Hoffman collected 30 saves. No other pitcher collected even one. Heath Bell and Cla Meredith had 6...

Hoffman collected 30 saves. No other pitcher collected even one. Heath Bell and Cla Meredith had 6 and 7 chances respectively, but failed to convert. Apparently there is not anyone on the current roster is ready to step into the role.

Who’s the Next Hoffman? | Baseball in Fort Wayne

11 months ago jbox 7 comments 0 recs |

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You might as well compare those blown saves to their holds. I’d imagine most setup men have awful save percentages. How many of them get to pitch the 9th with a lead?

by SR on Nov 20, 2008 10:07 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

You don't have to pitch the ninth to blow a save

You could blow a save by giving up the lead in the 8th inning of a 1 run game even though you never would have had the chance to get a save because the manager would have pulled you for Joe Closer in the ninth.

So, yeah, “most setup men have awful save percentages” because they get credit for blown saves without really getting an opportunity to earn a save.

"Whoa... You can't say stuff like that!"
"I get it Chief. I'll play ball. You just gotta blow the whistle and call the fouls. Alright?"

by Wonko on Nov 20, 2008 11:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

True and True

I guess I was just presenting a broad overview and not trying to go into a super-huge in-depth analysis of every stat. And a lot more goes into it than stats. You have to factor experience, mentality, etc. Heck, even managerial confidence should be considered. That said, just because a pitcher get’s holds and is untouchable in the eighth, it doesn’t make them worthy of being a closer. A good case in point is LaTroy Hawkins. When he came to the Cubs, he was among the most dominant set-up guys in the business. They tried to turn him into a closer and he’s pretty much been boo’ed out of every city he’s played in since (except Houston, but it’s early).

by fwbaseball on Nov 20, 2008 11:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hawkins

I see him more of the exception than the rule and he’s put together a pretty good career, but is judged by more by his amazing 2003 and 2004 seasons than his more recent performances.

I guess my main issue would be with the casual dismissal of Heath Bell. He may have not have pitched many 9ths in the majors, but if he’s going to be compared with minor leaguers then it should be taken into account that he has 108 minor league saves as well. And 42 of those saves were at AAA.

"Whoa... You can't say stuff like that!"
"I get it Chief. I'll play ball. You just gotta blow the whistle and call the fouls. Alright?"

by Wonko on Nov 20, 2008 12:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs