Friday, February 16, 2007
Close The Book On Foulke
By John Chandler
Keith Foulke never threw a pitch in an Indians uniform, but let the record show that the closer-turned-retiree did pick up a save. By calling it quits on Friday, instead of possibly pushing his way onto the disabled list this season, he saved the Indians the trouble of paying his $5 million salary.
It is a rare display of integrity, and Tribe G.M. Mark Shapiro made it a point to praise Foulke for it, even though the righty's retirement is a blow to the expectations the team held for it's rebuilt bullpen.
"He didn't want to disappoint the organization or his teammates," said Shapiro, who spoke with Foulke about the situation on Thursday.
According to Shapiro, Foulke began experiencing soreness in his elbow two weeks ago. He showed no signs of any potential trouble in his original physical with the Indians. There is no reason not to believe that, since the Indians are notoriously thorough in their examination of players.
So what happened here? Keith Foulke was honest, and paid for it. Not that pushing through spring training on a sore elbow would have been dishonest, but Foulke could have conceivably gutted out the spring (and an inevitable trip to the disabled list) to collect his cash. It happened in Boston last season, when elbow trouble cost him the closer's job.
With the Indians, it cost Foulke $5 million.
"Over the last few weeks, while preparing for the 2007 season, my body has not responded as it has in years past," Foulke said in a statement. "I feel strongly I will not be able to perform at the level where I need to be to help the Indians this season. They are a class organization and I wish them the best of luck in 2007."
They'll need it, now that their bullpen has taken an obvious hit. Joe Borowski benefits, sliding into the closer role that he was to compete for with Foulke. He at least has experience with it.
Roberto Hernandez, Rafael Betancourt and Aaron Fultz figure to handle the bulk of the work in the 6th, 7th, and 8th innings. That leaves Jason Davis, Matt Miller, Tom Mastny and Fernando Cabrera to battle for the remaining two spots in long relief. Newly invited Cliff Politte will also figure in the mix, though Shapiro says he's not yet full go after shoulder surgery last August.
If there's a silver lining, it's that Shapiro rebuilt the depth of the bullpen to withstand blows like this. He just never figured the first would be delivered before the team could report for Spring Training.
Cleveland, what do you think? Does Foulke's retirement deal a blow to the Indians chances in 2007? Sound Off with your thoughts and watch for them on the Toyota Sports Sunday at 11:35 PM on NewsChannel 5.
Keith Foulke never threw a pitch in an Indians uniform, but let the record show that the closer-turned-retiree did pick up a save. By calling it quits on Friday, instead of possibly pushing his way onto the disabled list this season, he saved the Indians the trouble of paying his $5 million salary.
It is a rare display of integrity, and Tribe G.M. Mark Shapiro made it a point to praise Foulke for it, even though the righty's retirement is a blow to the expectations the team held for it's rebuilt bullpen.
"He didn't want to disappoint the organization or his teammates," said Shapiro, who spoke with Foulke about the situation on Thursday.
According to Shapiro, Foulke began experiencing soreness in his elbow two weeks ago. He showed no signs of any potential trouble in his original physical with the Indians. There is no reason not to believe that, since the Indians are notoriously thorough in their examination of players.
So what happened here? Keith Foulke was honest, and paid for it. Not that pushing through spring training on a sore elbow would have been dishonest, but Foulke could have conceivably gutted out the spring (and an inevitable trip to the disabled list) to collect his cash. It happened in Boston last season, when elbow trouble cost him the closer's job.
With the Indians, it cost Foulke $5 million.
"Over the last few weeks, while preparing for the 2007 season, my body has not responded as it has in years past," Foulke said in a statement. "I feel strongly I will not be able to perform at the level where I need to be to help the Indians this season. They are a class organization and I wish them the best of luck in 2007."
They'll need it, now that their bullpen has taken an obvious hit. Joe Borowski benefits, sliding into the closer role that he was to compete for with Foulke. He at least has experience with it.
Roberto Hernandez, Rafael Betancourt and Aaron Fultz figure to handle the bulk of the work in the 6th, 7th, and 8th innings. That leaves Jason Davis, Matt Miller, Tom Mastny and Fernando Cabrera to battle for the remaining two spots in long relief. Newly invited Cliff Politte will also figure in the mix, though Shapiro says he's not yet full go after shoulder surgery last August.
If there's a silver lining, it's that Shapiro rebuilt the depth of the bullpen to withstand blows like this. He just never figured the first would be delivered before the team could report for Spring Training.
Cleveland, what do you think? Does Foulke's retirement deal a blow to the Indians chances in 2007? Sound Off with your thoughts and watch for them on the Toyota Sports Sunday at 11:35 PM on NewsChannel 5.
Posted at 2:02 PM
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