Shapiro’s offseason objectives fall short

The Tribe GM didn’t get everything he wanted in deals, but he did get a closer.

Akron Beacon Journal

Through little fault of his own, Indians GM Mark Shapiro is on the verge of being targeted by second- guessers and frustrated fans for a failure to make good on implied promises in the offseason.

Shapiro’s offseason wish list included a closer plus an additional reliever or two, an infielder — preferably a third baseman — and a starting pitcher.

He expressed a determination to accomplish each of these goals through free-agent purchases or trades.

As has happened in previous years, it appears that what Shapiro wants isn’t necessarily what he will get. The marketplace, a sparse supply of players at certain positions, more budgetary restraint than usual caused by our sinking economy and the presence of a couple of major-population-centered franchises have conspired to foil Shapiro’s grand design.

But at least he achieved Priority No. 1: obtaining a closer. Barring another arm injury — and Kerry Wood has undergone the knife for both shoulder and elbow ailments — the former Chicago Cubs pitcher should strengthen the back end of the bullpen.

Yes, $20.5 million is a lot of cash for a guy who until last year appeared to be yet another promising power starter whose career went in the toilet because of injuries. But being sent to the bullpen to pitch one inning at a time instead of seven or eight seems to have revived Wood’s career.

There always is a risk with pitchers, of course. More so when that pitcher has been cut open as often as Wood. But maybe Shapiro and the fans should look at it this way: He’s like an old Chevy that has had its engine block, transmission and exhaust system replaced. Those new parts should last awhile.

Shapiro also traded for reliever Joe Smith, who appears to be a talented sidearming right-hander, who can jump into the mix of pitchers who will help hold the line in the seventh inning or later, especially against right- handed batters.

But as Shapiro said when he announced the signing of Wood, there is more work to do. The question is whether the team has the resources to get it done and whether there are viable candidates for the GM to chase.