Why it's so great to be a BBWAA member talking about late inning relievers

Bill Plaschke says the following today:

• "Closers will never work three scoreless innings in relief."...

His words will be seen and believed by millions around the world. The work of at least one other pitcher has been trashed, to be polite. Nothing bad will happen to the BBWAA member, 'guardian of the game.'

• There may be several so-called closers who have worked 3 scoreless innings in relief and/or were available to their team if need be. Most closers aren't like this--that is true. But why generalize about 'closers' and make a false statement? Mariano Rivera has worked 3 scoreless innings in relief numerous times, but expressly as 'a closer' twice in the past 5 years:

In both cases, Mr. Rivera got the Win for his 3 innings. (Does a Win still count--or is it just the 'save stat' that counts with BBWAA members?)

• 1. May 30, 2006, Yankees at Detroit, score tied 6-6, Mariano Rivera entered bottom of the 9th. Also pitched bottom of the 10th with score still tied 6-6. Also pitched bottom of the 11th, Yankees had gone ahead 11-6. Rivera, 3 scoreless innings in relief, got the Win.

• 2. October 16, 2003, Boston at New York, Game 7 ALCS, score tied 5-5. Rivera pitched the 9, 10th, and 11th inning. After his third inning of work the score was still tied. Aaron Boone got the winning run in the bottom of the 11th.
• People wondered if Rivera would have come out for a 4th inning had Boone not gotten the run.
• He got the Win--not the 'save.'
• He was also named ALCS MVP.

What negative consequences will accrue to the BBWAA member for his bad information treated as gospel? Answer: none. That is why the BBWAA should be closed down.

• It does more harm than good.

• via BTF

""A lie can run around the world before the truth can get its boots on."*

• James Watt, inventor of the steam engine in the 18th century."

*This is how the media wins in spite of fact-checkers.

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