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[Theoldmole]

Parnell took complete control of the closer role last season, becoming one of the most reliable high-leverage relievers (HLR) in baseball.

Always nice to know there's already an acronym for something I've never heard of.

[ashie62]

What is a high leverage reliever?

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

"High-leverage" situations are the most important situation/situations in any given game-- the plays/circumstances during which dramatic swings in win expectancy are most possible (late-game, 2 out/bases loaded, e.g.).

This is the first time I've ever heard of that acronym, though.

[batmagadanleadoff]

But is the stat measuring a repeatable skill, or randomness? It's the bullpen version of clutch hitting, isn't it?

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

Which stat? Win Expectancy? Leverage Index? I don't think "HLR" is a stat, per se.

[batmagadanleadoff]

Okay. HLR isn't a stat. But isn't calling a reliever an HLR kind of like calling a batter a clutch hitter?

[Guest LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr]

I'd have to see a little more about the context in which that guy/gal was using it. To my mind, "high-leverage reliever" is just longhand for "high-end/good reliever."

[Edgy MD]

Wouldn't it be grate if the language that evolved (or devolved) from "stopper" to "closer" started evolving further, moving the zeitgeist from "closer" to "high-leverage reliever," and then actual usage started reflecting the changing language?

Wouldn't it be great if the Mets were ahead of the curve in that department?

[Guest John Cougar Lunchbucket]

I think that's the idea behind that expression, though I must say I hate hate hate breaking up sentences with three initials in parentheses (TIP) especially when, in this case, it doesn't designate anything official (DAO).

[Edgy MD]

batmagadanleadoff wrote: Okay. HLR isn't a stat. But isn't calling a reliever an HLR kind of like calling a batter a clutch hitter?

No, because it designates how and when he's used, rather than how he effectively performs. It's more like calling a batter a pinch hitter.

[Ceetar]

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: I think that's the idea behind that expression, though I must say I hate hate hate breaking up sentences with three initials in parentheses (TIP) especially when, in this case, it doesn't designate anything official (DAO).

Where's this coming from anyway? If HLR is being used so the writer doesn't have to type High Leverage Reliever a billion times in a post, i'm all good.


This really just speaks to the Mets offense more than anything. no big leads.

[ashie62]

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: I'd have to see a little more about the context in which that guy/gal was using it. To my mind, "high-leverage reliever" is just longhand for "high-end/good reliever."

I thought high leverage was a term for risk used in the military or finance...And apparently baseball..

Or....a risky happy ending...