Kansas City Royals Top Five Relief Pitchers

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

4. Doug Bird (1973-1978, 10.7 WAR)

If I was to ask you who, according to Wins Above Replacement, was thought to be the third best relief pitcher in Kansas City Royals history, Doug Bird may not come to mind. Yet, that is exactly where he presently stands, although his grasp on that spot is tenuous, given that Greg Holland is lurking just behind.

Discounting that 1976 season when the Royals placed Bird in the rotation, he was quite the solid reliever. He was remarkably durable, hailing from an era when relievers typically lasted more than an inning or two. In fact, Bird averaged over two innings per relief appearance and is second in Royals history with 16 saves of three or more innings.

While his numbers may not overwhelm, Bird was a solid reliever at a time when relief pitching was generally an afterthought. He produced a 49-36 record with 58 saves, a 3.56 ERA and a 1.245 WHiP in his six seasons with the Royals. His rookie season, when Bird posted a 2.99 ERA, a 1.075 WHiP and finished fourth in the American League with 20 saves.

Doug Bird may not be one of the first names that come to mind when the best relievers in Kansas City Royals history are discussed, but he certainly deserves his place on this list.

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