Under the Radar Middle Relievers

Johnny Venters is having an incredible year. He has a 1.53 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP. He has pitched in a big league leading 48 games and given up a run in only 5 of them. Venters will represent the National League in the All-Star game, and really, no one deserves it more. Venters’ has been great this season but, he’s not the only one. Here’s a look at 4 other guys who are having great seasons under the radar and trapped in middle relief:

Tony Sipp, Cleveland Indians: In 34.1 innings this season, Sipp, who is 27, has surrendered only 19 hits and 10 earned runs. He’s got 17 holds and an ERA of 2.62. Sipp was a major piece of the puzzle for Cleveland in the 1st half and if they want continue to play well and hang around in 1st place, Sipp will have to replicate his success after the break. Thing is, he’s not alone. There’s someone else in the Indian’s ‘pen with ability to dominate:

Vinnie Pestano, Cleveland Indians: Vinnie, 26, is having a stellar season. After coming into this year with only 5 career innings pitched, Pestano has 31.1 innings this year and an ERA of 2.59. He’s allowed 20 hits and 9 runs, good for a 1.02 WHIP, 12 holds, and a save. He has a 43:12 K/BB ratio and, along with Sipp, forms a great bridge to All-Star closer Chis Perez.

Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals: Clippard isn’t entirely under the radar, he will join Venters in Arizona at the All-Star game. But, I think the casual fan isn’t as familiar with him as they should be. Clippard is only 26 but he’s in his 5th season, 4th with the Nats and he’s really come into his own. In 48.1 innings, he’s got a WHIP of only 0.82, a K/BB ratio of 61/15, and an ERA of 1.86. He has been a major part of the Nationals’ resurgence this season as the path to closer Drew Storen. Clippard also has 22 holds this season and has been simply electric for Davey Johnson’s club.

David Robertson, New York Yankees: The Yankees have had tons of problems in the pitching staff this year. Despite the pleasant surprises of Freddie Garcia and Bartolo Colon, the bullpen has been a mess. Injuries to Joba Chamberlain, Pedro Feliciano, and Rafael Soriano have made the back end of games rather dicey for the Bombers. Enter David Robertson. Robertson has been great as the 8th inning guy in front of Mariano Rivera. Robertson has 18 holds and leads all American League  relievers in strikeouts with 55.  He has an ERA of only 1.05 and a WHIP of 1.31 in 34.1 innings. Even though he walks a few too many, he’s surrendered only 4 earned runs this year. Amazing.

-Max Frankel