10-14-2021, 07:29 PM
(10-12-2021, 09:49 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Not excusing the train wreck of the Reds bullpen, but relief pitchers seem to be some of the most unpredictable players in professional sports. Every year it seems like some guys who are coming off of great seasons get blown up while some over-the-hill guy or rookie comes out of nowhere to have a great year.
And how many times has a relief pitcher had a great season as a rookie and never repeated it?
There are probably no more than 5 or 6 relief pitchers in the entire league that have had 3 consecutive great seasons. Unless you get a guy like Chapman (used to be) I would never pay big money for relievers. Just sign about 20 mid tier guys to 1 or 2 year contracts and see which ones pitch good this year.
I think it's a combo of that and taking starting prospects in your system that can't develop 3 or 4 plus pitches. They may not have the goods to be a starter, but they can get through an inning or two before the whole lineup sees them and figures them out.
