Young Cavs Leaning on Kline to Anchor Rotation; Ex-Closer Making Jump to Starting Role

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Byline: Olivia Phelps, THE WASHINGTON TIMES

With 18 saves in 32 appearances and a 1.88 ERA, Virginia's Branden Kline was one of the best closers in the country in 2011.

As an experienced pitcher on a young squad looking to refashion its pitching staff, the versatile right-hander this year is trading saves for starts.

The Cavaliers looked to rebuild their rotation after losing four key pitchers who combined to throw 70 percent of their total innings last year. All-Americans Danny Hultzen (12-3, 1.37 ERA, 165 strikeouts) and Will Roberts (11-2, 1.79) were taken in the first round of the MLB draft by the Seattle Mariners and in the fifth round by the Cleveland …