A new problem has been creeping up on the Cleveland Indians. The pitching problem that started in the bullpen is spreading to the starting rotation. Since July 4th, the Tribe’s only reliable starter has been Fausto Carmona, who has thrown two solid games in that span. The rest of the rotation, including C.C. Sabathia have been shaky.
The two hurlers who need to get straightened out, and quickly are Cliff Lee and Jake Westbrook. Lee’s last two starts have been ruined by the big inning. Against Toronto, he allowed four runs in the second, and against the White Sox, it was a nine run sixth that did him in. He has been bothered by an inability to get ahead in the count. In both cases, the lefty was out of the game by the end of the sixth inning. For a ballclub that requires quality innings by its starters, these types of performances don’t wash.
It has to be concerning to the front office that they will be paying Jake Westbrook over $10 million per year for the next three years based on his performance in 2007. The right hander is now 1-5 on the season. I realize he started slow last year as well before turning it around to finish 15-10. Westbrook’s last three outings are not those of a team’s #3 starter. First was his usual pasting by the Tigers, followed up by a game where he kept the Tribe in it against Kansas City, although he walked five in six innings. That was followed by a disappointing game against Chicago, where he allowed four runs in six innings.
Even Sabathia has struggled, although he does lead the majors in wins after last night’s 7-5 victory at Texas. The lefty is now 13-4 for the season. C.C. has allowed 17 runs in his last 17 frames, and has started to give up home runs in key situations and also is giving runs back after the offense puts up a big inning. Hopefully, the heavy use given to Sabathia in the early going this season isn’t affecting his game. The southpaw is on his way to a career high in innings pitched.
Paul Byrd pitched an outstanding game against the Blue Jays in the last game prior to the All Star break, although he didn’t get the win. However, the veteran righty lost it quick Tuesday night against the White Sox. After pitching four scoreless innings and having a 2-0 lead, Byrd gave up four runs in the fifth and sixth. That was the only game the Tribe salvaged in the series, tying the game on a two run homer by Ryan Garko, and then winning on Garko’s hit in the 11th.
It would be nice for the ballclub to have an 8-1 victory every once in a while, but right now the starters are having problems holding up their end of the deal. A blow out win saves the bullpen, as Eric Wedge can use guys like Tom Mastny, Jensen Lewis, and Jason Stanford in the late innings instead of having to use Rafael Perez, Rafael Betancourt, and Joe Borowski. In the last three weeks, the latter group have had to pitch in every game the Tribe has won. That kind of usage could take its toll as the team heads down the stretch. It’s up to the rotation to pick it up and give the Indians quality outings.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 