Why are closers closers?

Question

What specific talents or traits make closing pitchers closers? They all seem to have the 'right stuff' Is is that they can't maintain the that stuff for more innnings? Is it physical? Is it focus?

If a closer has such great stuff, why isn't he a starting pitcher?????

Answer 1

Starting pitchers have to throw a variety of pitches and remain strong over several innings. A closer has to have the ability to be sharp, over a much shorter period, when he comes in and the mentality to handle the job. They don't need to pace themselves like a starter but rather just come in and throw smoke, or whatever their best pitch is to get the batter out. Most starting pitchers could never be a good closer and a good closer would not be a good starter. The exception to that would be someone like John Smoltz who could do both.

Answer 2

There is nothing different between a reliever and a closer. All relievers get 3 outs and closers are no different. If your smart, your worst pitcher is your closer. Most of the time they come in with a 3 run lead and no runners on base. If you can't do that job you don't belong in the majors. Todd Jones is a perfect example of this. Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney are better relievers but Jones gets the saves.

But people are going to tell you about guile, guts, and mental fortitude. They can't be proven or disproven so really it's not a very good argument.

Stamina and lack of a changeup is usually the reason relievers end up relievers. Sometimes you get guys who were starters that have 4 pitches and end up relievers.

Answer 3

the specific talent/ trait is the fact that those guys can more times then not come in to a close game and get outs before runs are scored against them. They typically have great command, poise and major league experience. Yes its physical, and mental. many of their arms are trained to come in and throw an average of one inning as hard as they can with at least 2 dominate pitches that make them successful. Some, such as a trevor hoffman might top out at 85 with a great changup.

Answer 4

Sometimes a closer has the right stuff and may even work to be a starting pitcher when he gets his stamina up. However just because they don't start, doesn't mean they don't see a lot of playing time. Since they pitch less innings per game they see more games. It ultimately comes down to where the coaching staff sees it fit to put them.

Answer 5

Closers are trained to pitch only one inning, rarely two. They are mentally prepared to come on high pressure situations, usually when a tying or winning run is on base or at the plate. In fact, some of them struggle when there are no runners on base, but regain their confidence once they are in a jam. Their job is to dominate the opposition. They usually use one or two pitches, but most put finesse at one side and rely on a powerful fastball. Most are great strikeout pitchers and won't let the hitter put the ball in play. Very few pitchers have excelled at both starter and closer roles. John Smoltz and Dennis Eckersley are two exceptions.

Answer 6

It's just the characteristics of that particular person. Closer usually are very intimidating to batters wheter it is a very hard fast ball or a quick delivery to the plate. Closer are actually relievers but only throw for 1 or 2 innings. I was a closer in college but a starting or middle relief in high school. i enjoyed closer the most because there was more pressure on me to perform. It's just what some players want.

Answer 7

What makes a closer a closer is not only because their arms arent as strong and cant go as many innings, but the fact that they do their best in clutch situations, not over a long period of time.

Answer 8

closers are the best of the best they can get a team out of a jam. They are not starters because if u use a worse pitcher and he dose alright the hole game then u can save the closer for another tougher game

Answer 9

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Answer 10

when a close game is on the line, everyone trys just a little bit harder. call it focus or intensity but whatever you call it, it gets ratcheted up more. the fans stand and cheer, the players are a little more focused. this creates pressure and some respond under this pressure and some dont. some guys/girls are "clutch" and some arent. the best closers are "clutch" and handle this pressure better than others with the same stuff.

same with hitters. some are clutch and some arent.