Danys

Baez

It is the longest consecutive saves streak in the majors at the moment. Baez, who has 28 for the season, has been everything the Rays hoped he’d be when they signed him to a two-year deal this past winter.

Manager Eric Wedge had decided before the game to give Baez, who had pitched on three of the previous four days, a night off, saying he had faith in David Riske, Jose Santiago and Carl Sadler in the closer’s role. Riske could be a candidate for an odd save here and there if Wedge continues to give Baez a night off.

Baez’s fastball is reaching 95 mph, with his sinker hitting 89. The Indians aren’t likely to blow a lot of opponents out this season, meaning Baez should get a lot of opportunities.

Baez is far more likely to be traded in July than during the spring. If it happens, Lance Carter and Jesus Colome would be the top candidates to take over as Tampa Bay’s closer.

The team doesn’t want to pay $4.1 million to someone who doesn’t fit into their plans as either a starter or a closer. They shouldn’t have a hard time finding a team willing to take a chance on Baez at the back of their rotation.

Since Baez is no longer on the 40-man roster, he’s not protected by the union mandate that salaries can only be cut by 20 percent. Instead of giving him a $4.1 million contract, the Indians could now bring him back for as little as $300,000, although it’s likely that Baez and his agent would contest the move. Perhaps some kind of a deal can be worked out.

The Indians would have to pay Baez at least $4.1 million to keep him next season, so they’re expected to make him a free agent.

Baez is expected to become a free agent next month, so it’s unlikely that the Phillies will trade for him. Still, they could bring him in as a setup man if they don’t re-sign Terry Adams.

A rumor reported on an Indians fan site that the team would sign Vladimir Guerrero and trade Omar Vizquel to Seattle appears to be completely bogus. The Indians could sign an inexpensive second baseman, with Chris Stynes, Ronnie Belliard, Eric Young and the soon-to-be non-tendered Marlon Anderson among the possibilies. They made an offer to Tony Graffanino but were turned down. The Indians won’t know how much they’ll have to spend on a second baseman until they find out what Baez will make or if he’ll even remain on the roster.

David Riske takes over as the Indians’ closer, though it’s still possible the team goes back to Baez before the end of the season. Baez was told that his past 10 appearances were crucial in making the decision. If that’s the case, we don’t see what lost the job for Baez. Going back to July 25, he’s saved 3-of-4 chances with a 4.35 ERA but a nice 1.16 WHIP and 13/3 K/BB in 10 1/3 innings. Riske has had a great season, and the more likely reason for Baez losing his job is that Cleveland just wants to see what it has in Riske.