the closer issue
Optimism and Cubs fans are the stereotype, synonymous in the minds of most who follow baseball. While some open this season moaning and groaning about why we'll all be waiting until next year, perhaps 2005 really does hold promise.
As Spring Training gets underway, a few thoughts on the season ahead that hopefully don't re-echo what's echoed already all over the web...first, the closer issue.
The closer issue battles Sosa's departure for major billing as the season opens. Borowski's feeling good, Dempster's feeling good, Troy's a team player. While the Cubs need Hawkins in a set-up role, Dempster and Borowski as situational stoppers might just do the trick. Think about it: Borowski's a scrapper, tenacious enough to get anyone out in the 9th inning when he's got his stuff. On the other hand, some game-ending situations call for more than just getting men out. Without a 90mph plus fastball or consistently tricky stuff, Borowski's effectiveness, though impressive at times, remains somewhat limited. At any given time, he can start the 9th and zip through the 3 or 4 batters to gain the save, but in a tie or one-run-lead situation with 2 men in scoring position and less than 2 outs, he's not as convincing. Dempster, on the other hand, holds a peppier fastball and has a temperament somewhat more conducive to going through several high-pressure situations a week. If Dempster does blow a game and extra innings occur, Joe no doubt will step in quite well. While naming one and only closer remains the most attractive option, a combination of both may prove the best for the long season.
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Reliever use
Not using relievers in roles strictly defined by the inning, but in situations in which they can best help the team, is a great idea, but also not one Baker seems inclined to follow.
not so sure
i just can't believe this team has yet to address the bullpen situation. the bullpen was their only shortcoming last year, and they have failed to improve it in any way. unbelieveable! does anyone out there think that
1. borowski can really do the job, and that he didn't just have a fluke good season?
2. ryan dempster is suddenly a closer?
3. any of these middle relievers are worth a s**t?
last year the starting pitching was sold out SO MANY TIMES by the bullpen, yet the cubs just sat idly by, wringing their hands over sosa (who, by the way, still hit 35 home runs). this organization has a golden chance to win it all, especially considering their starting rotation. but it's a small window of opportunity. a well-run and aggressive organization would have gone out and secured a top 5 closer, and another top 5 set up man. but, then again...this is the cubs we're talking about. 2nd in the central, miss the playoffs again. other teams made significant strides this offseason, yet the cubs felt ok with jeromy burnitz and jerry hairston. maybe they're just trying to win the AAA crown with iowa?
re: not so sure
I wouldn't say the bullpen was their only shortcoming last year. Injuries to some very key players (Prior, Wood, Sosa, Ramirez, Remlinger, Borowski) affected things quite a bit.
I also wouldn't say that Borowski had a fluke season in 2003, as he also had a very good 2002 season. That said, in order for Borowski to be good in 2005, his velocity is going to have to return to what it was in 2002-03.
The Cubs have some good arms competing for bullpen spots this spring. Let's see how they do. If it looks like they'll fall short, I have little doubt that Hendry will work hard to make a move.