A little more on the shutdown bullpen trend

[stef]

Combined, that gives manager Jeff Banister a chance to get away from the usual thinking on how to use a bullpen.

Banister could have the option of using a closer-type reliever in the middle innings, when games often begin to spin out of control because hitters are facing the starter for a third time.

If Banister reads the situation as the game being on the line in the fifth or sixth innings, he can respond with a reliever who knows how to handle the pressure rather than a lesser pitcher.

"That high-leverage situation may show up in the fifth or sixth," Banister said. "The subsequent innings are still big league innings, but you have to understand that could be the most important inning. We have guys we can choose from who can shut it down."

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2016/02/06/fraley-rangers-positioned-forefront-bullpen-revolution

[OFFNY]

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2016/02/06/fraley-rangers-positioned-forefront-bullpen-revolution

Good info.

Have a greenie.