Jose Valverde

eliever, because he has a microscopic 1.27 ERA in 21.1 non-save innings this year.  Similarly, Jose Valverde, who led the NL in saves and blown saves last year with Arizona, has a 5.40 ERA in his 33 save chances this year with Houston.  He's saved 27 of those games, but has a much better 3.24 ERA in non-save situations.

Continue reading "Mets Fried By Fish, Maine Leaves Early"

First up is the National League West.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Will Brandon Lyon be able to replace Jose Valverde as closer?

Arizona finished with the best record in the National League last season despite giving up 20 more runs than they scored, thanks in large part to their outstanding 32-20 record in one run games. The key factor in this was a bullpen that did not relinquish leads, no mater how small, that was anchored by

Continue reading "MLB 2008 Preview Part One: National League West"