Here’s the conventional wisdom about J.J. Hoover: Hoover had two pretty good years (2012, 2013) in the Reds bullpen, then was terrible last year. Marty Brennaman recently referred to Hoover’s 2014 season as one of the worst any reliever has ever had. Hoover has bounced back strongly this year.
That’s the standard tale and there’s a superficial resonance. Hoover has indeed been the best part of the Reds bullpen this season. He’s gone 24 consecutive appearances without giving up an earned run. He has yet to give up a home run. And, drum roll please, his record is 5-0!