Later, Joe Blowrowski
April 15, 2008
Category: Uncategorized
Borowski heads to the DL and is probably out as the closer forever. Hallelujah! So now that the Indians have finally realized throwing an 82 MPH fastball probably isn’t the best way to close games, who takes over for Joe Borowski? It’s probably going to be Rafael Betancourt then possibly Rafael Perez, Masahide Kobayashi, Jorge Julio and/or Jensen Lewis. A quick look at these guys and the order I see them taking over for Borowski:
Rafael Betancourt - Has struggled so far this year with a 5.14 ERA and 1.71 WHIP. But he’s first in line.
Rafael Perez - Was nasty last year — lefties (.145) or righties (.213). This year he’s had one bad game to account for his inflated ERA. In leagues where Betancourt was already taken, I’ve grabbed Perez.
Masahide Kobayashi - One of two guys in the bullpen with extensive closing experience, but his was in Japan. I think he could easily become the closer if Betancourt falters.
Jorge Julio - His experience comes in the majors, but some of his closing experience would’ve made Borowski seem safe.
Jensen Lewis - Everyone would have to falter in front of him but he strikes me as a long man.
So there you have it, Borowski’s gone-zo and now it’s Betancourt/Perez/Kobayashi/Julio/Lewis’s chance (although tonight it won’t be Betancourt because he’s pitched two days in a row). This is a long way from decided still.
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Tags: Joe Borowski, Masahide Kobayashi, Rafael Betancourt, Rafael Perez
April 15th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Are these listed in the “propensity to win the closer spot” order? Meaning Perez’s chances to take over the close spot is higher than Koba? If not, wondering how you would rank them. Betancourt is taken in my league (as probably in most leagues), so I’m wondering if I could be “sneaky” and grab another guy … granted, with only 2 bench spots, makes this “grab” very difficult. Thanks!
Yes, that is the order I see them. As I said above, leagues where Betancourt’s gone (all leagues in fact), I grabbed Perez.
April 15th, 2008 at 11:42 am
excellent - thank you!
Though know that Perez is a lefty so he might only get situational saves. But after Betancourt the only saves to be had may be situational.
April 15th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Drop Wiggy for Kobayashi?
I wouldn’t do that if you’re playing Wiggy at all.
April 15th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
He’s a bench guy for me (when he’s not on the DL) - has 1B/2B/3B eligibility.
April 15th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Is Kobayashi a primary setup man now (or maybe he was all along)? Is this also the hotdog devouring phenom?
BBT Jon’s last blog post..Morse to DL; Rhodes Recalled
Yeah, then drop him.
Sorry that ‘yeah, drop him’ was to Steve.
Jon — I think Kobayashi is the primary setup man now. Go get your holds.
April 15th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
sad day for people who love batting practice fastballs everywhere. i also expect Kobayashi too rack up the holds and a few saves hopefully
April 15th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
kobayashi over neshek?
BBT Jon’s last blog post..Morse to DL; Rhodes Recalled
Right now, Neshek looks out of sync (no, that isn’t a Lance Bass autobiography reference), so I would drop him for lots of MRs, Kobayashi being one of them.
April 15th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I traded Chad Qualls early. Wish I kept him. Still a trade I would have made though. Kobayashi it is…
There are a lot of really good looking relievers out there right now, but most of them are on sucky teams so I don’t see them getting into many hold situations. Kobayashi is still a question mark for me though.. dont’ really know what to expect out of him.
BBT Jon’s last blog post..Morse to DL; Rhodes Recalled
April 15th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Changed my mind.. went with Perez.
BBT Jon’s last blog post..Morse to DL; Rhodes Recalled
As long as you didn’t pick up Sexson, you’ll be okay.
April 15th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Oddly enough Sexson is somehow taking a roster spot on someone’s team.
BBT Jon’s last blog post..Morse to DL; Rhodes Recalled
April 15th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
Guys - something else MR related…
Does anyone know anything about the Cards’ Kyle McLennan? He’s had a couple of rough outings, but I think he probably leads the league in Holds.
Think he was on Twin Peaks.
He’s the Cards long man with great control. But the Cards probably won’t be consistently winning this many games the rest of the season.
April 15th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Who could close in Houston if Jose Velverde keeps getting lit up? His leash has to be long, but he has looked every bit like the guy the D’Backs kept sending back down to the minors for several seasons, not the dominant closer he was last year. Is Doug Brocail next in line?
Herb Urban’s last blog post..I’m back, baby
Brocail seems like the way they would go if Valverde continues to muck things up.