I have two teams in a progressive that have both been playoff teams in recent seasons, but not the last two. They currently have the two worst league bullpens in letting inherited runners score.

Here's my conundrum: These bullpens run an average around ERC# 1.61, WHIP# 0.98, OVA# .183 and 503 HR9+.

Even without seeing the league context, does that strike anyone as weak?

Both teams' home fields are pitcher's parks -- Safeco and Busch II.

I also cherry picked a comparison of one of my starters, Dazzy Vance, and a leading team's leading starter, Tom Seaver. Vance 2.08 ERC#, Seaver 2.02, Vance 1.01 WHIP#, Seaver 0.98, Vance .202 OAV#, Seaver .211, Vance 127 HR9+, Seaver 126. I'd say not much difference there. Now, Vance is pitching at home in Safeco, and Seaver's at home in County Stadium (Milwaukee). For league OAV, OBP & OOPS: Vance .264-.350-.372, Seaver .216-.287-.307.

Is anything at play here other than luck?

One colleague hinted that never giving an intentional walk might hurt my bullpen.

My philosophy has been to set "never" on the managerial settings because 1.) I don't get to choose when in the games, and 2.) statistically the pitcher always has the advantage (except in a few instances vs. Bonds, Ruth or Williams, et al.).