The quest to replace setup man Joe Smith, who bolted for the Angels in free agency, is going quite well for the sizzling Indians, at least in spring training.
Both Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen appear capable of handling the load. The former has pitched five scoreless innings while the latter has surrendereed just one run in three innings.
Shaw and Allen gave indications in 2013 that they could do the job. Shaw compiled a 3.24 ERA, 1.173 WHIP and averaged 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings. Allen boasted a 2.43 ERA, 1.251 WHIP and 11 strikeouts per nine innings to place sixth in the American League Rookie of the Year balloting.
The two will serve behind new closer John Axford, but it remains to be seen what innings they generally handle. Terry Francona could be leaning toward Allen as his eighth inning guy.