Note: Interview with Heath Bell, Stats on Bullpen
I wrote a column today on SNY.tv discussing potential bullpen solutions with Billy Wagner out, but I found a couple of interesting stats in the process.
- Since Wagner last pitched on Aug. 2, Aaron Heilman has allowed six earned runs in 4 1/3 innings over five appearances and Joe Smith has allowed four earned runs in 2 1/3 innings over five appearances.
- Meanwhile, Duaner Sanchez, Scott Schoeneweis and Pedro Feliciano have combined to throw 10 1/3 innings while allowing only two earned runs on eight hits, two walks, and one hit batsman over the same span.
Of course, these stats can be taken in any number of ways:
- Proof that stats can be misleading, because anyone with eyes knows the whole bullpen is at fault.
- Proof that Jerry Manuel must be misusing his bullpen by trotting out his least successful relievers so frequently.
- Proof of nothing but a very small sample size.
Another potentially interesting stat – Smith is 0-2 with a 11.74 ERA with seven walks in 7 2/3 innings spaced out over 14 appearances since the All-Star Break, and has options remaining on his contract.
For my take on the bullpen situation, check out my column here.
I recently talked with Heath Bell about bullpen roles, which you can watch here:
For Part 1 of my talk with Bell, during which we discuss his favorite moments at Shea Stadium, click here.
