Quote:
Originally Posted by JCarter93
I subscribe to the belief that closing is kind of overrated. I don't know if this is borne out in the game, but your chances of winning with a two or three run lead in the 9th are in the neighborhood of 90% with a good closer and 85% with an average closer, at least according to the metrics guys. I have done well throwing whichever middle reliever is on hand into those situations and just using my best middle reliever in 1-run situations or when the game is about to get out of hand. Either way, I don't pay more than 3 million or so for him. You can also manufacture a decent closer just by finding a middle relief guy with two high-rated pitches.
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Exactly. Using your best reliever with a 3 run lead in the ninth because it's a "save situation," while letting him sit during a tie ballgame, is foolishness. I'll also use my best reliever in the 7th or 8th if the best hitters are up, and then let another guy face the bottom of the lineup in the 9th.
Not only is it smart on a tactical level, it makes sense strategically because my best relievers have only 15-20 saves, and so don't demand as much money as a "proven closer."