The Random Evil Player program selected Andrew Miller for the next review. Miller had two distinct parts of his career. From 2006 through 2011 he bounced between starting and relieving, and got knocked around. He allowed a .292/.388/.446 slash line, good for a 5.79 ERA and a 21-29 record.
In 2012, the Red Sox moved him permanently to the bullpen. No longer needing to pace himself, his strikeout rate shot up. By 2014, his control was great, so in the second half of his career he allowed a .164/.243/.255 slash line, good for a 1.98 ERA. He struck out 14.1 batters per nine innings in that time, with 2.8 walks per 9 IP. Only Craig Kimbrel pitched better as a reliever in that time span.
Note both the increase in velocity for Miller after his role changed, and the disappearance of a third pitch. Miller throws a fastball and slider, and only one type of fastball. He’s not Mariano Rivera where every pitch was a cutter, but hitters know they are getting one or the other.
The main thing that makes Miller interesting is his ability to work any situation. Most pitchers (and batters) need to know their role on the team. They are the fourth starter, or the closer, or the seventh inning reliever. Miller did it all at some point. His willingness to pitch when needed makes him a sabermetrician’s dream. In theory, a manager should identify the point in the game where the leverage is highest, and use his best reliever at that point. If the middle of the lineup is up in the eighth inning and your team is up one run, that seems to be the best spot for the closer. The way relievers prepare, however, means that the closer won’t be ready until the ninth.
Miller doesn’t have that problem. I suspect he would rather know his role and be used in that role often, but take him out of since normal situation and he still delivers. I wish more players were like that.
from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/2DBEpYj
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