While other teams have already made some splashes in the free agent and trade markets this offseason, the Indians have been comparatively quiet, making a few minor moves. Team president Mark Shapiro announced that this period of quiet would soon come to an end, though, when he stated earlier today that Tribe fans could expect a pitcher with experience at closer to be signed within a couple weeks. Well, Shapiro and the front office wouldn’t need nearly that much time to make their move, as ESPN’s Buster Olney has reported that Axford and the Tribe are on the verge of agreeing to a deal. The 30-year-old Axford started the season closing for Milwaukee, logging 54 2/3 innings for the Brewers and posting a shaky 4.45 ERA with six blown saves. He was eventually removed from the closer role and subsequently traded to St. Louis, where he pitched 10 1/3 innings in the regular season and posted a 1.74 ERA. In the postseason he made six appearances for the Cards, over which he only gave up one earned run. Axford’s best season by far was his 2011 campaign with Milwaukee, in which he recorded 86 strikeouts, 46 saves, and a sparkling 1.95 ERA. Over his career Axford has saved 106 games and put up a solid 3.29 ERA.
Personally, I like the move. I understand that some may have doubts about his ability to close based on his rough stretch with the Brewers this past year, but he finished the season on a very strong note with the Cardinals. Additionally, his 2011 season is enough evidence for me that he has what it takes to be a big-time closer in this league. And who better to help him get back into top form than Tribe pitching coach Mickey Callaway, a man who has recently resurrected the careers of guys like Ubaldo Jimenez and Scott Kazmir? On top of all that, there’s one thing we can definitively say about John Axford: he’s not Chris Perez.
