October 07, 2006
How Important is a Closer?
Trevor Hoffman hasn't helped the Padres in the playoffs:
In a perfect world, Trevor Hoffman, the near-perfect reliever, would be reveling in the postseason spotlight this week.
October has yet to work out well for San Diego or the premier reliever in the history of the game.
The Padres not only haven't been able to get the ball to Hoffman in a save situation against St. Louis in their National League division series, San Diego is winless in the best-of-five series heading into Game 3 at Busch Stadium today.
Just like Joe Nathan, a closer is only as good as the team that gets him the ball. If the Padres or Dodgers or Twins or Yankees can't take a lead into the ninth, the most perfect pitcher in the world isn't going to do them any good. It's nice to have the luxury of a Trevor Hoffman, but his talent is wasted if your team can't score.
Hoffman, Rivera, and Nathan, three of the best relievers in the game, have pitched a total of 2/3 of an inning in eight postseason games.
Imagine if managers were *allowed* to use their closers in non-save situations. (Rolls eyes.)