12-13-2008, 08:10 PM
<!--quoteo(post=4558:date=Dec 13 2008, 04:54 PM:name=KBwsb)-->QUOTE (KBwsb @ Dec 13 2008, 04:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->That's a pretty solid point, Butch, but the truth is that I believe there does exist something that we could call "high-leverage" innings.
Also, there is some pretty compelling evidence that the main things that help a team win during the 162-games schedule, are similar, <i>but a little different</i> from those required to thrive in a short playoff series against an elite team. And the biggest difference seems to be the near-requirement of an superior closer.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Of course there are high-leverage innings. Know who got most of those innings last year? It wasn't Wood, it was Marmol.
More often than not, your closer is coming into the game with more than a 1-run lead and usually isn't facing the heart of the order, with nobody on base.
Marmol, <i>in his current role, </i>is worth around $10M. Wood, in his current role, isn't. Lou would be smart to keep Marmol right where he is and give either Gregg or Shark a shot to pitch the 9th.
And if the Mets were smart, they'd use K-Rod in the same role Marmol is in. Marmol is infinitely more valuable *not* as the 9th inning guy.
Also, there is some pretty compelling evidence that the main things that help a team win during the 162-games schedule, are similar, <i>but a little different</i> from those required to thrive in a short playoff series against an elite team. And the biggest difference seems to be the near-requirement of an superior closer.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Of course there are high-leverage innings. Know who got most of those innings last year? It wasn't Wood, it was Marmol.
More often than not, your closer is coming into the game with more than a 1-run lead and usually isn't facing the heart of the order, with nobody on base.
Marmol, <i>in his current role, </i>is worth around $10M. Wood, in his current role, isn't. Lou would be smart to keep Marmol right where he is and give either Gregg or Shark a shot to pitch the 9th.
And if the Mets were smart, they'd use K-Rod in the same role Marmol is in. Marmol is infinitely more valuable *not* as the 9th inning guy.