2010 BBA Goose Gossage NL Reliever of the Year Award.

Tuesday October 19, 2010

I had a difficult decision with this award and the choices that had me pulling my hair out were only between Padres pitchers.

Brian Wilson of the Giants had 3 more save opportunities to get only 1 more save than the Padres Heath Bell AND Bell gave up only 1 home run. 5 blown saves for Wilson vs 3 for Bell. No contest there.

The real choice was between the Padres' Bell, Mike Adams and Luke Gregerson.

Bell notched 47 saves with a 1.93 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and a 2.05 FIP. His 11.09 K/9 was in the top 10 in baseball.

Adams was also outstanding with 38 holds, an ERA of 1.76, a WHIP of 1.07 and a 2.31 FIP. He was invaluable to the Padres. He was part of an almost unbeatable trio. He also provided leadership in the pen.

Gregerson turned in a MLB record 40 holds. His WHIP was baseball leading 0.83 for any pitcher with at least 65 IP. His FIP was an outstanding 2.86. He posted an awesome 10.23 K/9. The only thing that kept me from choosing him immediately was a 3.22 ERA overall and a bad stretch in September where he posted an ERA over 6.00.

What tipped the balance for me was something they don't measure in stats. It was leadership in the pen. This player designed the bullpen's popular t-shirt, mentored many of the young pitchers and turned in an outstanding performance for the year.

The Websoulsurfer pick for the 2010 Goose Gossage NL Reliever of the Year goes to the San Diego Padres Mike Adams.