Currently viewing the tag: "Bullpen"

Do the D-backs lack clutch relievers?

On June 26, 2014 By

Last week, we discussed the term “clutch” and whether it means anything when looking at a team or player’s numbers with runners in scoring position. We found that “clutch” is more abstract, based on our natural instinct to place greater value on certain players who we perceive to perform better in certain situations, but in reality, it is meaningless. …

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Bullpens and One-Run Games

On June 23, 2014 By

Jeff’s post last week about how bad the Diamondbacks have been with runners in scoring position got me thinking. He explained that there is no such thing as clutch hitting. I wholeheartedly agree. I wondered if good relievers could make a team’s pitching more clutch. My idea was that better relievers would hunker down, especially in close games, and it …

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Why a Starter-by-Committee Approach May Work for the D-backs

On April 22, 2014 By

If we weren’t already doing it this way, is this the way we would start? Before taking over as General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Paul DePodesta explained in a presentation (which, sadly, was taken down once he became GM) that like with many other endeavors, continually asking that question could help a team win. DePo credited “management efficiency” …

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Lefties Galore in the D-backs Bullpen: Is Current Usage Optimal?

On April 16, 2014 By

It’s been a while since I argued that Will Harris should be treated as the second lefty in the bullpen, someone who could pitch a whole inning with multiple left-handed batters due up while Joe Thatcher could be saved for matchups. When the team broke camp with an unusual thirteen-man pitching staff, the team had not one, but three …

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Arizona Locks Up Unique and Useful Brad Ziegler with Team-Friendly Deal

On January 3, 2014 By

Nearly two weeks ago, the Diamondbacks signed Brad Ziegler to a two-year deal worth $10.5M in guaranteed payments, avoiding arbitration for the team’s last year of control.  The yearly salaries — $4.5M in 2014, $5M in 2015, and even $5.5M for the 2016 option year — are extremely reasonable rates for the club.  Make no mistake: Ziegler is a very …

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Why RHP Will Harris Should Be the Second Lefty Reliever, and Why J.J. Putz Should Close

On December 18, 2013 By

A couple of significant things have happened since I broke down the 2014 bullpen in early October: we’ve had a few roster changes, and we’re now armed with some 2014 projections (Steamer and Oliver).  Reviewing how the bullpen lines up breeds two new questions: whether the D-backs can (or should) enter the season with just Joe Thatcher from the left …

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A New Diamondbacks Model for Building a Bullpen

On November 15, 2013 By

When Kevin Towers traded for Heath Bell, no one was under any illusions that he would be worth his $10M per year salary in 2013 and 2014, even if there was hope that his 2012 was just a down year.  With Miami paying $4M per year, it’s probably fair to say that Towers hoped Bell would be worth $6M per …

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Roster Breakdown: 2014 Bullpen

On October 4, 2013 By

Like most teams, Arizona is likely to have more turnover in the bullpen than in any other portion of the roster. The much-maligned relief crew actually came on pretty strong in the second half of the season, but we can expect Kevin Towers to make some changes — even if that’s just because there are more candidates on the current …

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Coexistence in the Desert: Grounders and Home Runs

On September 12, 2013 By

A while back, I discussed how the Diamondbacks have been hurt by the home run in 2013. And by hurt, I mean totally annihilated. It’s come on both sides of the ball, too. Arizona ranks 26th in the majors in home runs hit, having only put 117 balls over the fence all year. The pitching staff hasn’t faired …

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Back from the Dead: the Arizona Bullpen

On August 22, 2013 By

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but the Diamondbacks bullpen is quietly becoming respectable. Yeah, David Hernandez was a black hole but other guys have come around. On some nights, Heath Bell is absolutely unhittable. Brad Ziegler looks good as a closer and can I get a round of applause for Will Harris’ emergence? Matt Reynolds was functional before …

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