Indians cut Baez, Westbrook

[Gehrig]

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/alnews.htm

Buh Bye...

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Danys Baez and Jake Westbrook, right-handers the Cleveland Indians hope will someday be in their rotation, were among eight players cut from the major league roster Tuesday. Both were optioned to Triple-A Buffalo as manager Charlie Manuel trimmed the roster to 41. Outfielders Terrell Lowery and Mark Budzinski, infielders Jason Hardtke and Ralph Milliard, catcher Victor Martinez and left-handed pitcher Eric Gunderson also were reassigned to the minor league camp. Baez, signed to a four-year, $14.5 million contract a year ago after defecting from Cuba, had a 6.43 ERA in three exhibition appearances, walking seven and allowed nine hits in seven innings. Westbrook, 23, had a 4.50 ERA in six innings over three appearances.

[Butnud]

I forget, was WestBrooke a good player in our ball club. I can't remember.

[Ct.Fan]

I don't know what his record was, but I remember him starting a game at the stadium last year and then watching him get in the limo on the way back to Columbus by about the 4th inning! He may be a late bloomer?

[Gehrig]

Originally posted by Ct.Fan
He may be a late bloomer?

Yeah...The late Jake Westbrook...

[Stick Michael]

If I remember correctly Westbrook started two games for us last year and got shelled both times. Seeing two starts from a young pitcher, however, is no way to determine what kind of future he has. He's still in his early-mid 20s. Some guys don't find their niche until they're in their late 20s, sometimes even their 30s. I love nothing more than hearing about 30-31 year old "rookies" or 35 year old "hangers on" that have finally established themselves in the big leagues after no one would give them a chance for years...it gives me hope.

James