Joe Borowski – Cleveland Indians
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Terms
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1 Year, $4,250,000
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BIO
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A classic over-achiever, Borowski was drafted in the 32nd round (821st overall) in 1989 by the Chicago White Sox. He was soon traded after the draft, and resided in the Orioles system for the next six years. After a few cups of coffee, Joe found himself traded to the Braves in 1996. It was with the Braves that he experienced his first major MLB playing time, but he ended the year with the Yankees.
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To make a long story short, he was released and signed by Milwaukee, and ultimately ended up with the Cubs. The confines of Wrigley produced Borowski’s first full time gig, with Joe making the full-time roster in 2002 (13 years after being drafted). He found success in Chicago, used as an often closer in 02 & 03, where he responded with ERA’s of 2.73 & 2.63 respectively. But he was almost always by passed for “sexier†closers with better stuff. In 2004 Borowski had a disastrous year (8.02 ERA) and found himself back in AAA. You would have to assume that most men would quite after a demotion to AAA at the age of 34 but Borowski persevered and was once again called up to Chicago in 2005. But the call-up was ultimately short-lived, with the Cubs releasing Joe on July 11th. Out of work, he went to the waste land, Tampa Bay to be exact, and finished out the 2005 season with a 1.05 WHIP in 35.1 IP for the Devil Rays. He signed a one year contract with the Florida Marlins and was tabbed for middle to set-up relief for the 2006 season. With the Marlins bullpen beginning in a state of flux, Joe was given a save opportunity here or there, but the exclusive role was finally turned over to him in the final week of May. From there, Borowski produced a solid, although quiet, campaign, saving 36 games with an ERA of 3.75. As of 2006, Joe Borowski (35) has saved 80 games, pitched a major league game for six different teams, and spent time in the minors for 14 seasons.
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So, why do I like this deal?
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In today’s market, there are many closers earning big, big money (Wagner, Ryan, Rivera). The many current closers that are signed to decent deals (K-Rod, Hoffman) would rake in big bucks in this year’s market. While Borowski isn’t –and has never been—flashy, he is dependable at getting the job done (83.7 % conversion rate in 2006, blowing 7 saves yet earning 3 wins in his BS). This rate is comparable to higher profile 2006 closers such as Jonathan Papelbon (85.3%), Hudson Street (77%), Todd Jones (86%), Tom Gordon (87%) and others. With only a one year deal, the deal makes sense on many levels (cost, length of deal, development of youth in minor bullpen roles, etc.) He’s not going to set the world on fire, but anyone who followed teams such as the Indians and the Braves now realizes the importance of a steady closer.
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Agree, Disagree? Let us know in our comment form below!
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(Joe Borowski, with Mop Up Duty’s Kman & Calman, circa 2002 “Salad Days”)
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Best 2006 Free Agent Signings – Joe Borowski
Joe Borowski – Cleveland Indians
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Terms
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1 Year, $4,250,000
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Â
BIO
Â
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A classic over-achiever, Borowski was drafted in the 32nd round (821st overall) in 1989 by the Chicago White Sox. He was soon traded after the draft, and resided in the Orioles system for the next six years. After a few cups of coffee, Joe found himself traded to the Braves in 1996. It was with the Braves that he experienced his first major MLB playing time, but he ended the year with the Yankees.
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To make a long story short, he was released and signed by Milwaukee, and ultimately ended up with the Cubs. The confines of Wrigley produced Borowski’s first full time gig, with Joe making the full-time roster in 2002 (13 years after being drafted). He found success in Chicago, used as an often closer in 02 & 03, where he responded with ERA’s of 2.73 & 2.63 respectively. But he was almost always by passed for “sexier†closers with better stuff. In 2004 Borowski had a disastrous year (8.02 ERA) and found himself back in AAA. You would have to assume that most men would quite after a demotion to AAA at the age of 34 but Borowski persevered and was once again called up to Chicago in 2005. But the call-up was ultimately short-lived, with the Cubs releasing Joe on July 11th. Out of work, he went to the waste land, Tampa Bay to be exact, and finished out the 2005 season with a 1.05 WHIP in 35.1 IP for the Devil Rays. He signed a one year contract with the Florida Marlins and was tabbed for middle to set-up relief for the 2006 season. With the Marlins bullpen beginning in a state of flux, Joe was given a save opportunity here or there, but the exclusive role was finally turned over to him in the final week of May. From there, Borowski produced a solid, although quiet, campaign, saving 36 games with an ERA of 3.75. As of 2006, Joe Borowski (35) has saved 80 games, pitched a major league game for six different teams, and spent time in the minors for 14 seasons.
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So, why do I like this deal?
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In today’s market, there are many closers earning big, big money (Wagner, Ryan, Rivera). The many current closers that are signed to decent deals (K-Rod, Hoffman) would rake in big bucks in this year’s market. While Borowski isn’t –and has never been—flashy, he is dependable at getting the job done (83.7 % conversion rate in 2006, blowing 7 saves yet earning 3 wins in his BS). This rate is comparable to higher profile 2006 closers such as Jonathan Papelbon (85.3%), Hudson Street (77%), Todd Jones (86%), Tom Gordon (87%) and others. With only a one year deal, the deal makes sense on many levels (cost, length of deal, development of youth in minor bullpen roles, etc.) He’s not going to set the world on fire, but anyone who followed teams such as the Indians and the Braves now realizes the importance of a steady closer.
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Agree, Disagree? Let us know in our comment form below!
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(Joe Borowski, with Mop Up Duty’s Kman & Calman, circa 2002 “Salad Days”)
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Matthias Koster has written for mopupduty.com since 2006. Follow Matthias on Twitter, Facebook and Google +