implode more in non-save situations than in save situations? And if it is a trend (which I've seen quite a lot in the past three or four years), why do coaches still put them in those situations? It can't be just to get some work in. You can do that the next day like a simulated game or something. Wouldn't it be better to not let them self-destruct? I know it's a whole psychological thing, the rush of coming in with the game on the line so why not let them do strictly that? It just seems to me they are going against statistics when pitching is really just a game of statistics/matchups in the first place.

9/12/2006 11:14:12 PM

I've always just assumed it's because closers thrive in pressure situations and thus probably aren't "pumped up" enough to pitch their best

9/12/2006 11:20:34 PM

This thread isn't true for Isringhausen.

He ALWAYS makes it interesting....but still usually gets the job done somehow.

9/12/2006 11:34:33 PM

take a guy like Mark Wohlers, he sucked in all situations, just a few years after nailing down the championship in all situations

how do you factor that in?

9/12/2006 11:35:02 PM

same reason stone sucks in the first half but not in the second.

9/12/2006 11:37:13 PM