When 4-year-old Darren Baker was playing ball with one of Gary Matthews’ sons a few weeks ago, he pretended to be Joe Borowski on the mound.
Only three years ago, when the right-hander was pitching in the Mexican League, no little kid would have pretended he was Joe Borowski.
With 33 saves in 37 opportunities in his first season as a closer, the 32-year-old Borowski was the most valuable player on a Cubs team that had a handful of deserving candidates.
“I’ve been pinching myself for the last two years,” Borowski said. “I think after this year I’ll stop doing that. It’s beyond anything I could’ve dreamed of.”
Borowski helped stabilize a bullpen that imploded on a daily basis in 2002. The Cubs’ bullpen was 22-28 with a 4.92 ERA last year, converting only 48 percent of its save opportunities (23 of 48). This year’s bullpen wound up 20-18 with a 4.16 ERA and a 71 percent conversion rate (36 of 51).
How much of a difference did it make? The Cubs were 18-36 in one-run games last year and 28-54 in games decided by one or two runs. This year they went 27-16 in one-run games and 41-31 in one- or two-run games.
Bouncing from team to team and into Mexico for so many years made Borowski’s dream season that much sweeter.
“It makes for a great story,” Borowski said. “I think it made me a stronger person, and in the long run it worked out well. But believe me, I would have much rather taken the high road.”
