Building a Better Bullpen

The Indians recently signed lefty Aaron Fultz to a one-year, $1.65 million contract, and righty Roberto Hernandez to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million. Both deals include club options for 2008. Reports are also that the Tribe is close to signing Joe Borowski to a one-year deal, with terms currently unknown.

None of these three guys are particularly good, although each has the chance to be pretty decent. However, the key is that every one of these deals is only for one year. When you don't have much money to spend, the best way to minimize your risks is by handing out short-term deals. That way, if the player falls off of the planet before pitching one inning, your losses are minimal, and you maintain enough flexibility to deal with problems that arise in the future.

The Indians' bullpen is a lot better with Borowski, Fultz, and Hernandez in the mix, although there is no guarantee that any of them will duplicate the success they've had recently.

The key for the Indians is regression to the mean...in a good way. Nearly everyone in their 2006 bullpen performed well below their capabilities and track records---especially Rafael Betancourt and Fernando Cabrera. Is it reasonable that both of these pitchers, especially Cabrera, will improve in 2007. Cabrera has a chance to be one of the best relievers in the AL. Furthermore, there are enough live arms in the group that includes Tony Sipp, Ed Mujica, Tom Mastny, Jason Davis, et al that a few of them will have solid years.

Last season a lot went wrong with the bullpen, but the group is a lot more talented than they showed. A little regression to the luck (and maybe even a little good luck, for a change?) and the Indians' bullpen could even be a relative strength in 2007.