A closer's shelf life

[Houston]

In 2002, these men had the most saves in the majors:

John Smoltz
Eric Gagne
Mike Williams
Eddie Guardado
Jose Mesa
Billy Koch
Robb Nen
Jose Jimenez
Troy Percival
Ugueth Urbina

Boy, do times change quickly. Lidge wasn't on that list yet and now he's already off of it.

[Alkie]

See, this is what I was saying.  I'm just positive that I read somewhere (seriously) that someone found that the average career span for a "good closer" is something like 2.5 years. 

There are just very very few guys who keep up a Hoffman/Rivera type career.

Even Wagner, who has lasted longer than I expected, has his bad years.

[Foghorn]

See, this is what I was saying.  I'm just positive that I read somewhere (seriously) that someone found that the average career span for a "good closer" is something like 2.5 years. 

There are just very very few guys who keep up a Hoffman/Rivera type career.

Even Wagner, who has lasted longer than I expected, has his bad years.

even fewer whose mother is kidnapped who also later get convicted for attempted murder via machete and setting someone on fire.

can't wait for ESPN's Cuts Like a Knife:  the Uggy Urbina Story

[EasTexAstro]

If you are looking at save totals, it helps to be on the right team, too. A team that actually presents a save opportunity through leading a bunch of close games. A nice defense behind the closer doesn't hurt, either. Soem of these guys might actually have made a name for themselves in certain circumstances can be bought by another team and basicly disappear.

[Mr. Happy]

If you are looking at save totals, it helps to be on the right team, too. A team that actually presents a save opportunity through leading a bunch of close games. A nice defense behind the closer doesn't hurt, either. Soem of these guys might actually have made a name for themselves in certain circumstances can be bought by another team and basicly disappear.

Well said. Closers also have to have that certain "mentality" that just seems to be as fragile as that required of kickers in football.

[mihoba]

Even Wagner, who has lasted longer than I expected, has his bad years. year.

Fixed it for you.

[Alkie]

Fixed it for you.

You're right.  I was thinking he had 2 or 3 of those, but now that I look at the stats.

Nope.

Oops.

[mihoba]

You're right.  I was thinking he had 2 or 3 of those, but now that I look at the stats.

Nope.

Oops.

As much fun as it is to knock Wagner, he has been consistent for many, many years.

[Alkie]

As much fun as it is to knock Wagner, he has been consistent for many, many years.

Yes.  The Oops was not just for me. 

[Noe]

If you are looking at save totals, it helps to be on the right team, too. A team that actually presents a save opportunity through leading a bunch of close games. A nice defense behind the closer doesn't hurt, either. Soem of these guys might actually have made a name for themselves in certain circumstances can be bought by another team and basicly disappear.

Also stadium effect.  A closer that comes from Shea Stadium, the old Astrodome, Chavez Ravine might not be as good at say, oh... Arlington!  Just saying.