Love That Splitter

Tim Kurkjian lobbies today for the election of Bruce Sutter to the Hall of Fame. He properly notes:

Sutter was a workhorse closer who wasn't used only in the ninth inning with a lead; he occasionally entered a game in the seventh inning. He pitched 100 or more innings in a season five times, and in his 10 full seasons, never pitched fewer than 80 innings. Dennis Eckersley cruised into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot -- as he should have; he first was an accomplished starting pitcher, unlike Sutter -- but he never pitched more than 80 innings in his 10 full seasons as a closer.

In 1977, Sutter posted what may have been the most dominating performance by a closer, ever. In 107 innings, he only gave up 92 baserunners. He had a K/BB ratio of 5.60 and a K/9 innings of 10.81.

He belongs in the Hall. Kudos to Kurkjian for reminding everyone.

And shame on Kurkjian for slighting Dave Owen.