It appears as though the Joe Borowski era in Cleveland has mercifully ended.  The Indians handed Borowski a 4-3 lead last night and expected him to close it out, something he had done 45 times last season.  Julio Lugo promptly doubled to left, and two sacrifice flies later the ballgame was tied.  David Ortiz singled to center, and then Manny Ramirez bombed a batting practice softball to deep left field that proved to be the game-winner.  Borowski was promptly put on the DL with what the team termed a“triceps strain” with triceps strain apparently a euphemism for “washed up” or “sucking.”  

Asked what kind of pitch he hit Ramirez told reporters, "Like a fastball.  It was something like 80. Or a change. It was right there."  Basically the pitch was so slow and straight Manny thought Borowski’s fastball was a change.  Indians fans should be rejoicing that they will have a new closer, and that they have a bullpen full of candidates.  Rafael Betancourt probably gets the first shot to close as he has been masterful throughout his career averaging better than a strikeout an inning over 315.1 frames in six major league seasons.  Rafael Perez, Jensen Lewis, or Masahide Kobayashi all could get opportunities to save games as well, but Betancourt should get the first shot.  Betancourt pitched the last two days so don’t read too much into the fact that he may not pitch tonight.

Betancourt is the guy you want in fantasy.  He’s likely owned by now, but if he’s not definitely pick him up.  Borowski owners should feel free to drop him.  I don’t think he’ll get his job back when and if he returns, and everybody should know that his peripherals are terrible.  In deep mixed or AL-only leagues you may want to take a flier on Kobayashi if Betancourt is gone on the outside shot that he gets some saves.  I think he might be next in line.

Borowski watches Ramirez's home run (and his job) fly out of the ballpark.