“People are going to think I’m crazy, but we’re just going to try it.”

That’s what Lou Piniella had to say when he announced he was going to use relievers to start the game back in 2005 as manager of the Rays. His idea was centered around his scuffling bullpen that had just suffered another “implosion.” Piniella’s decision may have been predicated on the wrong reasons, but he may have come up with an idea the league just wasn’t ready for.

Recently, I've covered the Mark Hendrickson who had a 6.60 ERA and .346 opponent’s batting average, or Casey Fossum with his 7.92 ERA and .288 opponent’s batting average that season.

With closers and set-up men becoming the go-to relievers when the game is on the line, several pitchers on each staff aren’t used as frequently, even though they are finding success. Middle- and long-relievers are typically used in mop-up roles or early in the game when it’s a toss-up barnburner.

In addition to helping starters get past their first inning yips, this new position would allow starters to face hitters later in the game, without having to face them for a fourth or even fifth time in the game. This is one of the factors with starters having trouble as the game progresses, in addition to fatigue.

Looking through pitchers who don’t log a lot of holds or saves through 2014, there are several candidates that might be helpful to their clubs in the role that can be now known as the reverse closer.