Rafael Betancourt

p;    13 (8 Saves)     3.65          1.22

Rafael Betancourt       31            1.47            0.76                5              6.27          1.52

Continue reading "Heilman Heads Up Another Bullpen Meltdown"

and a reliever might cost the Mets a top prospect.  The Mets might be able to get Cleveland's Rafael Betancourt on the cheap.  He had a superb season last year, but has struggled this year, so maybe a change of scenery could benefit him.  The other possibility is the Royals' lefty Ron Mahay, but they just signed him to a lucrative contract this offseason so they might ask for a lot in return.

Continue reading "Trade Market: Will The Mets Be Involved?"

In the meantime his setup man Rafael Betancourt, one of the best eighth-inning men in 2007, has been closing in his place, but has been struggling.

After giving up three runs to Toronto to take the loss on May 12, Betancourt pitched himself into a jam today, loading the bases with one out. Masa Kobayashi, the career saves leader in Japan and an offseason acquisition for Cleveland, came on to record the last two outs, allowing one run to score on a passed ball with his second pitch. Kobayashi looked strong after that temporary bout of wildness, and it's likely he'll be given the endgame nod next time, at least until Borowski returns later this week or next. Whether, how and when Borowski returns to the closer role will be an interesting choice for Indians manager Eric Wedge, but at least Kobayashi has shown his value. 

Continue reading "Those Amazing Indians"