Friday, February 22, 2013
Kazmir a scary candidate
By Jason A. Churchill
Last week I wrote that newly-signed right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka was entering camp with the Cleveland Indians facing a lot of competition for a job in the club's starting rotation. Among the foes is left-hander Scott Kazmir, whose battled injuries the last several years but began to show a healthier arm over the winter. Manager Terry Francona said Thursday that Kazmir has "looked so good it's scary."
Of course, a bullpen session or two does not mean Kazmir will 1) continue such crisp command and firm velocity deep into starts or well into the season and; 2) remain healthy for the long term. The latter issue may be something the Indians take into consideration and use Kazmir out of the bullpen, instead.
The Indians' bullpen does have other lefty candidates, including Nick Hagadone, Scott Barnes and David Huff, but Kazmir could be kept around for insurance purposes.
