Round 3 of the BBA postseason awards is upon us (we skipped Round 1 - manager of the year, because we are both lazy and indifferent toward managers). Today we vote for the Goose Gossage Award, given to the top relief pitcher. Needless to say, there will not be any Marlins anywhere near this award, lest they give up a game-tying home run to the trophy in a simulated scrimmage. Below is the ballot.
- Brian Wilson, San Francisco
- Heath Bell, San Diego
- Jonny Venters, Atlanta
Wilson's numbers carried the day, as the righty posted 48 saves (if you're into that sort of thing) with a 2.7 WAR (second only to Carlos Marmol, who for the record notched just over 6 BB/9, disqualifying him for the Goose Gossage Award in our eyes). Bell's numbers were very close, but as with the Willie Mays Award, WAR breaks the tie. Finally, Venters is not a classic Goose Gossage candidate, since he is not a closer. But, his K/9 and FIP are only marginally worse than teammate Billy Wagner, whose absurdly low .265 BABIP suggests he had a very lucky year. Venters' 1.7 WAR is nothing to dismiss for a setup man, as well.
See also:
Michael Jong's ballot
Willie Mays ballot
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