The Cleveland Guardians didn’t need another closer.
However, Paul Sewald’s experience in that role can certainly come in handy in times of need.
Of course, the newcomer knows he’s not there to do so.
He’s not trying to compete with Clase in a race he’s not likely to win.
If anything, he’s just looking forward to learning from him.
Talking to Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com, the Guardians’ latest acquisition raved about his new colleague and talked about how eager he was to work with him:
“He’s as good as anybody on the planet,” said Sewald. “It’ll be fun to get to watch him up close, looking forward to pitching in front of him and then maybe being in the dugout to kind of see that from up close.”
Not many fans were thrilled to know that the Guardians were taking a chance on Sewald.
He was coming off a down year, and it’s not like they needed another closer.
Nevertheless, he has shown great stuff in the past, and it’s not like they signed him to a big-money deal.
The Guardians have arguably the best bullpen in baseball, and if Sewald can turn back the clock, which seems like a realistic possibility with the Guardians’ pitching and training staff, it will only become more dominant.
There are always risks involved with signing players coming off down years.
Then again, we’ve also seen several guys revive their careers with a change of scenery.
And even if things don’t work out, Stephen Vogt can always rely on his superstar closer.
NEXT: Guardians In 'Advanced Talks' To Sign Former All-Star Pitcher
