I feel like you need to grapple with the Andrew Miller run from 2016. Wasn't that an instance of a manager deploying his most talented player in an atypical way in order to maximize his contributions and the rest of the pitching staff?
Hmm, I'm not sure. I think Cleveland in 2016 was actually a great example of what I'm talking about. In some ways, Francona used Miller/Otero/Allen in a very traditional LH set up/RH set up/closer formula. But he realized that both Miller and Otero were comfortable going multiple innings, so was flexible with when they were brought in. On the other hand, Allen was a traditional ninth inning closer. So it wasn't like Francona was reinventing the wheel, so much as playing to his guys' strengths -- and all three had their best seasons that year.
I feel like you need to grapple with the Andrew Miller run from 2016. Wasn't that an instance of a manager deploying his most talented player in an atypical way in order to maximize his contributions and the rest of the pitching staff?
Hmm, I'm not sure. I think Cleveland in 2016 was actually a great example of what I'm talking about. In some ways, Francona used Miller/Otero/Allen in a very traditional LH set up/RH set up/closer formula. But he realized that both Miller and Otero were comfortable going multiple innings, so was flexible with when they were brought in. On the other hand, Allen was a traditional ninth inning closer. So it wasn't like Francona was reinventing the wheel, so much as playing to his guys' strengths -- and all three had their best seasons that year.