I don't get this idea floating around that the "Very Good/Elite" bullpen arms will only pitch in the 9th inning in save situations. Assuming that most FA's are at least around 27-28 years old, a 5 year contract would likely be their only big contract with guaranteed money. Would it really matter to anyone what inning they were pitching in? Is the "save" stat all that important anymore? It seems like all GM's realize it's a garbage stat and doesn't increase pay any longer. I get that maybe a guy like Kimbrell thinks he could get into the HoF if he gets "x" number of saves but is that such a motivating factor that bullpen arms would turn down and extra $2million clams to pitch in the 9th instead of whenever the hell he's needed? I seriously doubt it.
And the logic of still needing a great pitcher (but maybe not your best pitcher) shutting down the 9th inning while having your best pitcher pitching whenever needed is bad. You'd want to deploy those two guys anytime after your starter comes out- 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th or 9th innings.
And the logic of still needing a great pitcher (but maybe not your best pitcher) shutting down the 9th inning while having your best pitcher pitching whenever needed is bad. You'd want to deploy those two guys anytime after your starter comes out- 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th or 9th innings.