A few assorted topics on Friday, September 27.
Playoff Strength
Dan Symborski at Fangraphs wrote an article “Which teams are best equipped for the playoffs?” Some teams have rosters that maximize full season win percent. Other teams are better equipped for the short series approach in the playoffs. The post season allows teams to hide deficiencies in their depth to some extent. Bullpens become more focused on the top 3 or 4 relievers. The best position players will play every day, and the back ups are needed less. The top 3 or 4 members of the starting rotation become the focus of the pitching staff, The 5 through 6 rotation pitchers may be unneeded altogether.