RELIEVERS: Relative value for relievers is fickle and fluid

This week, we use one of the simplest, crudest looks at relievers to start the conversation, then dive into KC, OAK and STL pens. A quick checkpoint you can use at any time during the first-half of a season, particularly with relievers who do not yet have many innings, is to see who has the largest spread between actual value earned to-date and projected value for the balance of the season. Those who have the largest spread typically are either good relievers who started poorly, bad relievers who vultured some wins or saves, relievers who have climbed into unexpected leverage roles, or relievers who have fallen out of those roles. Categorizing and examining relievers in these ways helps with decision-making: buy, sell, hold, cut...

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