Borowski blows ... save
I was going to write about this game last night, but decided I needed to take the night to sleep and calm down. I was about as upset at last night's loss to the Red Sox as I can remember. I've been trying to figure out why. It was only one game early in the season. One of my favorite players, Manny Ramirez, was the hero. It wasn't against the evil White Sox. So why was I so angry?
I have come to the conclusion that I predicted the outcome before Borowski threw a single pitch and I guess I just don't like to be right.
As soon as the bottom of the eighth was over, I said out loud, "Oh, no." Now bear in mind I was watching the game on my computer with headphones on, and while I do tend to make hand gestures (e.g., safe, out, strike, etc.) and voice the occasional "yes!" or "wow!", I try not to disturb the rest of the family that are usually watching something else or playing. So when my wife jumped a bit and asked what was the matter, I had to explain.
"Heart Attack Joe is coming on with a one run lead," I explained. She laughed and went back to watching whatever reality thing was on TV last night. I don't think she understood my concern.
Borowski was coming into a game against a very good hitting team with only a one run lead, so no margin for error. What made it worse was that he was facing the 9, 1 and 2 hitters in the lineup. That meant he would have to retire the side in order so as to not have to face David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. I can't remember the last time Borowski did that in a save situation with a one run lead.
Unfortunately, he performed exactly as I predicted - he blew it again.
I know all the arguments. He saved 45 games last season. He's a veteran closer. He doesn't get rattled from one game to the next.
But please! His ERA was over 5 last season. He blew 10 saves. He allowed 77 hits in only 65 innings - including 9 home runs. Those are not the stats of a closer, and certainly not one that you want to bring into a game with a one run lead.
Let's compare situations for a minute. Betancourt relieved Westbrook (who by the way pitched another gem) in the seventh inning with runners on first and second, one out, one in and a 4-2 lead. He struck out both Ortiz and Manny. Now that's a save!
Not convinced? Let's try another situation. Boston has a one run lead and the very potent top of the Indians' order of Sizemore, Cabrera and Hafner are due up. Red Sox closer Jonathon Papelbon retires the side in order including two K's. Now that's a save!
I understand Eric Wedge is a player's manager and he wants to give his guys every opportunity to succeed, but even Wedgie's confidence has to be shaken by this. Early in the season or not, the team is struggling and he has to do whatever it takes to get wins now before the players (and fans) start doubting their talent. It will be interesting to see what happens the next time the Tribe has a one run lead in a save situation. At the very least, Wedge has to have someone else ready in the bullpen along with Borowski just in case.
In case you're wondering, yes I have calmed down some from last night. Otherwise the title to this post would have been "Borowski Must Go!"
Go Tribe!
I have come to the conclusion that I predicted the outcome before Borowski threw a single pitch and I guess I just don't like to be right.
As soon as the bottom of the eighth was over, I said out loud, "Oh, no." Now bear in mind I was watching the game on my computer with headphones on, and while I do tend to make hand gestures (e.g., safe, out, strike, etc.) and voice the occasional "yes!" or "wow!", I try not to disturb the rest of the family that are usually watching something else or playing. So when my wife jumped a bit and asked what was the matter, I had to explain.
"Heart Attack Joe is coming on with a one run lead," I explained. She laughed and went back to watching whatever reality thing was on TV last night. I don't think she understood my concern.
Borowski was coming into a game against a very good hitting team with only a one run lead, so no margin for error. What made it worse was that he was facing the 9, 1 and 2 hitters in the lineup. That meant he would have to retire the side in order so as to not have to face David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. I can't remember the last time Borowski did that in a save situation with a one run lead.
Unfortunately, he performed exactly as I predicted - he blew it again.
I know all the arguments. He saved 45 games last season. He's a veteran closer. He doesn't get rattled from one game to the next.
But please! His ERA was over 5 last season. He blew 10 saves. He allowed 77 hits in only 65 innings - including 9 home runs. Those are not the stats of a closer, and certainly not one that you want to bring into a game with a one run lead.
Let's compare situations for a minute. Betancourt relieved Westbrook (who by the way pitched another gem) in the seventh inning with runners on first and second, one out, one in and a 4-2 lead. He struck out both Ortiz and Manny. Now that's a save!
Not convinced? Let's try another situation. Boston has a one run lead and the very potent top of the Indians' order of Sizemore, Cabrera and Hafner are due up. Red Sox closer Jonathon Papelbon retires the side in order including two K's. Now that's a save!
I understand Eric Wedge is a player's manager and he wants to give his guys every opportunity to succeed, but even Wedgie's confidence has to be shaken by this. Early in the season or not, the team is struggling and he has to do whatever it takes to get wins now before the players (and fans) start doubting their talent. It will be interesting to see what happens the next time the Tribe has a one run lead in a save situation. At the very least, Wedge has to have someone else ready in the bullpen along with Borowski just in case.
In case you're wondering, yes I have calmed down some from last night. Otherwise the title to this post would have been "Borowski Must Go!"
Go Tribe!
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