The Real Closer of the Future

by
December 2, 2011

John Autin over at High Heat Stats Blog pointed out that the length of the average save is dwindling. Watch it disappear:

We can all see where this is going. It’s simple math, really. Another twenty-five years, and the average save will be another two outs shorter. By then, rosters will be forty men deep at all times, and you’ll have your first inning dude, your second inning dude, and so on. Simple math.

You know who’s ready for that day?

This guy.

Of the 508 relievers that pitched more than one inning of relief in 2011, Dennys Reyes got the least amount of outs per appearance. He pitched in four games and was credited with six outs. It *might* have something to do with his career 3.60/4.52 platoon split in his FIP, but why quibble. The future will use him just right.

He’s got a jump on us all.





 

With a phone full of pictures of pitchers' fingers, strange beers, and his two toddler sons, Eno Sarris can be found at the ballpark or a brewery most days. Read him here, writing about the A's or Giants at The Athletic, or about beer at October. Follow him on Twitter @enosarris if you can handle the sandwiches and inanity.

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Yirmiyahu
12 years ago

Maybe Reyes’ 2.40 WHIP was also a factor.

I think the man you’re looking for is really Randy Choate.

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Yirmiyahu
12 years ago
Reply to  Yirmiyahu

Indeed. Here’s your IP/G laggardboard of pitchers over the past 6 years:

G – IP / G
Randy Choate – 232 – 0.52
Trever Miller – 389 – 0.62
Ray King – 146 – 0.62
Randy Flores – 263 – 0.63
Dennys Reyes – 329 – 0.63
Mike Myers – 134 – 0.63

Mr. Choate is in a class by himself.

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Eno Sarrismember
12 years ago
Reply to  Yirmiyahu

Indeed, shoulda upped the sample.

My defense? The visuals on Reyes were better.

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Yirmiyahu
12 years ago
Reply to  Eno Sarris

Obviously. this is Notgraphs, not Fangraphs, after all.

Another thought: as rosters continue to expand, pitchers (both starters and relievers) pitch fewer innings per game, and bullpen roles become more specialized… what’s new bullpen roles might emerge? The guy who comes in specifically to induce popups against lefties? A guy who is solely used for IBB’s, so you don’t have to wear down the other pitchers’ arms? The pitcher who specializes in fielding bunts? The really tall guy who you bring in only against really short batters?

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