Oh, those "save"...opportunities.

Last night one of the Baltimore radio guys (both of whom do a good job) praised George Sherrill -and why not--for having fiffff-teen "saves," and how he's only "one save" away from the AL "leader in saves," Frankie Rodriguez. Any team would be happy to have Sherrill, of course but I enjoy how the "total save stat" evolves in media culture. The Baltimore guy momentarily screwed up as he mentioned Sherrill's ERA which isn't really that bad, but the "total save stat" marketers get nasty when you mention other useful ways in which to judge a late inning reliever. It was quickly back to the total save stat,

• as he said, "but, oh, those saves."

George Sherrill then earned his "sixx-teeenth save, tied with the "AL saves leader, Frankie Rodriguez," which is great (as of close of business 5/16/08). I looked it up.

• The top 2 AL leaders in "Save Opportunities" are also K-rod and George Sherrill. While it's vital to have a great late inning reliever or closer, if he has the most "save opportunities" he's likely going to have the most "saves," or close to it. It's just you don't hear the guys say,

• "Oh, those Save Opportunities."

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