Interesting Article on how Josh Hader dictated his usage with Brewers and Padres

[SteveA]

     Executive summary:  after being one of the best relievers in MLB pre-arb, used all over the place in high leverage situations but not getting a lot of saves, he went to arbitration with Milwaukee to try to get paid as one of the best relievers in MLB.  He lost, mainly because of the lack of saves.   So he and his agents told the Brewers that he would not pitch 3 days in a row, would not go more than 1 inning, and would only pitch in tie games or save situations.    And if they didn't like it they could try to suspend him.   They mostly went along with it, as did the Padres after trading for him.   He said he had to protect his health and his long term interests.    Once he got his big contract with the Astros, those rules are off.   He says they were willing to commit to him ($95 million) so he is willing to commit to them and pitch whenever/however they want.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40186833/mlb-2024-josh-hader-usage-rules-contract-brewers-astros

[Can_of_corn]

The obvious issue is the flawed arbitration system.

Funny just last week folks were telling me that limiting saves wouldn't result in a savings in arbitration.

[OriolesMagic83]

Saves are about the stupidest thing to base reliever pay on.  Ok you probably won't have your worst reliever pitching the 9th, but pitching the 9th w/ a 3 run lead is probably one of the easiest reliever jobs.

[Just Regular]

I saw Brandon Hyde says Craig Kimbrel is back as our capital C, Closer!