Cleveland Indians: Bullpen woes falls on Tribe’s front office
By Ric McElroy
The Cleveland Indians handling of an ineffective bullpen has the Voice of the Fan wondering why changes haven’t already been made.
Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona comes out after the fact after Tuesday night’s debacle and apologized for the mishap on the bullpen phone. Is that really enough?
I’m not necessarily placing the blame on Tito for the miscommunication with Carl Willis. Rather, Chris Antonetti should be blamed for not addressing the bullpen sooner.
Tuesday’s disaster wasn’t the first– nor will it be the last–time something like this has happened. Not just the mistake in communication but the complete collapse of the Tribe pen!
The Indians salvaged a game against the Reds with a 19-4 win Wednesday night. Is that what’s it’s going to take to make Tribe relievers productive? Surely, no bullpen can blow a lead that large!
Just how many times has the bullpen let the team down this season?
The bullpen is not just one of the worst in the division, but the entire American League. The bullpen had an unbelievable 5.37 ERA entering July 11. Remember folks, most of these guys don’t even pitch two innings a night.
Even their closer (and I use the term loosely) has an era of 4.66. He’s 2-4 and sometimes he only throws to one or two batters.
The front office, in all its wisdom, doesn’t need to wait until the trade deadline to do something.
How many more games does this team have to lose before the red light flashes and they realize they need to act.
And don’t kid yourself. The Indians need need more than one pitcher, because if they only acquire one guy, his arm will be in a sling because he’ll be all Francona can trust!
Don’t forget they also need a hitter that either plays third, second or outfield.
We already know there will be some midline relievers available but if this teams window is closing can they afford to be cheap?
We know Baltimore wants either Triston McKenzie or Shane Bieber to rent Manny Machado. That’s too high of a price, but their are others available.
Plus we already know Antonetti likes to get players under contract for a year and a half or more.
We’re shrouded with secrecy on when Miller will be able to return. Plus Miller, Allen and Francisco are all free agents at the end of the year.
Next: 4 outfielders the Indians should target in a trade
So when will the Dolan-led front office act? The Tribe may be able to hold off the likes of the Twins, Tigers, White Sox and Royals to take the division but when it comes a five-game playoff with the Yankees, Astros or Red Sox do they really have a chance without some changes?