One of the biggest differences is the Tommy John surgery and training in general. Back in 1982, a torn rotator was the end of a career so pitchers had to be more careful. Now they go nuts.
The way starters innings are going (all approaching 150 innings instead of the old 200), star long relievers could become a big thing. In the past mid and long guys were just failed starters who catch some innings. It could change.
Seems like Zulueta is being used like an old-school closer like Mike Marshall and Goose Gossage. Those guys threw multiple innings. I think Marshall had 200 innings of pure relief.
I figure #25 had 13 years of elite player years (assume all years are elite for a player who is elite) and #19 had 16 -- so Molitor breaks that tie. #37 had Stieb for 14 years.
Yeah I'd think 19 (Joey Bats plus McGriff) and 25 (Delgado and White) would be up there and 12 would have the most decent seasons (between Whitt and Alomar)