Major Move for Tribe
Thursday, February 21, 2008
By Staff Writer Matt Sanders
CLEVELAND, OH - The Cleveland Indians completed
a major deall Thursday sending closer Jose Valverde to the Los Angeles Dodgers for starting pitcher Tim Lincecum.
“[We’re] thrilled to welcome Tim Lincecum into the fold.” Cleveland
General Manager Al said. “We believe we’ve added a “third ace” here today with Tim.”
Cleveland
looks to have some of the best starting pitching in the game with the addition of Lincecum, who will pitch behind established
stars Brandon Webb, Chien-Ming Wang, and Jake Peavy.
However the loss of Valverde
could really dent Cleveland’s title hopes. The move
leaves Cleveland with Tony Pena as their best arm out of the
bullpen. If they can’t sign a free agent such as George Sherrill or Troy
Percival, Pena will be one of their only relievers.
“Losing a top closer like Valverde hurts, but since coming under new
management, the Indians organization has been committed to bringing in young, cheap talent and putting them in a position
to succeed for years.” Al said.
The addition of Valverde to Los Angeles’s bullpen
helps what is an injury shaken bunch. Former closer Chris Ray is out for the season with an elbow injury.
The Dodgers GM was not available for comment.