OT: Relief pitching explained

[flash0788]

I'm having trouble explaining to someone what LRP, MRP and SU mean when referring to pitchers and what the difference is. I've looked all over the net and can't anything that explains it very well. Any coaches/players that can shed some light? Thanks :?

[KenDammit]

well, obviously

LRP = Long Relief Pitcher

MRP = Middle Relief Pitcher

SU = Setup

ROUGHLY, a long relief pitcher is more akin to a starter than a reliever. He won't be able to go as long as the general starter, but pitches in the same fashion, throwing for strikes, working the plate, using the defense to their advantage.

middle relievers can either switch things up as far as handedness of a pitcher and are usually more aggressive and less inclined to want the batter to touch the ball.

Setup men, well their only objective is to stop the other team in its tracks. No runners on base, no hits, no runs, no nothing...hence setting up the game for the closer to get the save. Usually have a mentality of "i'm going to get YOU out, not let you get yourself out."

think of the whole bullpen heirarchy as a stepping stone formation.

You have starters

You have Long relief who are almost like starters

You have Middle relief who have traits from both sides

you have setup men who are quick, hard, and aggressive only going one or two innings

you have closers, who want to go no more than 1.2 innings usually and try their hardest to not let you put the bat on the ball.

[flash0788]

I had most of it right in my mind, just couldn't figure out how to get it out so it made sense!

Thanks!