Honestly, the 2002 Braves had THREE (3) 36-year-old bullpen arms each have a monster season at once.
Two - Remlinger and Holmes had previously shown ability - and just happened to have everything come together at one time.
Chris Hammond, though, would be the only one to truly take his game to another level. He had a resume not too far removed from Wright's (though he never had the walk rates that Wright has always had). Then, after an injury, he had a year in the minors at age 35 that was a brand new template - and had a 2002 season for the record books - (0.95 ERA with only 1 HR in 76 innings). He remained serviceable for another 3 years, too.
So, yes - it is possible. But, Hammond is the ONLY pitcher I know of (though I'll admit there could be others), who didn't show SOME inkling of stardom before age 36.
I'll be thrilled if you're right, Doc. But, I've gotta believe the only reason Wright has survived for so long is that he's had an ability to "flash" this kind of performance all along. How many guys with a 4.4 / 4.9 walk-to-K rate survives for 16 seasons?
Gee, there's a research idea ... how many pitchers retired with an ERA over 5.00 (his is currently 4.99) with more than 1700 IPs.
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