closer calls

Links (3)

Another Stellar Izzy Outing
Published 5/10/2008 by Cardinal 70 at C70 At The Bat
... The problem is, there's a lot less of statistical backing to defend Izzy with now.  The post by Larry at VEB earlier this week really opened my eyes up.  I was hoping it was just a slump, but when you look at the data, it seems to be much more than that.  He's not getting the ball past people.  You need that in your closer, because otherwise swings become hits become losses. ...

Isn't that what makes a man?
Published 5/10/2008 by Matthew Leach at Obviously, You're Not a Golfer
... So it's evident something needs to be done, but as for what, it's a fair question. Larry Borowsky covered the alternatives with depth, insight and reason (as usual) a couple of days ago at VEB. One thing he touched on was something I addressed in a preview a few days earlier, which is the drastic decline in swings and misses. That's a major concern and a very bad indicator. ...

Izzy’s AWOL Curve & Closer Poll
Published 5/10/2008 by Derrick Goold at Bird Land » Bird Land
... and over at Viva el Birdos. Can’t hope to keep up with those soaring dissections, so let’s focus on one pitch: Isringhausen’s AWOL curve. ...