JOSH WEIR
CLEVELAND — Luis Isaac’s 44-year marriage to the Indians is over.
Cleveland manager Eric Wedge revealed Tuesday that he fired Isaac, the Tribe’s bullpen coach, after the Indians returned home from Sunday’s season finale in Chicago.
The 62-year-old Isaac was in his 15th year as bullpen coach, but has served as a player, coach, manager and scout for the organization since 1965.
“Luis was as loyal as the day is long. He’s been a great contributor here on the coaching staff for so many years,” Wedge said. “But ultimately, I felt we needed a different dynamic in the bullpen from that role. It’s something I’ve been thinking about for awhile. It’s nothing that came to me overnight.”
The Indians bullpen struggled most of this season, but was one of the major leagues’ best in 2007. Wedge indicated his decision wasn’t based on one season, one incident or any one factor.
“As hard as it was for me to do, I felt like it was the best thing for our ballclub moving forward,” he said.
Wedge said he has three to four candidates in mind.
Any day now
Assistant GM Chris Antonetti indicated Tuesday the Indians should finalize the player-to-be-named-later in the CC Sabathia trade “at somepoint in the next few days.”
Hot corner
According to Wedge, the only way shortstop Jhonny Peralta is moving to third base is if the Indians acquire a starting second baseman this offseason, which would move Asdrubal Cabrera to short.
“It’s not working off of Jhonny. It’s working off ... what’s available to us, what’s realistic, what’s the best fit for us,” Wedge said. “I do think at some point in time, Jhonny is going to end up at third base. At some point in time, I do think Asdrubal is going to end up at shortstop. But that may not be for three or four years. It may be next year. I don’t know.”
Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Garko
Ryan Garko finished tied for the team lead in RBI (90) despite some bad stretches earlier this season. Garko’s role for 2009 is uncertain.
“I think he can be an everyday player or a role player, depending on which guy shows up,” Wedge said.
Choices
Even with Jensen Lewis’ strong performance, the Indians are looking for options at closer.
“Jensen did a good job for us,” Wedge said. “It was short term, but he did a very good job helping our bullpen settle down. But we’re always going to try to find someone who’s been in that role for longer than 1 1/2 months.”
The Miller Report
RHP Adam Miller, working his way back from ligament surgery in his throwing hand this summer, tossed three hitless innings Monday in the Arizona Fall League. The 23-year-old prospect struck out three and walked one. In the same game, RHP Chen Chang Lee earned the save with a scoreless inning of relief.
