03-18-2009, 10:43 AM
I look at it taking the money out of the equation. Saves are an overated and wrongly figured stat.
A pitcher come in to a game, ninth inning, nobody out, nobody on and a two run lead. He gets three in a row out and is awarded the save. However, in the seventh inning with the same two run lead your starter is struggling, got one out but walked the bases loaded. A pitching change happens and the new pitcher strikes out the next two, or gets a double play. He is done for the day without a save credited, however he clearly "saved" the game.
I'd rather see Marmol on the bump in those tight situations.
A pitcher come in to a game, ninth inning, nobody out, nobody on and a two run lead. He gets three in a row out and is awarded the save. However, in the seventh inning with the same two run lead your starter is struggling, got one out but walked the bases loaded. A pitching change happens and the new pitcher strikes out the next two, or gets a double play. He is done for the day without a save credited, however he clearly "saved" the game.
I'd rather see Marmol on the bump in those tight situations.