Why can't managers use closers properly???

[Perfect Zero]

Re: Why can't managers use closers properly???

I dont disagree and that isn't what I've been saying as I could care less about saves.

At one point the discussion evolved into using the closer verses the bottom of the order in the ninth of a tied game or someone else from the bullpen, that's the only thing I've argued.

OK, I didn't see that part of your argument, and you can make a very valid case for that.

[JBH3]

Re: Why can't managers use closers properly???

You're twisting my words to fit your argument.

I used the word lesser to distinguish the difference of the closer and someone else.

We arent talking about a division 3 college baseball team where there could be a large difference between the two.

Yes, I will take the chance of having a reliever who I trust at the backed of my bullpen in many situations throughout the year to be able to retire the weakest part of the lineup to have the chance to have my best reliever retire the hardest part of the order.

Case in point, Texas Rangers.

Joe Nathan is the "closer"...but Mike Adams, Koji Uehara, or Alexei Ogando could get you outs in any late/extra inning situation.

-----Break-----

The OP references two losses where he thought Manuel should've gone to Papelbon. However, in the 2-1 10th inning loss, the Phillies had already used 4 relievers from the 7th-9th innings. Manuel brought in Joe Blanton to pitch the 10th. I'm assuming this move was made to save the rest of the bullpen since 4 relievers had already been used, and Blanton is the long-man. It didn't work, and Blanton in his 0.2 innings of work gave up the game. I don't mind this move at all; Manuel matched his relievers up agaisnt Pittsburgh as best as he could, no pithcer who pitched from the 7th-9th surrendered a run.

In the 5-4 9th inning loss Herndon had retired two and was facing McCutchen with a man on 3rd. McCuthchen singled in the winning run and the game was lost. So should Manuel have brought in Papelbon in that situation? Then have Papelbon pitch the 10th assuming he got the last out in the 9th? If Herndon was facing Ryan Braun then yea, bring Papelbon in, but I would let Herndon pitch to McCutchen only needing one more out in the inning.