WICKMAN RESIGNS WITH CLEVELAND

[Lofunzo]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=f ... &type=lgns

[Lofunzo]

Indians: Wickman re-signs

by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com
Wednesday, November 24, 2004

News
Bob Wickman is coming back for another year in Cleveland. The Indians have agreed to terms with the veteran closer on a one-year, $2.75-million contract. In October, the Tribe declined to pick up Wickman's $5-million option for next season. Wickman missed the entire 2003 season and spent the first three months of the 2004 season on the disabled list recovering from Tommy John surgery. He finished with an 0-2 record, 4.25 ERA and 13 saves.

Views
At the end of the season Wickman was contemplating retirement, but he ultimately decided he still wanted to pitch and was receiving interest from several teams. The Indians had made obtaining a closer one of their two top off-season priorities (along with a starting pitcher) and when Troy Percival signed with the Tigers, the attention was shifted back to Wickman. Now the Tribe will look toward the top starting pitchers not named Pedro Martinez left in the free agency pool. Bob is a sleeper fantasy closer heading into next season after finishing well down the stretch.

[grammysboy]

Does this mean Wickman is the Indians' closer for '05, or do they have someone else in the pen who may get a look? I have very little interest in Riske. Surly there are some good Tribe fans out there listening to "sports talk radio" in the Cleveland area who can share some pointers.

[stumpak]

Sounds like he will have the job. That gives the Indians 5+ wins right there compared to last season if he can stay healthy.

[LBJackal]

Damn I was hoping Betacourt would get a shot...... but I guess this means he'll get his share of holds which is a good thing too. I jsut don't like Wickman - don't know why.