I think of low leverage middle relievers as your innings eaters that are asked to come in when your team is behind. Your setup guys are asked to protect a lead of three runs or less after the 5th inning. IMO, there is a big difference between the two.Closers are an integral part of the game. A low leverage middle reliever is being asked significantly less than the guy in charge of getting the 27th out. If you combine the two stats, you've made them equals. That's not an accurate reflection of the game.
And I thought part of the exercise was de-emphasizing relievers. The only other way to do that is to keep saves, remove holds, and add another category more reflective of starting pitchers which is quality starts. But it has already been discussed how starters no longer go as deep in games so quality starts is a more flawed stat than even 5 or 6 years ago.
But I will reiterate I am fine with heisman’s categories.
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