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[Can_of_corn]

It's a fair point about Britton's experience but he's ignoring that Nathan has had struggles this year. I don't care what these "experts" say anyhow though. Most of them counted us out of the playoffs period.

How is it fair to point out Britton's experience?

Show me any proof that experienced closers do better in the postseason. If there is any evidence remove Mariano and run the numbers again.

[LookitsPuck]

It's not laughable at all to suggest that Britton might not perform under the pressure of the playoffs. How did it work out for Jim Johnson? How many saves did he blow against the Yankees?

How did it work out for Koji Uehara last year for the Red Sox?

Postseason experience means diddly squat.

[Palmoripken]

How is it fair to point out Britton's experience?

Show me any proof that experienced closers do better in the postseason. If there is any evidence remove Mariano and run the numbers again.

True enough. In any case, it's beyond laughable to pick a closer with a 4.81 ERA this year over a guy who has had a sub 2 ERA and saved 90% of his games. And furthermore, I looked up Nathan's own post-season stats and they're not very good. In fact we did quite well against him in the Texas walk in wild card game two years ago.

[Malike]

How did it work out for Koji Uehara last year for the Red Sox?

Postseason experience means diddly squat.

I'm glad you know that. I know that listening to guys like Jones, and Cruz talk about it, having had the experience is immeasurable. I'll take your word for it that it means diddly squat, though. There is a little difference in being the only game played, having the entire country watching, and players feeling the pressure to have to perform, I'd think. But, alas, maybe you know best.

Koji was also a big game pitcher in Japan. It's not like he never felt the pressure before.

[byrdz]

I wonder it they are factoring in defense. That seems to be left out and discredited and a big reason why the Orioles are where they are.

[isestrex]

How is it fair to point out Britton's experience?

Show me any proof that experienced closers do better in the postseason. If there is any evidence remove Mariano and run the numbers again.

The last 3 WS winners featured closers who were given the job mid season.

2011:

2012:

2013:

[Can_of_corn]

True enough. In any case, it's beyond laughable to pick a closer with a 4.81 ERA this year over a guy who has had a sub 2 ERA and saved 90% of his games. And furthermore, I looked up Nathan's own post-season stats and they're not very good. In fact we did quite well against him in the Texas walk in wild card game two years ago.

Britton has the highest GB% of the PITCHf/x era.

[AlbionHero]

Tigers are our worst possible opponent. We'll need the magic for this one.

[Can_of_corn]

The last 3 WS winners featured closers who were given the job mid season.

2011:

2012:

2013:

You just did a terrible job proving that proven closers are better.

[Palmoripken]

Britton has the highest BG% of the PITCHf/x era.

What's BG? Pardon my ignorance. He's been very good this year though I agree and I do think he can do well in the playoffs. I wouldn't compare him to Johnson. Britton seems to have a lot more clean innings than JJ did.

[Can_of_corn]

I'm glad you know that. I know that listening to guys like Jones, and Cruz talk about it, having had the experience is immeasurable. I'll take your word for it that it means diddly squat, though. There is a little difference in being the only game played, having the entire country watching, and players feeling the pressure to have to perform, I'd think. But, alas, maybe you know best.

Koji was also a big game pitcher in Japan. It's not like he never felt the pressure before.

Jones and Cruz used to close games?

Huh. I knew Wieters used to be a closer. I didn't realize that those two had as well.

[Palmoripken]

You just did a terrible job proving that proven closers are better.

Now hopefully a month from now we'll see Caleb or Nick embracing Zach on the mound.

[Can_of_corn]

What's BG? Pardon my ignorance. He's been very good this year though I agree and I do think he can do well in the playoffs. I wouldn't compare him to Johnson. Britton seems to have a lot more clean innings than JJ did.

My bad typing. Meant GB (Ground Ball).

[Malike]

Jones and Cruz used to close games?

Huh. I knew Wieters used to be a closer. I didn't realize that those two had as well.

He said Playoff experience means diddly. I was assuming that Britton is going to pitch in the playoffs.

[Palmoripken]

My bad typing. Meant GB (Ground Ball).

Ah gotcha. Makes sense.