The Impact of Bullpen Performance on Modern Baseball Playoffs

Scott Miller, our resident Baseball Insider, known for his insights in the New York Times and regular appearances on Coast to Coast, recently joined us for a conversation about the MLB playoffs and the evolving dynamics of the game. With a focus on the crucial role of bullpens, the impact of weather on playoff games, and the thrilling performances in the recent postseason, Miller provides expert analysis and predictions for the World Series.

San Diego’s Perfect Baseball Weather Can’t Guarantee a Championship

Our conversation began with Miller’s enviable location in sunny San Diego. After weeks of clear skies in Southern California, the East Coast experienced an unusual streak of sunshine throughout the playoffs. This led to a discussion about the ideal conditions for baseball’s biggest stage.

“The expanded playoffs mean the World Series might extend into November,” Miller noted, highlighting a concern about inclement weather impacting late-season games. He vividly recalled the Chicago Cubs bundled up in ski hats during a chilly World Series, remarking, “That’s just not a good look for baseball.”

Miller emphasized the importance of fair conditions for peak performance, recalling past World Series games marred by rain and cold, particularly those between the Detroit Tigers and St. Louis Cardinals. The Detroit pitchers, struggling with the elements, threw the ball erratically, leading Miller to advocate for optimal “baseball weather” for a competitive and enjoyable World Series.

High-Scoring Games and the Rise of Bullpen Dominance

The conversation shifted towards the high-scoring games that characterized the recent playoffs, particularly the Los Angeles Dodgers’ dominant performance against the New York Mets in the Championship Series. The Dodgers consistently put up impressive offensive numbers, even when facing elimination, prompting a discussion about the changing landscape of pitching strategies.

“It’s always important to score first,” Miller acknowledged, “but it just didn’t matter in this series.” He pointed to the prevalence of “bullpen games,” where teams rely heavily on relief pitchers rather than traditional starting pitchers going deep into games. This strategy, while sometimes effective, often leads to higher-scoring affairs.

Miller cited the Dodgers’ successful bullpen game against the San Diego Padres in the Division Series, where their relievers effectively shut down the Padres’ offense. However, he contrasted this with the Mets’ success against the Dodgers’ bullpen in Game 2 of the Championship Series, highlighting the inherent volatility of bullpen performance.

“Two things are pertinent in modern-day baseball,” Miller asserted, “bullpens will decide games, and bullpens are the most volatile part of a team.”

He explained that with starting pitchers routinely leaving games earlier, bullpens are increasingly responsible for securing wins. However, the unpredictable nature of relievers, who can be brilliant one game and ineffective the next, makes it difficult to predict which team will have the upper hand in close playoff matchups.

Comparing Eras: Emmanuel Clase and the Legacy of Mariano Rivera

The discussion about relievers led to a comparison between Cleveland Guardians closer, Emmanuel Clase, and the legendary Mariano Rivera. Clase, dominant throughout the regular season, struggled against the New York Yankees in the playoffs, prompting some to draw comparisons to Rivera’s unparalleled dominance.

Miller, however, dismissed this notion. “One great season as a closer doesn’t compare you to Mariano Rivera,” he stated emphatically. “Mariano did it in October, too. If you’re going to be a legend, you have to step up in the playoffs.”

He pointed to Clase’s struggles against the Yankees, particularly the game-tying home run surrendered to Giancarlo Stanton in the 10th inning. This pivotal moment illustrated the pressure-packed situations closers face in the playoffs, where even the slightest misstep can have significant consequences.

Clutch Performances and the Importance of Timely Hitting

While acknowledging Clase’s regular season excellence, Miller contrasted it with Stanton’s ability to deliver in crucial moments. “Stanton’s home run against Clase was a classic at-bat,” Miller observed. “Watch the strike zone, don’t chase, make the pitcher work, and then tee off.”

He praised Stanton’s plate discipline and power, highlighting the attributes that have made him one of the game’s most feared hitters. The Yankees, known for their potent offense, consistently put pressure on opposing bullpens throughout the playoffs.

Miller cited the Yankees’ series against the Guardians as a prime example, noting that while Cleveland’s bullpen had been a strength all season, they were no match for the Yankees’ relentless attack. This offensive onslaught, spearheaded by Stanton, Aaron Judge, and Gleyber Torres, proved too much for the Guardians’ relievers, ultimately securing the series victory for the Yankees.

Looking Ahead: The World Series and the Unpredictability of Bullpen Matchups

With the World Series matchup set, Miller offered his insights into the keys to victory, emphasizing the importance of bullpen depth and performance. Both the Dodgers and Yankees experienced their share of bullpen challenges throughout the season, forcing them to make adjustments and rely on unexpected contributors.

The Dodgers, after initial struggles from closer Craig Kimbrel, turned to Evan Phillips in high-leverage situations. They also acquired veteran reliever Chris Martin at the trade deadline, adding experience and stability to their bullpen. However, Martin’s recent injury raised questions about their late-inning options.

The Yankees, after Clay Holmes’ early-season dominance gave way to inconsistency, turned to Jonathan Loaisiga and Wandy Peralta to close out games. They also relied on the veteran experience of Aroldis Chapman, despite his struggles with command and control.

“It’s going to be fascinating to see how these bullpens hold up under the pressure of the World Series,” Miller concluded. “Both teams have the offensive firepower to put up runs, so it may come down to which bullpen can consistently make the big pitches when it matters most.”

While predicting a Dodgers victory in seven games, Miller acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the postseason. With both teams boasting talented lineups and battle-tested bullpens, the 2023 World Series promised to be a thrilling display of baseball’s evolving dynamics, where timely hitting and dominant relief pitching would likely determine the champion.