Ben and Sam discuss recent trades and signings, focusing on moves by the Indians, White Sox, and Diamondbacks, Kevin Towers’ changing approach to building a bullpen, and the reliever market.
Should starting pitchers be asked to finish what they started more often?
The Angels GM doesn’t like to give relievers multi-year contracts. Why did he make an exception for Smith?
An observation about October bullpen usage.
A tip of the cap toward the effective set-up men who get little publicity unless they implode.
When can you trust a ridiculous minor-league relief line?
Why do teams pay for relievers? Because picking them up for nothing is an awful lot of work.
A close look at four relievers who benefit from funky mechanics.
Do teams tend to overpay for bullpen help at the deadline?
Mark Melancon and Rex Brothers take over for Jason Grilli and Rafael Betancourt, respectively. More on that, plus the updated rankings and earnings lie within.
Ben and Sam try to figure out why more pitchers’ careers don’t look like Derek Lowe’s, then talk about the latest Matt Garza trade rumors.
Summing up the seasons of some of the catchers, DHs, and relievers who’ve surprised so far.
Ten relievers who’ve racked up the strikeouts in the majors for the first time this season.
The nastiest fastballs and sliders seen out of the bullpen this season.
The Yankees haven’t produced many successful homegrown starters, but they have been churning out a wave of cheap relief arms.
Providing every team’s bullpen picture at a glance.