Scott

Sauerbeck

He struck out 14. Sauerbeck, who missed last season following shoulder surgery, likely will be one of Cleveland’s late-inning relievers in 2005.

Sauerbeck said he was hurt while warming up for Game 1 of the ALDS. He’s also been troubled by a sore shoulder since joining the Red Sox. It’s not very likely that he’ll pitch again during the series against the Yankees.

Sauerbeck is interested. Florida was one of the teams that tried and failed to acquire him from the Pirates prior to last year’s trade deadline.

The Cubs want him signed before making the trade, so unless the arbitration-eligible Sauerbeck is willing to accept a one-year deal at their price (probably in the $1.5 million to $2 million range), they’ll pass. The Red Sox probably won’t get much in return for one of their most disappointing acquisitions.

The bullpen looks like Cincinnati’s biggest strength right now, but the team could still use a lefty.

This could explain some of his problems from the second half of last season. Sauerbeck has failed physicals for both the Cubs and Reds this winter, forcing him to undergo surgery.

He’s missed over two weeks with a strained groin. The A’s are expected to demote Ron Flores to make room on the roster.

Brad Halsey was sent down after Wednesday’s game to open up a spot for Sauerbeck, who will resume being used as a lefty specialist.

Despite his struggles and his arrest last month, he probably won’t be out of work for long. Either Vic Darensbourg or Rafael Perez could replace him as Cleveland’s lone lefty in the pen. Tony Sipp will be a candidate for the job later on.

Sauerbeck, who was cut by the Indians after posting a 6.23 ERA in 24 appearances, takes Steve Karsay’s spot in the Oakland pen. His command problems make him less than ideal in a specialist role, but he remains very difficult to hit.