Did you watch baseball in the 1970's and 1980's????
If so, Baker would be using Chapman like Gossage, Sutter, Lee Smith, Sparky Lyle.... look at those innings.
Don Cameron
Look to the stars
Yes, but the closer wasn't the money man then that it is now. Agents would be screaming...players are more numbers oriented, and Baker being a players' manager wants his guys to get their numbers, their milestones. That's where the league is screwed up.
As soon as Baker started using Chapman in the highest leveraged situation in the 7th-9th innings, there would be screaming about Chapman being demoted. The good free agent bullpen arms wouldn't want to come here because Dusty doesn't set roles for them. Think about it, Chapman pitches to the 3-4-5 batters in the 8th and Simon pitches to 6-7-8 hitters in the 9th...makes sense, but Chapman is going to be upset, his agent will be upset, Simon might put too much pressure on himself, articles will be written, questions will be asked. Dusty goes from being a players' manager to one who upsets his players.
Dusty's not going to be the man to break the mold...who is? I have no idea. It's more of a CYA move to go by the book and point out that the pitcher just didn't perform when the opportunity was provided than to write a new book. Same thing with an NFL head coach who punts in the 4th quarter of a 21 point game...why...so he doesn't have to answer questions and he can point out that his team's biggest loss was ONLY 21. CYA moments...sports are full of them.
I'm not defending the guy who said that the reds BP shouldn't blow a save all year. That's pretty far fetched considering the length of the season and the nature of the game. But to say that a bullpen would have to be perfect to guarantee not blowing a save is off the mark too. Sure it is in the one situation you mentioned but that doesn't mean it applies to all situations. There are plenty of save situations that don't require perfect innings and if the reds deal chapman like a lot of posters on here suggest, especially with marshall injury, we better hope that most of the save opportunities are ones where runs can be given up.
I assume you have been watching the 2013 Cincinnati Reds. Broxton is not closer material this year, and really has not been since his early days with the Dodgers. His 2012 Royals performance should be looked at with a grain of salt--it was a contract year and he was closing for a team with no chance to win. NO PRESSURE. When he comes in the eighth inning, it is a Cordero/Stormy Weathers like ride.
I want a person at the end of the game that strikes fear into the hearts of the hitters, and that person is Aroldis Chapman. Will he get CHEAP saves? OF COURSE. But, the opponent's and more importantly the OPPONENTS managers, know they are managing an eight inning game with Chapman at the back of the pen. The Yankees have had that luxury for roughly fifteen years. They have the best reliever in the history of the game. It has worked for them.
Don Cameron
Once Bitten, Twice Shy, babe.
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