How to Operate a Pen

[Edgy MD]

You've got a closer? Make two innings the standard usage you expect of him.



He can't got two innings? Then you don't have a closer. Trade him to the Reds.



Don't use him with a 1-to-3-run lead, but rather in a tie or a 1-to-2 run lead.



Your other guys? Make two innings your minimum standard up and down the organization.



You pitched your closer for two innings? Great, you can use somebody else tomorrow ... if you need somebody else. You don't even know what tomorrow's needs will be. Win today.



Closer laying an egg? It's not an insult to his manhood to get somebody up behind him.



Don't wait for the tying run to get on base when you go to Johnny Closer. Get him in there when the tying run is at the plate. That way, he's in control of the game. If that means he has to get six outs, talk to Bruce Sutter. If that means he has to come in the seventh, and even if he succeeds, he may have to give way to somebody in the ninth, great. Talk to Hoyt Wilhelm.



You gave up two number one picks to get this guy. That's the sort of package you give up for John Elway. Don't lose a game because you didn't want to ask more than an inning from him. And if you do, Tim Healey is not your problem.



You won't be sorry.

[smg58]

I don't know who'd argue with that, and yet very few teams actually run their pen that way.

[whippoorwill]

Edgy for bullpen coach!

[nymr83]

My Number One rule would be: Anyone can have their stuff, or NOT have their stuff, on any given day. if a guy is "on" keep him out there for a second inning, even if if its the 9th, even if your "closer" is available. you never know if the next guy will be "on" that night too.

[Edgy MD]

That can for sure go in there. I've certainly argued it here in the past. Get what you can out of a guy who is effective.



Conversely, don't be afraid to pull a guy who is ineffective (the lay-an-egg rule, expanded), even if it's his role to pitch that inning and that situation.

[nymr83]

Edgy MD wrote: That can for sure go in there. I've certainly argued it here in the past. Get what you can out of a guy who is effective. Conversely, don't be afraid to pull a guy who is ineffective (the lay-an-egg rule, expanded), even if it's his role to pitch that inning and that situation.

yeah for sure, if a normally sharp guy is missing the strikezone badly i'd pull him as soon as i could get someone else warm, even after one batter.

[Fman99]

Just push the little button on the end and start writing. It's easy.



Wait, what?