Minnesota Twins sell Total "Save" stat to window guard company

• I enjoy listening to various games on XM radio, so heard a bit of post-game of the Twins guys after the Red Sox-Twins game today. First, interesting the Twins won't see the Red Sox again all season til the end of September. Pretty lucky on their part. Then, an announcer says in effect,
• "The Twins didn't "HAVE A SAVE" today, but when they do GET A SAVE, it's brought to you by XYZ Window Guard Company."

The selling of the "total save" stat has been on a roll for about the past 5-8 years. Whether it's a 1 out save with no men on base and a 3 run lead, or a 5 or 6 out save with men on base and only a 1 run lead while trailing in the final weeks of a brutal pennant race. A 'Win' a closer might have that "saved" the game might be harder but wouldn't be counted. I'm aware of other marketing vehicles in the "saves" arena, but this one makes them especially sound like popsicles or the like.

• The next item on Carl Pohlad's team's post game show--MENTION THE YANKEES IN THE CONTEXT OF THREATENING THE EXISTENCE OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL. Their guy interviewed the team's first base coach and among the questions to him:

'WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE YANKEES' HIRING ROGER CLEMENS AND WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL?"

• Jerry White answers in effect, "I don't worry too much about the New York Yankees, I just try to focus on what the Twins are doing."

Most teams feel the same way. I'd rather not think about Clemens either, as the Yankees radio and tv people talk about him excessively.

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