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No matter what the reason, his role as closer in danger
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Friday, Jul 04, 2008
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.: Joe Borowski is under the gun as the Indians' closer.
Because Borowski has six saves and four blown saves after giving up a 2-1 lead in Tuesday night's 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox, manager Eric Wedge is deciding whether Borowski should remain the guy who pitches in the ninth inning with a lead.
''Everything is magnified because the opportunities you get are few and far between,'' Borowski said. ''So you want to make the most of them.''
The failure of the Tribe to generate more leads for Borowski to preserve might be contributing to his ragged season. It is not his fault the team has generated so few save situations.
Nevertheless, maintaining an edge to his game is his responsibility, no matter how he does it. On the other hand, as a pitcher who depends on pinpoint command of the strike zone, not getting frequent work could be something Borowski cannot overcome.
''I try to throw bullpens in between outings at the end of games and play some long-toss,'' Borowski said. ''I try to do whatever I can, but nothing takes the place of pitching to hitters.''
Relievers take a chance when throwing on the side between appearances, because they never
know when they will be called on to pitch and can't risk tiring their arms.
If Borowski's fastball registered 95 or 96 mph on the radar gun, he could afford to be less than precise with his control. But with an 88-mph fastball, Borowski can't throw the ball down the middle.
How much does inactivity hurt his command?
''For me, a lot,'' he said. ''The way I've always been is, the more time off I get, the more erratic I am. But nobody said it was easy. I have to find a way to stay sharp.''
Sometimes Borowski can tell what kind of night he is about to have when he is loosening up in the bullpen.
''When I warm up in the bullpen, I kind of know,'' he said.
Borowski would prefer he didn't ''feel too good [strong]'' when he warms up or when he steps on the mound.
''You can feel too good,'' he said. ''And you might think the more rest you get, the better you feel, but it's more the opposite of that. Sometimes when I feel too good, I'm not able to repeat my mechanics.
''My arm slot can get too high, or I might hump up a little [and overthrow]. A lot of time I can feel what's wrong and fix it. Other times, I just fight myself.''
Tuesday night in Chicago, Borowski was called in to protect a 2-1 lead in the 10th inning. Instead, he allowed a two-out homer to Alexei Ramirez, then gave up the lead on a single, stolen base and an RBI hit by Orlando Cabrera.
''You fall behind somebody [2-and-0 to Ramirez], and then you have to throw a fastball,'' Borowski said. ''Maybe the only thing they can hit is a fastball, and you end up throwing it over the plate. I saw this one come back over the plate and thought, 'Don't swing.' ''
Of course, Ramirez did.
Out of control
Asdrubal Cabrera probably will draw a suspension from the International League because of his actions Wednesday night.
The Tribe infielder, sent back to Triple-A Buffalo for further seasoning several weeks ago, was called out on strikes in the ninth inning of a 5-4 loss to Rochester and ''briefly raised his bat at umpire Jason Klein,'' according to the Buffalo News. Cabrera was restrained by teammate Andy Gonzalez.
Cabrera was ejected and threw his batting helmet in the dirt, then tossed away his batting gloves, hitting first-base umpire Justin Vogel.
He did not explain the outburst. Cabrera has not spoken to the media since being optioned to Triple-A.
Cabrera is batting .333 in 22 Triple-A games, but in his past eight games, he is 4-for-33.
On a short list
Aeros third baseman Wes Hodges has been added to the Team USA squad for the Futures Game, set for Yankee Stadium on July 13. Members of Team USA are candidates to make the U.S. Olympic Team.
Hodges is batting .307 with nine home runs and 64 RBI, which leads the Eastern League.
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINN.: Joe Borowski is under the gun as the Indians' closer.
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