Quote:
Originally Posted by Arles
I am OK with Lee Smith, he was one of the pioneers for the closer role and still ranks 3rd in saves in MLB history. He also routinely pitched 80-100 IP in that role - something unheard of now. If you compare him to the current active leader (Craig Kimbrel), you would see that they both averaged 68 games per 162 game average. Kimbrel, however, pitches just 67 IP in those 68 games, while Lee Smith averaged 85 IP in the 68 games. There weren't many 1-2 out saves in Smith's time, so he had a lot more wear and tear on his arm.
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Also worth noting that he was striking out guys at a high rate before that became common. Back in his era having a K per IP was rare even for relievers. Not so much these days. I wonder how much more dominating he would have looked had he been pitching currently.