May 29, 2004
Half a Staff
The Indians have three pitchers on the AL top ten list of ERA leaders. Sabathia, Lee and Westbrook all have ERAs under 3.45. Yet, the Indians have one of the highest staff ERAs in the AL. At 5.11, their team ERA is 13th, only the Orioles at 5.41 are worse (a post on that number will be coming soon). The main problem for the Indians is in the bullpen, where the ERA is 6.29, 1 1/2 runs higher than any other AL team. White and Betancourt, have been okay with ERAs in the 3.70s. But from Betancourts 3.75, you jump to Jack Cressend and his 6.32 ERA.
So the Indians have five dependable pitchers. What can they do? If you look at the AAA numbers, there doesn't seem to be much help there either. AA looks better, but are the Indians ready to rush these kids to the majors?
They're best bet may just be to try to win the three games their good pitchers start. Save your best relievers for those games, and just take your chances with the other two. It's not a perfect strategy, but winning 3 out of 5 will get you into the playoffs most years.
Posted by David Pinto at
02:23 PM
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