner than we think!!

by peter m on Apr 15, 2008 1:37 PM EDT   0 recs

Is a strained tricep a euphemism for “out with teh suck”? What are the chances we see him again? As the closer?

LeCavs!
If you were good enough, maybe we'd name it after you.

by Matt in LA on Apr 15, 2008 1:37 PM EDT   0 recs

Somewhere between “not good” and “none at all” for the first question – he might come back for low leverage someday. Somewhere between “none at all” and “none at all” for the second – somebody else will fill the role, or it won’t matter whether he comes back.

by pdxtribefan on Apr 15, 2008 2:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I’m so excited right now I want to scream. This is awesome.

by Joe. on Apr 15, 2008 1:39 PM EDT   0 recs

Am I a callous and unfeeling human being to be so overjoyed to see someone go on the DL?

by bogey021 on Apr 15, 2008 1:40 PM EDT   0 recs

not when it was apparent that he is not physically the same as he was last year. Its not like its unfathomable for his are to deteriorate after last season. Remember Philly past on him for the two year deal, The Indians got him on a one year and an option (i.e. if he doesn’t make it through the first year than they aren’t stuck with his contract for an extra year). And he’s a pitcher. They tend to get injured. The DL and rehab is the best thing for him right now. I can guarantee that if he doesn’t correct his loss velocity and location problems that he will not be on this team in any meaningful role though.

by hans on Apr 15, 2008 1:43 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey guys, did you know this Mastny guy is from indonesia?

by gte619n on Apr 15, 2008 1:46 PM EDT   0 recs

Any my guess is Masa.

by gte619n on Apr 15, 2008 1:46 PM EDT   0 recs

I’m also thinking Masa will be installed in the pitch-the-9th-with-a-lead-of-three-runs-or-less role. I sure hope they continue to use Raffy B in the “fireman” role, and that he goes back to his unhittable ways soon.

by mrich on Apr 15, 2008 1:49 PM EDT   0 recs

Yup, I really don’t care who closes as long as it’s not Raffy B. He’s perfect where he is right now.

by Voltaire on Apr 15, 2008 1:54 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I think its either Masa or Julio.

I haven’t been thrilled with anyone in the bullpen though, so we shall see.

by mjschaefer on Apr 15, 2008 1:51 PM EDT   0 recs

I’m mystified why anyone thinks it won’t be Betancourt. It’s his turn, and he’s the best.

by Jay on Apr 15, 2008 1:53 PM EDT   0 recs

Being better than JoeBo didn’t stop the brass from keeping him away from the closer role.

by mrich on Apr 15, 2008 1:54 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

It’s gotta be Raffy B. Warn RoyalsReview now.

by JulioBernazard on Apr 15, 2008 1:54 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh, don’t worry, royalsreview knows. However, if Raffy B pitches to Jose Guillen with the game on the line at some point this year, I think the destroyed innocence quotient will be palpable enough to wreck his hard drive.

Free Andy Marte!

Pronk Needs You

by woodsmeister on Apr 15, 2008 2:11 PM EDT to parent up   1 recs

I think Royalsreview has a Google News alert for Raffy-R.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Apr 15, 2008 3:35 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Well, you’re right, it will be Betancourt. But wouldn’t you agree that he’s more valuable in his current role?

by Voltaire on Apr 15, 2008 1:55 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

No. I think he will be most valuable as a closer that we’re not afraid to use in the 8th, and who is our first choice in any tie game in extras. In other words, a maximized closer role, as opposed to the minimized closer to which we’ve become accustomed.

Who knows? If there was ever a moment to try the Relief Ace, this would be it. Make Julio or Masa the “second closer,” in charge of three-run saves and various 7th/8th work. Stomp and Steel become the assassins.

by Jay on Apr 15, 2008 2:04 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

i wonder is the general reluctance to slot betancount in the closer role based on his stuff? his success is entirely predicated on the fastball, and even though we love him we actually suspect his success might be flukey, and don’t want to throw him in the fire?

by emil minty on Apr 15, 2008 2:10 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

We don’t suspect that. At least, if we did worry about flukey relievers, he’d be last on the list.

by dgcambridge on Apr 15, 2008 2:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Maybe he’s too calm? Seriously, people like their closers to be animated or gritty or a young gun or scowl at opposing batters. You’re not supposed to have pinpoint control and take 30 seconds between pitches – it’s so boring.

by Thommy on Apr 15, 2008 3:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Heh. True dat. I caught some of Pimplebutt’s face-pulling on the “highlights” last night. You have to hand it to the guy: not only does he have the stuff, but he knows how to milk the moment.

