In fact, I mentioned a funny story about that in my book. When I was trying to figure out whom to...

In fact, I mentioned a funny story about that in my book. When I was trying to figure out whom to pick as the most overrated reliever of all time, I asked a retired starter which closer he'd pick. And he answered: "All of them." It was a funny line, but obviously, he didn't mean it. Mariano Rivera belongs in the HOF. Anybody doubt that? Goose Gossage belongs. Trevor Hoffman will belong. But the save IS the most overrated stat in baseball, so your point's otherwise well taken.

ESPN: Lee Smith: Hall of Famer or not? - SportsNation

10 months ago jbox 4 comments 0 recs |

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I am not so sure

that the save is the most overrated stat in baseball. RBIs are as much a product of how good your team (or your spot in the lineup) is. Stolen Bases are overrated, unless you take into account how often you are succesful. Wins for a pitcher are probably just as overrated for a pitcher.

The three run save is overrated, no doubt. But if closers are such a waste, why do so many teams struggle to find ones? Or at least find ones that are good for more than a year or two.

by osbug on Jan 6, 2009 4:00 PM PST reply actions 1 recs

The issue is not

that “closers are such a waste”. No one has stated that. A good bullpen is essential, but that is not the same thing as a closer having lots of saves.
The save stat has become IMO, an overrated compiled stat. If you look at the top ten career or season leaders in saves, it is not representative of the best closers. Are John Franco, Billy Wagner and Jeff Reardon really the 3rd, 4th, and 5th best closers of all time????

by strummer on Jan 7, 2009 5:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Save is the most overrated

its the one stat that actually dictates strategy. Most other stats just show the results of what happen (even if it not truly accurate of a players ability). The save, dictates how a bullpen is used, and if someone is lucky enough to be deemed the closer, he can pick up a ton of saves, which will effect his value on the market.

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. " ~Frank Sinatra

by Sammy G on Jan 7, 2009 3:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs