"Have" a save, "Get" a save. Step right up.

One might conclude "getting" a save is always better than not "getting" one as characterized in media including a NY Times article yesterday. Nevertheless:

• Here's a "save" described in the NY Post, 8/19/07:

"Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez, among MLB's leaders in saves, got his 30th Thursday.

• In his one full inning pitched, he allowed three hits, a walk and two earned runs.
• Rodriguez allowed an earned run in his previous save, also a one-inning job, thus
• his ERA over two consecutive saves was 13.50."

The NY Times took the time to report the following yesterday about the total save stat in reference to Mariano Rivera:

• "He did not

• get

• his fifth save last season (2007) until June 3."

I looked on Baseball-Reference. In 2007, Rivera did not "get" his first "save opportunity" until April 15.

• The June 3, 2007 date of the 5th save he "got," while not worthy of celebration, was only his 8th save "opportunity" of the season.

Another stat, "Wins," can also be "gotten" as proof a late inning reliever was not on vacation. Rivera's April 7, 2007 "Win" was not mentioned by the NY Times.

• The lack of "getting" a 5th save until June 3, 2007 has of course gained cultural currency, checking google, 4/16/08:

• 1. "He didn't pick up his 5th save last year until June 3. .... Mariano Rivera... remains the only player to still wear the number full-time. mypinstripes.blogspot.com/ - "
• 2. "Rivera stifled Tampa Bay for his fifth save of the young season -- his fifth save of 2007 didn't come until June 3 -" ...questfor27.blogspot.com/"

Just an example of the successful manipulation of the save stat and in particular the term "get a save" (Item at end of article by Tyler Kepner). (sm)

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Dreaming of Yankee bats, 2001 and 2004 cases in point

Waiting for bats to come alive can be a poor use of time: 2001 World Series (7 games)

• Runs scored by Diamondbacks: 37

• Runs scored by Yankees: 14

2004 ALDS (4 games)

• Runs scored by Minnesota: 17

• Runs scored by Yankees: 21

BUT, 2 of the 4 games were 1-run games won in extra innings (12 and 11 innings). Baseball-Reference.

• ***Both extra inning 1 run games featured 2 inning appearances by Mariano Rivera, Game 2, 8th and 9th innings; Game 4, 10th and 11th innings.

***Rivera pitched in all 4 games of the 2004 ALDS, twice for 2 innings, twice for 1 inning.

• He received 1 Win.

• He received no "Saves."***

***So, according to ESPN, Mo would've been bad because it's only "Saves" that count.***

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