Turnbow

[El Duderino]

Closers get way to much glory/credit compared to 8th inning setup guys.If you have a 1-2 run lead going into the 8th inning,getting three outs in the 8th is just as important as three outs in the 9th.

Very often the setup guy comes in the 8th inning and has to face say the 3-4-5 hitters in the lineup or a tougher part than the closer does,but the closer gets the save.

In fact it's my belief that the save stat has dumbed down managers who are a slave to copycat managing.Say the team you cheer for is up a run in the 8th inning and you have a great closer.Coming up to bat for Boston is Manny/Ortiz/Drew,all managers today will bring in their setup guy instead of their closer,what sense does this make?Why wouldn't you use your best reliever to face their best hitters instead of worry more about a save stat?

I'm not trying to say closers aren't important because they are.I just don't get why managers today only will consider using their best relief pitcher if a stat can be gained?

Hell,what tougher and more likely to get a win.Bringing in a closer with no outs in the 8th of a close game and two runners on base or bringing the guy in for the 9th with a 5-2 lead,nobody on base,and the 6-7-8 hitters due up?