An Open Letter to the Cleveland Indians
I happened to catch the end of your game today against the New York Yankees. I had high hopes for an Indian victory based on the wonderful effort put forth in the previous two games (outscored 19-5). Going into the bottom of the ninth with a 6-2 lead things were looking pretty good.
From there, well, it fell apart. With each walk, each line drive, each home run, I thought to myself “well, I guess they’ll bring in their closer now”. And yet, even at 6-5 with Arod at the plate, it didn’t happen. In fact, I don’t think anyone ever stirred in the bullpen. So my question to you Cleveland, and forgive my ignorance (this was my first chance to see your 2007 team), is this:
Is Joe Borowski (ERA 13.50) the best you’ve got? Is he really your closer?
Because honestly, and I don’t believe I’m overstating the case, it’s hard to believe Borowski’s on a major league roster. Nothing he threw looked like major league stuff, and certainly not closer level. I wanted to grab a bat, which means Borowski had nothing to offer Arod except batting practice. Borowski would have been better off setting the ball on a tee or tossing it underhand and praying for a miracle.
Your fans, and the rest of the Indian team, the ones that fought for that 6-2 lead, deserved better. Not necessarily a win, but at least a chance. Today, with your hopes on the shoulders of a completely overmatched Borowski, those chances were slim and none.
It’s going to be a long season in Cleveland.
Sincerely,
Gary
