A plea for statistical sanity
By Tim Heaney on June 3, 2011
Relievers keep short sample sizes. If it's a high LOB% from a hurler who doesn't strike out many fellas, then, OK, maybe it's more prone to coming down. But if it's a 'pen arm that can overpower hitters (see: Venters, Jonny), then don't assume that reliever is bound for a paralyzing correction. Many stoppers, especially potent K men, sustain high strand rates - it's a stat that favors those that can reach back for a fastball and avoid contact with runners on base.