pitchers just to eat innings......as pitchers always get hurt, are out a while and come back
You play 162 games to perhaps go into a best of 3 playoff series where winning just 2 games or 3 next series and you advance.....two dominant pitchers and/or a great closer can make a huge difference in that short series
e.g. Nationals a few years ago.....
if you go in with a pitcher that historically chokes in playoffs and marginal inning eater pitching and no legit closer....you level that playing field IMHO where a hot team or some lucky hits can quickly change the outcome.
RIP Bucky - 7/25/1943 - 1/19/2013
