The buzz around the Cleveland Indians camp early on is that reliever Keith Foulke, who left Boston to sign a $4 million contract, may in fact retire.
Since the 2004 World Series, Foulke has been beset with injuries that skyrocketed his ERA and left him without that closer's job that Jonathan Papelbon filled nicely last season. Foulke was seen as a nifty successor to Bob Wickman (now of Atlanta) who, when on, could still dominate hitters.
It's likely the pre-season plans had the Indians bullpen all sorted out with his acquisition. A pending retirement would leave the bullpen disorganized again, as they would likely have to promote someone from within. The Indians are still trying to work with a smart budget and can't give expensive contracts to everyone. Plus, rethinking strategy, even seven weeks prior to the start of the regular season, isn't comforting when you consider the competitive nature of the AL Central.
In a way, I would not be surprised if his injuries & ineffectiveness of late make him call it a career. His mechanics alarmed me when I saw him in the '04 World Series. The way he slings that right arm & doesn't drop it down while pitching just doesn't seem natural to me.
I only hope that in this day and age, where the money-grabbers make the headlines, that he walk away from the contract offer in its entirety. That would be ultimate thanks to a ballclub which was willing to chance him in a pivotal closer's role, in what should shape to be a pivotal season for the Tribe.
No comments:
Post a Comment