Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Edward Mujica Forcing Way Into Indians Picture
In prospect Edward Mujica the Indians have found a potential setup man, future closer and backup for 37-year-old closer Bob Wickman. Wickman has always been regarded as a risk as he has had four stints on the disabled list since 2002 and missed almost the entire season in 2003. Mujica, 22, has developed a reliable changeup to complement his 94-mph fastball, and now owns a 0.00 ERA in 32.3 innings in combined stops for AAA Buffalo and AA Akron. Mujica likely would win the bullpen spot of Guillermo Mota, 35, who was brought in to compete with Wickman for the closer's role but who has been underperforming due to lingering effects of previous injuries. Mota is 0-3 with an 7.82 ERA. Mujica could be called up at any moment.
Doctor X -- the 'Baseball Medic' -- is an anonymous U.S. government trauma specialist with a Duke University sports medicine background and more than 20 years experience in emergency medicine. From time to time he considers MLB rumors, events and news reports as they pertain to baseball players' injuries, illnesses and various other disabilities, both on the field and off.
MLB Rumors editor Greg Fieg is a former sports news editor and award-winning writer whose bylines have appeared on the wires of the Associated Press and in numerous publications, including San Antonio Express-News, San Antonio Light, Houston Chronicle and Philadelphia Bulletin. He formerly was posted in various positions on the U.S.-Mexican border with Freedom Newspapers, and was a regular, independent contributor to United Press International.