Posted on May 2 2011 by Caitlin Carver

Cleveland Indians’ bullpen an underrated component of Tribe’s early season success

The Tribe capped off another lateinning dramatic win over the Tigers on Saturday night thanks to a bases loaded single by Orlando Cabrera.  Include another victory over the Tigers on Sunday, and it improves the Indians record to 198, best in the AL.

And dont forget about Friday night, when Carlos Santana smashed a walkoff grand slam in the bottom of the 9th inning. In my opinion, this was the most exciting victory for the Indians this year.

Cleveland should not only thank their clutch hitting for those wins, but the bullpen deserves credit as well. Clevelands bullpen has been a huge reason why the Indians have been able to keep games close until the offense completes the heroic victory.

The bullpen has been outstanding for Cleveland all season long.  The Indians pen features five talented pitchers, led my closer Chris Perez.  

Last season, after Kerry Wood was traded to New York, Perez had a 1.74 ERA and converted 18 of his last 19 saves.

Just like last season, Chris Perez has been awesome for the Tribe in 2011.  He has seven saves on the season, a 3.00 ERA, and 1.17 WHIP.

Besides one bad game versus Kansas City, Perez has been consistent all season long.  Perez doesnt overpower hitters with a great fastball like many closers; instead he relies on control to get hitters out.

Lefties Rafael Perez and Tony Sipp have given Cleveland right handed and left handed balance in the bullpen.

Rafael Perez, the only remanding reliever from the great 2007 bullpen has had his best start of the season ever.  He has an incredible 0.00 ERA.  His WHIP is 1.00, and has plenty of MLB experience.

Setup man Tony Sipp is tied for first in the MLB with eight holds.  He has a 2.08 ERA, and he has proven to be very reliable while appearing in a team high 13 games.

Vinnie Pestano has surprised many Indians fans with his excellent start.  Although Vinnie isnt very tall, standing only at 6 feet, he sure can throw smoke. His fastball tops out at 96. Pestano leads the pen with 13 strikeouts and has an impressive 0.82 ERA and a .818 WHIP.

After returning from an abdominal strain, Joe Smith has become the Tribes fifth best reliever.  For a sidearm pitcher Smith has solid control, as he has only allowed one walk this season.

Currently, Cleveland has the best bullpen in the AL, and you can guarantee that has a direct correlation with their 198 record.

 

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