We're down to the final month - and some interesting story lines are developing...
K-Rod is going to destroy the record for saves in a season, probably earning over sixty by the end of the season. He has been getting some talk in Cy Young discussions, but does he deserve it? I don't think so - the save is a highly-overrated statistic. It means very little. For example, tonight for the Mets, Ayala gave up two runs in the ninth, but because he came in with a three-run lead, he gets a save. Awful performance, but gets a save... Here some reasons he shouldn't even get one vote:
- Of the 19 closers with at least 25 saves this year, 8 have a better ERA than K-Rod. His ERA is good, but not incredible for a closer.
- He has pitched in 62 games, but has only pitched about 56 innings.
- Yes, he has 51 saves, but has had 56 opportunities. This has nothing to do with his skills.
- There are other closers with a better percentage of saves per opportunities - he just plays for a team that wins more.
Jack feels strongly about this, I think he is going to go into more detail this weekend...
Staying on the "saves" topic - The Mets/Phillies game on Wednesday was the perfect example of how overrated the closer role has become. Carlos Delgado came up to bat with two outs in the eighth, he was having a good night, and was facing a pitcher who (in a small sample of at-bats) he has had some good success against. Brad Lidge was available, but it wasn't the ninth. Charlie Manuel decided to save Lidge for the ninth. The result - a very predictable hit from Delgado, specifically a game-tying home run. He then brings Lidge in for the ninth in a tie game, and Lidge gets lit up. At what point do managers stop managing for stats, and start managing for wins. That decision probably caused that loss, and is the reason the Phillies are in second place.
Another example, the Mets are 16-7 (I think) since Billy Wagner went on the DL. Not bad...
The Yankees are out. Will everyone please stop talking about the Yankees. They irrelevant.
How cool would a Twins/Rays world series be?
The Mets need to pick up Carlos Delgado's option.
The Rays continue to roll, even with poor attendance. It's about a two-hour drive to the stadium for me, but I go when I can. It is exciting, how are they not selling out every game. The stadium is very comfortable, and is air-conditioned!!
Marlins tickets should be free. They will again trade or not sign some of their best players, so they don't need the money for payroll.
I used to love Baseball Tonight, and I still like it, except when Eric Young and Eduardo Perez are on it. I'd rather mute my TV and just watch the highlights. Seriously, please let me know if there is anyone anywhere that likes it when they are on. The whole "Souvenir City" thing is old, very very old.
I do, however, enjoy watching Mets games with Gary, Keith, and Ron. They provide so much insight, and I feel like I understand what is going on much better when I watch them. Just one request for Keith Hernandez, in case he ever reads this (which I doubt he will): Please never talk about Men's underwear on TV again. I am not going to say much more, but you spent to much time talking about Jason Giambi's undergarments a few weeks ago. I couldn't stomach it, and I am still disturbed by it. I have forgiven you for this though.
That's all.
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