[MikeThierry]

Originally Posted by PuffyPig

Based on that theory (us having a 17 game gap to close), we could never catch the Cards.

Adding a great closer pushes every pitcher down one spot. Marshall becomes the 8th inning guy. Every spot becomes improved.

How did the Reds go from 90 or so wins in 2009 to last year with virtually the same team?

We could have possibly won 90 games next year without adding 3 extremely good pitchers.

We likley wouldn't have, but we could have. The Reds have made huge improvements this year.

And saves are the most overrated stat in baseball.

Didn't the Reds have almost a lights out bullpen last year? It would be one thing if we were talking about the horrible bullpen the Cards broke out with at the beginning of the 2011 season but even last year your bullpen was really good. Sure, adding Madson does improve the pen but by how much?