God, I hate him. Can we have one?

--
"I love baseball. You know it doesn't have to mean anything, it's just beautiful to watch." - Woody Allen

by vbc3 on Apr 15, 2008 5:20 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed. Voltaire, I understand liking how we’ve been using Betancourt, except that if we carve out all save chances for our new “closer”, then we are keeping a good bit of our highest leverage situations away from our best reliever. Jay’s maximized closer is best, but if we’re not going to do that, let’s at least put Betancourt in the traditional role.

by dgcambridge on Apr 15, 2008 2:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Hmm. We must be using different terms to describe the same thing – because I, too, am advocating for a Relief Ace. I just think Wedge will never do that, and so given a choice between 7/8 and 9, we’d want Betancourt in 7/8.

by Voltaire on Apr 15, 2008 2:21 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Two different things. We both know what Relief Ace means generally, but by “maximized closer” I just mean that we don’t only use him when we “have to” according to the Save rule. Lots of closers get brought into tie games, or brought in for the end of the game but before the 9th, the 4- or 5-out save. We’re not used to thinking of the closer as a guy who could get used before the 9th, or in a tie game on the road, but that’s just because we haven’t had a dominant closer for years and years.

by Jay on Apr 15, 2008 2:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Bob Wickman is going to be pissed when he reads this.

by afh4 on Apr 15, 2008 2:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Of course we don’t use Raffy based on the saves rule – we’re in complete agreement there.

Are 4/5 out closers actually that common? Or tie-game closers? Sure, you see it more frequently in non-Indians games, but I am under the impression it’s still uncommon (correct me if I’m wrong, as I’m sure someone will).

by Voltaire on Apr 15, 2008 2:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree Jay, but the problem with this logic is the assumption that Wedge will use Betancourt like that. I’m not saying he won’t use him in the 8 and 9th, but there isn’t a track record to suggest that he will. So I’ll sit on the fence on this one and say that if Wedge’s plan is to slot an RP into the closer role and plans to use him in the same manner that he used that guy on the DL, then I’d rather that be someone other than Betancourt. He’s the guy I want coming in those high leverage (2 on and 1 out) type-situations in the 7/8 inning.

-Erik

by drerikbrady on Apr 15, 2008 3:17 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I’d like to a more flexible use of closers too. But, Wedge obviously likes to have clearly defined roles for relievers, and having a closer whose role varies significantly makes that harder to achieve. Not that he’s right, but that’s his approach.

Also, how durable is Betancourt at this point? A couple of years ago, I recall talk about not using him on consecutive days and things like that. They didn’t seem to worry about this last year. Is that no longer an issue for him?

by peter m on Apr 15, 2008 3:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

can anyone explain why Wedge likes to have clearly defined roles for relievers? i mean, is there a legitimate argument for this at all? if so, can someone play devil’s advocate and present it?

i’m just stumped as to why the roles can’t be more complexly defined. why should there not be a designated 3- or 4-run closer? there’s no reason to waste your best reliever on a situation like that, unless he just needs work or something.

by still ill on Apr 15, 2008 4:05 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I think sometimes we tend to understate how much it means to these guys to know what their role is going to be every day. Moving guys from one situation to another could have a significant impact on an already emotionally fragile group of folks (e.g. relievers in general).

Burn on, big river, burn on...

by Turkmenbashi on Apr 15, 2008 4:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Emotionally fragile? They make six or seven figure salaries and play baseball! What’s there to be so emotionally fragile about?

by emd2k3 on Apr 16, 2008 11:03 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

In an ideal world, the manager could look ahead, see how every inning was going to unfold and could use his best relievers in the highest leverage situations.

Failing that, I think Wedge is a big believer in a human element that goes beyond stats or leverage. Read through the game threads – fans who watch most of the games can almost always identify (or at least narrow it down to 2 to 3) who will be coming in when. It is not like that with other managers who are more likely to go with a hunch or play specific match-ups.

The pitchers themselves have the same certainty and can prepare themselves as well as possible to succeed in their roles. There is something to be said for Raffy-B knowing that he’s likely going to come in with baserunners on, late in the game, while JoBo knows that he’s is likely to start the 9th inning with a lead of 3 runs or less.

I don’t know if Wedge’s way is the best or not, but I certainly see the thought process – he wants his guys to know (before the game starts) how they’re likely going to be used. It should be noted that this does not necessarily eliminate Jay’s possibility above – using Raffy-B in a “maximed closer” role – as long as Wedge can define how that role would work.

by cajones on Apr 15, 2008 4:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Knowing what your role is reduces stress by creating consistency. It makes it easier to prepare mentally for the situation you’ve being put in. As you become successful in that role, you gain confidence that you can handle it – and have that success again.

