Fausto Carmona (P), CLE

News: With Bob Wickman apparently on the move, expect Carmona to temporarily assume the closer's role in Cleveland. He'll have to battle to hold onto the job, as Fernando Cabrera and Rafael Betancourt also figure to be in the mix. However, Carmona has pitched considerably better than each of them this season, and figures to be the immediate short-term solution.

Views: Long-term, I still like Cabrera, and expect him to take over the role next season. However, Cabrera seems to have been spinning his wheels for most of the year. Cabrera had a nice stretch in late April and early May, but he's fallen back into the bad habits that were killing him right off the bat this season.

Carmona, on the other hand, has been solid all year, and has allowed just one earned run in the past month. The 23-year-old prospect showed some versatility this season, taking over a rotation spot early in the year when C.C. Sabathia was injured, and he's been terrific out of the bullpen since being recalled in early May. How long it lasts is anyone's guess, but Carmona should take over the role for now.

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[1] by extremis on 07/20/2006 03:41 am

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Would Cabrera get a chance or is it Carmona right away??

[2] by Jim Meyerriecks on 07/20/2006 04:42 am

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There's been no clear indication from the Tribe as of yet, but you have to figure that Carmona is the only one getting a shot right off the bat based on how everyone in their bullpen has pitched to this point.

[3] by TL52 on 07/20/2006 01:11 pm

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Carmona is taken in every single league I am in already.