Cleveland Indians: No more Bryan Shaw hate in 2018

Bryan Shaw had another solid season for the Cleveland Indians in 2017 and even those who hated him may start to miss him in 2018.

Cleveland Indians fans were lucky to have a player like Bryan Shaw on the team from 2013-2017.

For some, that statement is a flaming hot take because Shaw is the worst pitcher of all time.

But to most others, Shaw was seen as a reliable piece in the bullpen and fans are still waiting to see if his absence can be replaced.

Shaw routinely appeared in nearly half the team’s games during his tenure, and fans may not realize just how important that is. Having a reliable arm to come into nearly any game and provide solid work is invaluable. Andrew Miller and Cody Allen are ready to finish games off, but Shaw was always there to hand the ball over to either of the two.

This formula obviously changed in the postseason when Terry Francona took on the traditional idea of bullpen roles, but the Shaw-Miller-Allen trio was a rather consistent formula last year during the regular season.

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The problem with Shaw was that he had his collapses, but that is going to happen when making so many appearances.

In fact, Shaw only had three outings last year in which he allowed at least three earned runs. That’s great considering he made 79 appearances. But people love narratives, I suppose.

The reliable right-hander also appeared in three postseason games last year, logging six innings and allowing one earned run in that span.

As we all know, Shaw is now with the Colorado Rockies after signing a three-year, $27 million deal.

Fans came to the conclusion that he would automatically be gone, but that deal seems like it could have been matched by the Indians after the team didn’t re-sign Carlos Santana, Joe Smith, Jay Bruce or Austin Jackson.

Shaw’s presence in the bullpen won’t be the ultimate difference between winning or losing the World Series. However, this bullpen may not be as elite as it has been the past two years, barring any other moves yet to be made.

Next: Cleveland Indians Roundtable: Remaining moves to make

The front office seems to be content with the group in town, but fans may be in for a bit of frustration now that Shaw isn’t available on a daily basis.