Bullpen Week Comes to an End

Sep 25, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona makes a call to the bullpen in the seventh inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Here at Wahoo’s on First, we unknowingly turned this past week into bullpen week. Everyday we posted an article centering around the bullpen and what the Indians should do in order to fortify it and fill their vacant closer role. The stars of the show were Ed Carroll and Steve Kinsella. They engaged in an epic verbal back and forth that involved a lot of lists, movie quotes, and differences in opinion when it comes to building a bullpen. It was entertaining to say the least.

The Tibeumverate that is Wahoo’s on the Mic also got in on the relief pitching party. It should also come as no coincidence that Ed is also involved in the hijinx of Wahoo’s on the Mic as well. Friday’s podcast, the final chapter of their state of the franchise series, centered around the bullpen. It was quality stuff from your favorite Cleveland Indians podcast.

Now, with all of that behind us, I’ve gone ahead and compiled everything from bullpen week below. Enjoy.

External Options For The Cleveland Indians Bullpen: Part One

"“Although I am a believer in having a dedicated 9th inning arm to get those last three outs, I do not believe this person should be the teams best reliever nor do I believe a team should feel the need to commit multi-years to a free agent to check that “closer’ box off the to-do list.” -Steve Kinsella“First, while there may be a major difference between a bad reliever and an elite reliever, there simply isn’t a massive difference, at least in terms of wins, between a so-so reliever and a good or even great reliever. Secondly, the list of elite relievers can probably be counted on your one hand and you’d probably only need about four hands for the list of great relievers.” -Ed Carroll"

External Options For The Cleveland Indians Bullpen: Part Two

"“Fernando Rodney’s reputation may be tarnished trying to live up to the amazing 2012 season he had and many may look at his body of work in 2013 as a negative. Despite a poor month of May where he blew 5 saves he was very strong down the stretch. He does have a habit of putting too many hitters on base and will give fans heartburn wherever he lands.” -Steve Kinsella“Mike Gonzalez – this is a bid of an odd one, as he is a 35-year-old LHP who murders left-handed batters, but right-handed batters don’t have as much trouble with him. He wasn’t always thought of as a LOOGY, and actually signed a big contract with the Baltimore Orioles before 2010 to close, before a shoulder injury sidelined him for much of the season. When he came back, Baltimore used him in the familiar lefty setup role.” -Ed Carroll"

External Options For The Cleveland Indians Bullpen: Part Three

"“Veras was actually on my own initial list, but I removed him to be difficultbecause I thought he would cost too much money. He will be unfairly vilified for the home run he allowed in the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox, but he’s a solid reliever, for whatever that’s worth.” -Ed Carroll"

External Options For The Cleveland Indians Bullpen: Part Four

"“Mr. Carroll, what you’ve just written is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever read. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this interwebthingy is now dumber for having read it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.” -Steve Kinsella"

Wahoo’s on the Mic, Episode 33 – The State of the Franchise Part VIII: The Bullpen