Watching the postseason and how the different managers used their bullpens, I started wondering if we'll see some new thinking going forward. For example, would the Rays consider using Alex Colome in the sixth instead of saving him for the ninth? Your thoughts?
--Bill B., St. Petersburg
In my recollection, the defined closer role for the ninth inning really began with Tony La Russa's use of Dennis Eckersley in the late '80s with Oakland. Based on that use, the closer comes in for the final inning if his team has the lead or if the game is tied (on occasion).