Quote:
Originally Posted by Kelric
I like the three inning save rule. I like that more than one inning with a three run lead being a save.
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Yeah. What are called saves these days, well most are cheap saves.
A pitcher can come in the 9th with a 3 run lead, allow 2 runs, and earn a save with that 18.00 ERA.
Way back in the 60's and 70's, another factor in determining a save was the quality of the appearance by that pitcher, as determined by the official scorer, and most of the relievers back then weren't just saved for the last inning. That's why so many of the pitchers back then who earned most of the saves also would pitch 1, 2, 3 and sometimes 4 innings. They were called firemen back then because that was their role, come in when the fire needed to be put out regardless of the inning. The idea of saving your "best" reliever for the last inning is something I just don't understand. If you use him earlier to end a rally then perhaps a closer wouldn't even be needed in the 9th. But the logic now is to bring in a lesser pitcher in those situations.
I also have seen some weird box scores where a starter would pitch 8 innings and have a 3-0 lead and have a line like...8 IP, 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 5 K's....and yet would be automatically pulled so the closer could finish off the game.
My personal preference is to try to get complete games out of my starter, and I know that IRL these days that would be a pipe dream, but with that pitcher I would let him start the 9th and see if he can finish the game himself, not just automatically pull him so the closer can pad his save stats.