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'Different dynamic' needed, Wedge says. Lee honored by AL
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Wednesday, Oct 01, 2008
CLEVELAND: After 44 years with the Indians, bullpen coach Luis Isaac, 62, has been fired.
''Luis is as loyal as the day is long, and he contributed to this club for a long time,'' said Indians manager Eric Wedge, who made the decision. ''But I thought we needed a different dynamic in that role. It's something I thought about for a long time.''
When asked if the bullpen's inconsistency the past few years was a factor, Wedge said, ''It was more than that.''
Isaac played in the Tribe farm system from 1965-72 and was a player-coach through 1977. After that, he remained with the Indians as a minor-league coach and manager or scout until he was promoted to the big-league staff in 1993.
Isaac was quietly instrumental in helping countless pitchers who came through the organization.
Wedge said he and pitching coach Carl Willis are considering three or four candidates as replacements for Isaac.
Another accolade
Cliff Lee and Brad Lidge of the Philadelphia Phillies have been named Comeback Players of the Year in the American and National leagues, respectively.
Lee began the 2007 season on the disabled list and never really caught up, posting a 5-8 record and 6.29 ERA. He was sent to Triple-A Buffalo to make corrections, and when he returned, in September, he made only a few appearances out of the bullpen.
This year, he and Brandon Webb of the Arizona Diamondbacks tied for most wins in the majors (22), and Lee led the AL in ERA with a 2.54 mark.
Not yet
Wedge was asked if prized prospect, outfielder Matt LaPorta, had a chance to make the team in training camp.
''I don't think he will do that out of spring training,'' Wedge said. ''But from what I've heard, he will get our attention.''
LaPorta was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers in the C.C. Sabathia trade.
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.
CLEVELAND: After 44 years with the Indians, bullpen coach Luis Isaac, 62, has been fired.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Alliance, Oh
Posted 06:39 AM, 10/01/2008
Different dynamic---Wedge and his staff should look in the mirror as well!
Posted 08:43 AM, 10/01/2008
Ah, I get it. Isaac was the reason they sucked this year. Thank god they figured that out.
Posted 09:08 AM, 10/01/2008
As I said before, after 44 years they repaid his loyalty how? Shows a real lack of class.
Bluffton, SC
Posted 09:33 AM, 10/01/2008
FIRED HIM....after 44 years. What a class thing to do. Just say you are going a different direction and wanted to make a change, 44 years deserves some respect no matter what the reason for letting Isaac go. Bad Karma here........
Posted 03:33 AM, 10/02/2008
As I am every year since the 50's, I was looking forward to "next Year". Im not so sure now. Bring back Skinner.
San Antonio, TX
Posted 03:54 PM, 10/02/2008
Just what is the difference between the bullpen coach and the pitching coach. Do they have separate jobs and responsabliities? Is it the bullpen coach's job to actually coach the relief pitchers and get them to function as a talented pitcher for one or two or maybe three innings a game. If so then the pitching coach just coaches the starting rotation -hey. If relief pitchers are bad is it the bullpen coach's fault or the pitching coach's fault or does the Tribe just have ineffective talent.
