OFF THE BENCH

Atlanta Braves reliever Eric O’Flaherty posted a 0.98 ERA last year in 78 appearances.  This is the first time a reliever made at least 70 appearances and posted an ERA under 1.00.  Also, O’Flaherty’s (I just used two apostrophes in the same word) ERA+ was 389.  That’s just plain dumb. A really good ERA+ is about 100.  For some reference Rivera’s best ERA+ season was 318 posted in 2008 and the best for a starter was Pedro’s 1999 at 291. 

Also, look at Let Aroldis Chapman Start!!!