He didn't have the highest WAR. He didn't have the best ERA. He didn't barely even had a half a strikeout per inning pitched. But dangit, he had the best story and turned in a record breaking performance. And that is why we're giving Frank Wilson our top reliever award for the 2059 season.
But let's not say he didn't still have good numbers. He appeared in 76 games and posted a 3.16 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. Added together and he still had a 0.9 WAR. So it wasn't like he was a chump. But oh yeah, there were those franchise record breaking 50 saves and the fact he hadn't pitched in 5 years. So he had to be given the award! He not only broke that saves record, he obliterated it.
"I feel like a broken record" Wilson commented after hearing he'd won the award, "but I'm extremely grateful just for the opportunity. I can tell you I am just as much in shock of how this season played out than everyone else!"
Rookie Erasmo Gonzalez, who was called up after opening day to fill an injury spot, could have won the award. He led the bullpen with a 2.02 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 1.4 WAR. Then there was Kenny Kelly whose 1.81 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 1.0 WAR were equally as impressive. He also had the cool side story with the Rule 5 acquisition piece.
"But it had to go to Wilson" stated Gonzalez. "I'll have plenty more chances, but his story can't be topped. He deserved it."
