We're gonna wi--; we're gonna sco--
Yee-owch. Thanks, Twins, for putting it in my face how little I know about Major League Baseball. While everyone liked Cleveland as the upstart, trendy pick to win the Central Division/Wild Card, I scoffed, because we'd been hearing this rhetoric for the past 5 years. "How are they any different now?" I wondered.
After this past week's 3-game sweep, I think I know the answer:
Fausto Carmona.
"Who?"
In case you don't remember (and even if you do), the Cleveland Indians traded their top closer, Bob Wickman, to the Braves last season due to having Carmona waiting in the wings. Used primarily as a set-up man for Wickman, Carmona had great success with a fastball that looked like it was fired from a grenade launcher, and a good sinker. Once Wickman left, the Indians moved Carmona into the closer's role. The result? 1-10 record, 5.42 ERA, 0 saves.
This year, unwilling to give up on a young kid with a 98-mph heater, the Indians moved him into the starting rotation, hoping that he could learn something from guys like C.C. Sabathia and Cliff Lee. The result? 5-1 record, 2.55 ERA, and leading candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.
My question is: what happened? The Twins beat him twice last year in the 8th inning or later, rocking him for doubles to the gap and home runs. This year? Four scattered hits this last game. He's beaten Johan Santana twice. Name another pitcher who's done that!
Speaking of Santana, how fed up can you be if you're him right now? Here's his line from yesterday's game:
After this past week's 3-game sweep, I think I know the answer:
Fausto Carmona.
"Who?"
In case you don't remember (and even if you do), the Cleveland Indians traded their top closer, Bob Wickman, to the Braves last season due to having Carmona waiting in the wings. Used primarily as a set-up man for Wickman, Carmona had great success with a fastball that looked like it was fired from a grenade launcher, and a good sinker. Once Wickman left, the Indians moved Carmona into the closer's role. The result? 1-10 record, 5.42 ERA, 0 saves.
This year, unwilling to give up on a young kid with a 98-mph heater, the Indians moved him into the starting rotation, hoping that he could learn something from guys like C.C. Sabathia and Cliff Lee. The result? 5-1 record, 2.55 ERA, and leading candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.
My question is: what happened? The Twins beat him twice last year in the 8th inning or later, rocking him for doubles to the gap and home runs. This year? Four scattered hits this last game. He's beaten Johan Santana twice. Name another pitcher who's done that!
Speaking of Santana, how fed up can you be if you're him right now? Here's his line from yesterday's game:
- 7IP, 4H, 2R, 11K
posted by Zach Brown at 1:03 PM
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