The other day Tyler Clippard came in to the game after Chien Ming Wang began to struggle, there was one out in the 7th and a running on 2nd base. This has become a pretty standard situation for Clippard to come into - runners on base, multiple outs to get. A pop-out against last years MVP and a strikeout of an All-Star later and Clippard was once again out of the inning, without letting the inherited runner score. Again. The crazy thing about this is, this has become common-place and its not appreciated as much as it should be.
Let's put Clippard's 2011 Season into some perspective with his position among all MLB relievers...
3rd in Total IP - 68.1
2nd in K - 80
14th in K/9 - 10.80 K/9
9th in ERA - 1.58
1st in WPA - 4.79
1st in Holds - 32
A few other numbers to make you happy...
.158 Batting Average Against.
Opponents are hitting only 5 for 86 with runners on base - only 3 for 56 with RISP.
(h/t to Baseball Reference for doing most of the legwork on this post)
Clippard is having one of the best non-Closer relief seasons in baseball history - its simply incredible. Make sure you open your eyes and take it all in the next time Peaches takes the hill.
Quite possibly the best title for a post, EVER.
ReplyDeleteIt's so great to actually have folks in the bullpen who can be counted on to pitch well. Knowing that there's relief pitchers who won't blow a lead not only helps in those late innings, but gives the starting pitchers a little extra confidence that can help as we're facing teams like the Phillies.
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