April 17, 2012

No Relief in Sight: Tom Verducci asks if baseball's approach to closers makes any sense.

posted by yerfatma to baseball at 01:42 PM - 2 comments

Pairs nicely with Jonah Keri's Blowing Up Baseball's Most Dangerous Stat.

posted by DrJohnEvans at 01:49 PM on April 17, 2012

"The modern specialized bullpen does no better job protecting leads than the pitching usage that preceded it."

Isn't it the truth ... I have watched so many leads evaporate in the 7th and 8th innings. Remember the 2- and 3-inning saves?

I believe the reduction in innings through pitch counts also affects starters ... how often did Nolan Ryan or Steve Carlton break down as they threw 270-300 innings a year? They paced themselves; now clubs want a starter who can through 95-plus for 6 innings; anything more is a bonus yet, I think (I'm not a doctor) results in a strain on the arm and shoulder.

posted by jjzucal at 06:23 PM on April 17, 2012

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