Closer Starting

[tomdalton22]

I thought this was interesting. Sergio Romo started two games in a row for TB.

http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/23558800/tampa-bay-rays-forefront-rotation-revolution

 

[Mitchrapp]

It happens. Charlie Hough being the most notable to me. I saw it a couple days ago they were going to do it.


Edit: Now I get it, 2 games in a row. Not a big deal.. it wasn't like he went 5-6 innings a game.

 

[tomdalton22]

It happens. Charlie Hough being the most notable to me. I saw it a couple days ago they were going to do it.


Edit: Now I get it, 2 games in a row. Not a big deal.. it wasn't like he went 5-6 innings a game.

I think the interesting thing about it is they are doing as a strategy....not out of necessity. Pitching your closer in the first inning is something I have never heard of before today.

 

[Rebbiv]

I listened all about this on MLB radio yesterday. Tampa is in a no lose scenario. It will never compete with payroll. Instead, like the Oakland A's "Moneyball" they are attempting the unusual. If it works, then most teams will use it, negating the advantage. Until then, let them do whatever.

 

[Rebbiv]

FYI...so far this season, the team that scores first wins 70% of the games. By far, the 1st inning has the highest ERA by pitchers. The next highest is the 6th, usually when starters tire. So by pitching a top notch reliever in the 1st or 2nd innings, you are increasing your odds to get past the other team's top sticks and have your offense score, thus increasing your odds of winning. This is what analytics is saying.

 

[Mitchrapp]

It's all BS. In any event the 2 games he pitched 1 game they won, 1 game they lost. Yippee. Before his 2 games they were 21-21 and after they were 22-22. Wow, they gained a whole lot of nothing.

 

[Mitchrapp]

It's like having NL pitchers bat 8th. It's no advantage.