On the post-season roster in 2007 and the closer in the second half 2008, Lewis was coming off a strong 2010 (4-2, 2.97). Heading into camp he was a favorite to snare a bullpen spot with the big club, but an horrific spring (14.29 ERA, 2.82 WHIP) resulted in a demotion to AAA. His 2011 with Columbus has been inconsistent at best (5.14 ERA, .342 OBA). Jensen began the campaign in fine fashion, picking up one-run saves in each of the season's first two games. He made both interesting, putting two on in game 1 and loading them up with one out in game two before escaping. Despite not officially allowing a run, he blew the save in an April 12th loss at Louisville, sat for a week and returned in a lesser role. Lewis responded well and did not surrender his first run of the season until May 2nd, the same day that he earned his third win. Then, the wheels came off. His ERA in May was 6.75, 9.64 in June. His OBA climbed from .226 in April to .365 in May and has been .435 since June 1. Now he has become the fourth former high profile prospect (Jess Todd, Jordan Brown, Wes Hodges) that the Tribe has parted ways with in the first half.
I have always been of the opinion that Jensen Lewis has closer stuff and make-up and, for many reasons, he just did not fit well in the Indians organization. It began with a personality conflict with Eric Wedge and never truly recovered. Still, in addition to his talent, Lewis is a great clubhouse guy, rallying his teammates pre-game and delivering the shaving cream pies afterwards. The very best to a class act in Lewis, wherever he may land.
Cheers.
