Saturday, February 24, 2007
After a stellar rookie season, the starting pitcher is focused on improving.
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (AP) -- The numbers say Jeremy Sowers passed his rookie season with flying colors.
To hear the Cleveland Indians left-hander tell it, last season's performance was one of the worst displays in the history of the game.
"I can only look at it one way: What part of my game doesn't need to improve?" he said. "I know I need to improve everything I do. I need to improve the way I go after hitters. I need to improve my location. I need to improve my changeup and my breaking pitches."
Called up from Triple-A Buffalo in mid-June, Sowers was 7-4 with a 3.57 ERA in 14 starts. That was enough to earn him a spot in the Indians' rotation this season, but Sowers is approaching spring training as if he's the lowliest player on the roster.
"I got a foot in the door, but that's all," he said.
Needs to stay ahead
The Indians' No. 1 pick in the 2004 draft, who throws in the low 90s, realizes scouting reports make the rounds quickly.
"I know hitters will adjust," he said. "This will be my second time around. There's a book on me now. Hitters learn fast up here."
It's rare for a player to show so much maturity with only two years in the pros, manager Eric Wedge said.
"He definitely sets high standards for himself," manager Eric Wedge said. "He's not afraid to look in the mirror and be honest with himself on where he needs to improve."
Being hard on himself might have gotten the 23-year-old to the majors in just two years. His twin brother, Josh, pitches for Toronto.
"I'm a perfectionist who realizes reaching perfection is not possible, but as long as I keep striving for it, I can get better," Sowers said.
Bright future
The buzz about when Sowers would join the Indians began a year ago in spring training. He was 14-4 at three levels of minor league ball in 2005. The Indians didn't have a spot for him in the rotation in last year's camp, but fans started clamoring for him.
Sowers dominated the International League at Buffalo, going 9-1 with two shutouts and a 1.39 ERA in 15 starts. He was called up when right-hander Jason Johnson was designated for assignment. Sowers lost his first start against Cincinnati June 25, giving up home runs to Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn in a 4-2 defeat.
Sowers defeated the New York Yankees in his next start. He won six straight decisions, including back-to-back shutouts of Minnesota and Seattle. Sowers lost his last start Sept. 12 before the Indians shut him down for the last three weeks because they didn't want to put any strain on his arm.
"This is a humbling game," he said. "Because it's a humbling game, you can't get complacent. If you get complacent, you're in trouble."
Notes
Indians President Paul Dolan will arrive in Winter Haven in early March to continue negotiations with general manager Mark Shapiro on a new contract. The two sides are reportedly close to a new deal. Shapiro, GM since November 2001, is in the final year of his contract. ... In the rare event OF Grady Sizemore gets a day off, Jason Michaels will play center field. Sizemore appeared in all 162 games last season and made 159 starts in center. Sizemore has played in 196 consecutive games. ... Wedge said Casey Blake will see some action at third base in exhibition games. Blake will primarily play first base and right field. ... RHP Jake Westbrook will start Thursday's exhibition opener against Houston in Winter Haven. Sowers and LHP Cliff Lee will pitch in Tuesday's intrasquad game and LHP C.C. Sabathia will pitch in Wednesday's intrasquad game.