The save is the most frustrating stat in sports.
It’s frustrating because it is the only stat that dictates strategy.
Let me explain: A save is what is awarded when a baseball relief pitcher comes in with a lead of 3 runs or less (there are more complicated rules, but I’ll leave it there).
Detroit Tigers closer Jose Valverde pitched in a tie game in Monday’s game 2 loss to the Texas Rangers. He threw 2 innings (23 pitches).
On Tuesday, the Tigers were up by 3 in the ninth and Valverde came in for the save. He threw another inning (16 pitches).
On Wednesday, the Tigers were tied in extra innings and they needed Valverde to pitch again. Relief pitchers rarely throw three days in a row. Since the game was tight they needed him. In his second inning of work he got hit… hard.
You have to wonder if he was tired.
It makes you wonder – what appearances over the last three days could have been avoided?
Obviously, it is the appearance on Tuesday. The other two were in high-pressure tie game situations.
With a three run lead the Tigers did not need him. Every relief pitcher on the postseason roster had an ERA under 6 this season. That means no pitcher averaged giving up more than 2 runs every three innings.
A three run lead in one inning is relatively safe.
But it’s conventional wisdom to bring in your closer. Your closer needs to earn the save.
The stat dictated strategy.
Conventional wisdom isn’t always right. Conventional wisdom put the Tigers in a tough 3-1 series hole.
It’s easy for me as a baseball fan to sit back and criticize this decision, but I wonder how often I simply accept conventional wisdom that actually isn’t right.
How often do you?
Those who go down as visionaries in our history books are people who challenge the status quo. People who don’t accept “that’s how we’ve always done it.”
Will you?
Conventional wisdom loses a lot more than baseball games.