"It's hard to win when you don't score." Cliff Lee, 9/28/05.

by Harry Doyle on Apr 15, 2008 5:32 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

We could be baseball revolutionaries.

by supermarioelia on Apr 15, 2008 3:15 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

If you watch how the Red Sox handle Okajima and Papelbon, you will see that your closer can pitch high leverage 8/9 inning situations too, when necessary, and not lose a relief ace. (Perez/Lewis can tag team Oki’s role)

God truly does hate cleveland sports.

by Gradysmanldy on Apr 15, 2008 6:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

It’s going to be Betancourt for numerous reasons.

Although I will miss his presence in cleaning up other people messes .. I will love he fact that we can bring him in in the 8th inning and have him finish out the game. That’s a powerful tool to have.

by Toxicadam on Apr 15, 2008 1:54 PM EDT   0 recs

re “phatom” injuries : does the league ask for any doctor’s note or anything when you DL a guy?

by JulioBernazard on Apr 15, 2008 1:55 PM EDT   0 recs

You mean, from the doctors paid by the team?

by fleerdon on Apr 15, 2008 2:00 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

i recall that when wohlers flipped out in atlanta and was put on the DL, the medical reason provided was “inability to pitch.” i think the team is given pretty broad latitude in fashioning a medial excuse.

by emil minty on Apr 15, 2008 2:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I like that. But, on some teams, anyway, how can you distinguish those on the DL from those NOT on the DL if that’s the criterion?

by peter m on Apr 15, 2008 2:15 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I think that fear of crying wolf is the most significant deterrent. Abuse the system, and your use of it will fall under greater scrutiny.

by fleerdon on Apr 15, 2008 2:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I think they can put a player on the DL and the player can contest the designation. By the quotes from the after game interviews, sounds like JoBo was willing to go.

by JK in CBus on Apr 15, 2008 2:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Word on the street was that Borowski’s injury was validated by Byrd’s dentist.

by Fiddlesticks on Apr 15, 2008 2:24 PM EDT to parent up   1 recs

Word on the street is there was nothing wrong (in a medical sense) with JoBo’s arm after the game, but once Wedge and Shapiro got done twisting it, viola – strained triceps.

"It's hard to win when you don't score." Cliff Lee, 9/28/05.

by Harry Doyle on Apr 15, 2008 5:54 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

The Yankees placed just Wilson Betemit on the DL with a case of conjunctivitis (aka pink eye), so I don’t think they’re all that strict about it.

by zempf on Apr 15, 2008 2:50 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

From ESPN.com:

There are two Disabled Lists, the 15-day and 60-day. The only real difference between them is that players on the 60-day DL - sometimes called the Emergency DL - don’t count against a team’s 40-man roster.

To be placed on either Disabled List, a player must be certified disabled by a doctor. That said, such certifications generally aren’t particularly difficult to acquire.

Players can be disabled retroactively, up to a maximum of 10 days, beginning with the day after the last day on which they played.

A player on the 15-day Disabled List may be shifted to the 60-day DL at any time.

According to the Rules, players on a Disabled List “may be assigned to a Minor League Club for the purpose of injury rehabilitation for a maximum of 20 days in the case of non-pitchers and 30 days in the case of pitchers.”

From my experience in litigation, it’s not hard to find some doctor who will say what you want him to say.

"It's hard to win when you don't score." Cliff Lee, 9/28/05.

by Harry Doyle on Apr 15, 2008 5:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Also, why did it take 2 hours for someone to post this? Are you guys actually WORKING today? I think you need to find new employment.

by Toxicadam on Apr 15, 2008 1:55 PM EDT   0 recs

In Shap we trust.

by afh4 on Apr 15, 2008 2:13 PM EDT   0 recs

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

by westbrook on Apr 15, 2008 2:22 PM EDT   0 recs

The news I wanted to see when I woke up this morning

One day I'll get over to watch the Tribe play

by new zealand tribe fan on Apr 15, 2008 2:38 PM EDT   0 recs

Amen.

Next Headlines:

Delucci takes bereavement leave (great great great uncle has disappeared or something)

Byrd retires or something

Blake goes on a hunting trip

All clearing the way for Marte, Francisco, and Laffey

It's the Arizona talking, really.

by RD74 on Apr 15, 2008 4:33 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Why the Dellucci hating? It’s Michaels who is the chief impediment.

by Voltaire on Apr 15, 2008 4:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Michaels died. Dellucci is on leave to grieve for him?

by peter m on Apr 15, 2008 4:49 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

But Dellucci is helpful, valuable, and playing well!

by Voltaire on Apr 15, 2008 4:50 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Not yesterday, he didn’t (play well, that is). But, I grant that he has played reasonably well over the last week.

I note your moniker—is it the best of all possible worlds? Could we do better than Dellucci (even in the real world)?

by peter m on Apr 15, 2008 4:53 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Could we do better than Dellucci? Depends on how realistic we’re being. He’s OPS+ing 123, all against righties. That’s perfect.

by Voltaire on Apr 15, 2008 4:57 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

He’s a crappy fielder.

by JulioBernazard on Apr 15, 2008 5:22 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

He’s slow and has no arm. Based on only my opinion I think Francisco could put up the same numbers…I know….We’ve heard it all before.

It's the Arizona talking, really.

by RD74 on Apr 15, 2008 6:24 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Dellucci grades out with surprisingly good range, and Francisco is no CF. Other than the arm, they aren’t as different as folks here have magically invented them to be.

by Jay on Apr 15, 2008 7:17 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

They are interchangeable in my book. Give them time and they’ll both end up sucking. I think I just hate Delucci’s beard most.

It's the Arizona talking, really.

by RD74 on Apr 15, 2008 6:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Is Blake scheduled to go hunting with Dick Cheney?

"It's hard to win when you don't score." Cliff Lee, 9/28/05.

by Harry Doyle on Apr 15, 2008 5:50 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Hopefully neither will come back

It's the Arizona talking, really.

by RD74 on Apr 15, 2008 6:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Pretty much the only thing that could have cooled me off after last night. Cleveland just breathed a collective sigh of relief, because regardless of who is closing games, we’re much better off.

And yes, I dont care, if the bullpen explodes circa 2006 you can quote that noun.

God truly does hate cleveland sports.

by Gradysmanldy on Apr 15, 2008 6:54 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I thought some might appreciate this tidbit, apparently from the last time “Warrior” stunk the place out.

http://cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20040606&;content_id=762793&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

Sound familiar? It almost reads like Jay’s infamous Peralta spoof.

by William Gerard Nahorodny on Apr 15, 2008 3:05 PM EDT   0 recs

OK that didn’t work. technical assistance?

by William Gerard Nahorodny on Apr 15, 2008 3:07 PM EDT   0 recs

Let’s see if this works:

I’ve been asking him the whole time, and Larry [Rothschild, the Cubs’ pitching coach] has been asking the whole time,” Baker said. “Joe, being the warrior that he is, [said] nothing hurts. It’s just something’s not right.

by William Gerard Nahorodny on Apr 15, 2008 3:12 PM EDT   0 recs

JoBo looked like a shotputter heaving the ball to the plate. He obviously has a physical problem – call it an injury, call it an old arm, call it what you will…

Raffy B might be the next in line to be closer, but I worry about messing up the bullpen by making that move. Let’s keep him in the Fireman role, and if that means entering the 8th with 2 outs, then he can finish the game. If that means entering the 9th after [enter name here] gives up a leadoff double, then that works. I prefer that he does not start the 9th inning with a 3 run lead. (I think this is what Jay is arguing).

Finally – if RaffyB fails as the closer, will he be too damaged to revert back to the setup role?

Spidey

by Spidey on Apr 15, 2008 3:23 PM EDT   0 recs

I seem to recall past reasoning for handing both Cabrera and Carmona the closer role…they keep getting people out and they have good stuff. Meanwhile, guys like Doug Jones, Wickman and 07 Borowski piled up saves.
I question if theres anyone outside of Masa who has displayed the kind of bulldog attitude for the job in the past. I dunno how one measures potential bulldogedness, but I hope mgmt has this as the major deciding point.

by elsandito on Apr 15, 2008 3:26 PM EDT   0 recs

...satire, right?

by Voltaire on Apr 15, 2008 3:40 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Is it so far fetched? I argued against relying on Cabrera to close despite a wall of disagreement at LGT. Sure, the closer needs a live arm or pin point location or some kind of baffling pitch. That would disqualify Borowski in his present state. But, I mean among remaining candidates, I would look for the guy who is battle tested with the game on the line. Someone who hasn’t already shown an inability to consistently close out games. I think Masa deserves first shot at this, all things considered.

by elsandito on Apr 15, 2008 4:57 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs