Indians counting on improved bullpen in ’09

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Of the many factors that prevented the Cleveland Indians from defending their American League Central title last season, a shaky bullpen was at the top of the list.

After watching his team finish last in the AL with 31 saves, general manager Mark Shapiro took steps in the offseason to address the problem. He signed Kerry Wood, who with 34 saves for the Chicago Cubs had more than the entire Indians relief corps, to be the closer. Shapiro also acquired setup man Joe Smith from the New York Mets.

“There are no absolutes, but we believe our bullpen will be better,” Indians manager Eric Wedge said. “We’ve made some improvements and we feel strongly about the guys we have coming back.”

Wood and Smith, both right-handers, have been behind the rest of the pitchers in camp, but both are expected to be ready when the season begins. Wood, who had a long history of injuries in Chicago, didn’t throw off the mound for about a week because of a sore back. He threw batting practice for the first time Wednesday and is scheduled to pitch in his first game next week.

Smith missed five days because of a virus and is getting his strength back. He had a bullpen session Wednesday.

“We think the two of them will be a big plus for us,” Wedge said. “Kerry has great stuff and he brings that aura at the end of games. Joe will help us bridge that gap to get us to the end of the game.”

A comeback season from Rafael Betancourt also would help. The right-hander went from being one of the best setup men in the league — going 5-1 with a 1.47 ERA in 2007 — to a pitcher Wedge couldn’t depend on last season. Betancourt ended the season with a 3-4 record and a 5.07 ERA, but was rarely used in situations with the game on the line the last two months of the season.

“We think he learned a lot last season and grew from what he went through,” Wedge said.

Jensen Lewis became Wedge’s most dependable late-inning option last season. The right-hander converted 13 of 14 save opportunities and will get the call in the seventh and eighth innings. Although he only throws in the low 90s, Lewis relies on location and isn’t afraid to challenge hitters.

The Indians believe left-hander Rafael Perez has closer’s stuff and could move into that role someday. He held opposing hitters to a .234 average and struck out 86 in 76 1‚Ñ3 innings. Perez is playing for the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic.

Pitching coach Carl Willis is confident the Indians’ bullpen will move from a weakness to a strength this season.

“We’ve made some good additions,” he said. “Kerry Wood is a proven closer with great stuff. Joe Smith will help us. I believe Raffy [Betancourt] will bounce back for us and have a good season. Lewis and Perez picked up some valuable experience last season and I think they will continue to progress.”