Comments on: MSTI’s 2009 in Review: Relievers, Part 1

By: Vegas Blue

Vegas Blue — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:50:31 +0000

I’m still blaming Sherrill for Broxton’s blow up in Game 4. Look, flat out, if Sherrill comes into the 8th inning and gets the job done, Johnny Brox out of the bullpen in the 9th, all nice and warm from throwing, and locks the door. Instead, Torre is forced to yank Sherrill in the mid-eighth because he’s still got game 1 in his head, and Broxton trots out an inning too soon. Too soon, because, while he gets out of the inning, he’s gotta go sit over there on the bench for 30 minutes while the Dodgers try to extend the lead — and while Charlie Manuel intentionally and for no real reason in my eyes, brings in a reliever just to “Ice” Broxton. Johnny B just isn’t designed to sit on a frozen bench for a half hour in between stints on the mound.

By: Mike Scioscia's tragic illness

Mike Scioscia's tragic illness — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:32:54 +0000

Completely agree with you on the volatility of relievers. Except for the best of the best (Rivera, Nathan, etc… I’d probably include Broxton but I’d understand why others wouldn’t) relievers are SO inconsistent. No sense in dropping huge money on them.

By: gklarsen

gklarsen — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 17:54:19 +0000

Hate to be “that guy” but I still have reservations about Belisario. You’re absolutely right that it was a great season for a guy off the scrap heap for no money. However I wouldn’t count on him too heavily going forward. His FIP last year was 3.51 and he had a relatively unsustainable BABIP of .262. It’s a great fastball, yes, but I worry that a one pitch pitcher can fall apart pretty quick.

One thing I do take away from Belisario is that a relief corps can be constructed on the cheap in any given year. As if anyone needed another reason not to overspend on relievers.

By: Mike Scioscia's tragic illness

Mike Scioscia's tragic illness — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:58:35 +0000

That’s fair, and I probably should have been clearer on why he was acquired. Still, allowing essentially ONE earned run in 30 regular season innings is outstanding.

By: Captain Obvious

Captain Obvious — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 02:19:07 +0000

If we’re talking about expectations, I think many of us thought we got Sherrill to bolster the pen for the playoffs, and specifically against the lefty-heavy Phils lineup. It certainly wasn’t to help the team clinch the division, we didn’t need him for that.

That being the case, he was an utter disappointment. The 3 run jack he allowed to Ibanez was a major reason (not the only one) they lost game 1, and since the teams who win game 1 go on to win the series a huge pct of the time, well…that screwed us well and good.

By: Mike Scioscia's tragic illness

Mike Scioscia's tragic illness — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:43:16 +0000

I’d be surprised to see it happen. The Tigers are looking to shed money, not add, and a starter is always more valuable than a reliever.

By: Johnny

Johnny — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:05:04 +0000

Speakin of Sherill what do you think about the rumors that the Tigers are looking to trade Edwin Jackson for him. you think there is any truth to this