Submitted by Ron, May 12, 2007 11:09

One of the reasons the starters of yore went deeper into games was that they were very often the best choice. There was no stud closer waiting in the bullpen. Bullpens of that era were comprised basically of older pitchers who were one starters, but no longer good enough to start. If Koufax allowed a base runner or two in the 7th inning, was Alston supposed to bring in Joe Moeller? Lary Sherry? No, his best option was to stay with Koufax. And Hodges' best option was to stay with Seaver. As you said, the game has changed, and one of the changes is that bullpens are now a specialty, not an afterthought.

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