The Phillies’ Critical-Inning Candidates
By Tal Venada
As the most important roles in the bullpen begin to change, they are reflecting the managing during the 2016 World Series, and now the Philadelphia Phillies could establish their late-frame approach to interchangeable relief pitching.
The Evolution of Lead Protection:
When grandparents relate the world of their youth to their grandchildren, that time seems like ancient history to the youngster instead of just 50 years ago.
Listening to two old-timers during a televised Phils contest, young Johnny heard about baseball back in the day between innings and pitches. Then, the top moundsmen were the starters and the others were in the pen, but back then complete games were frequent. And, Johnny, pitching duels between aces were the fuel of many a baseball argument.
Uncle Joe, those relievers didn’t play much, did they? Actually, a handful of them made a name for themselves, and some had trick pitches like a forkball or a knuckleball. But as starting staffs expanded – and despite that – some hard throwers occasionally ended up as closers due to a full rotation. Of course, the guys eating up the innings had bigger paydays.
While the ballgame moved into the middle frames, the conversation continued regarding early saves requiring three innings. In other words, a reliever – Joe’s father stated – went through the lineup once, while starters had three turns through. However, today, teams have setup men and closers – Johnny nodded – working one frame apiece.
During a recent interview, skipper Pete Mackanin mentioned versatility for the final two frames. And while this approach isn’t the one the Cleveland Indians relied on with Andrew Miller during the ’16 postseason, the concept here is the top reliever would face the more difficult part of the batting order even if it’s in the eighth inning. So, who are the best hurlers in the relief corps? Hector Neris and Joaquin Benoit.
"FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “The game of baseball between pitcher and hitter sets up like a game of chess in that you have to anticipate several moves ahead to set up your opponent.” – Brad Lidge"