MLB question about saves

[Luckyflux]

Can a pitcher pitch himself into a save situation? Let's say it is 8 to 0, going into the ninth inning. I bring out a pitcher. If he walks the bases loaded then serves up a granny, would it be a save situation then? (Tying run in the on-deck circle)

The criteria for a save is to work the final 3 innings, or to get the final out with the tying run in the on-deck circle. But can a pitcher enter the game in a non-save situation, then give up runs to make it a save situation, then get that save by getting everyone else out?

Sorry if I worded that poorly, brain not at 100% yet.

 

[SmoothieX]

You can't pitch yourself into a save situation. You can fuck up and leave your team up by only 3 or less, then another pitcher can come on and pick up a save.

The tying run in the on-deck circle is irrelevant. Most closers today are watered down specialists who only ever come in during the 9th inning when there team is ahead. They show up, get 3 outs, and call it a save. It would be nice to see a pitcher get his way out of a jam more often. Saves are increasingly pointless stats, and don't get me started on 'holds.'

 

[Luckyflux]

OK. I keep watching K-Rod come in and I swear it is like he is purposely trying to load the bases just to get that save situation.

I don't even know what the criteria for a Hold is. But I bet bullpen guys like it. After all, before the Hold, there was no "stat" for a relief pitcher. I guess this gives them something to try for. I wonder if incentives can be based on number of holds.

Is there an opposite of the Hold? Like a blown-hold? .....I better stop now, that last thing sounds a little weird...

 

[SmoothieX]

OK. I keep watching K-Rod come in and I swear it is like he is purposely trying to load the bases just to get that save situation.

Understandable. The main difference is that he is pretty much inconsistent this year. No lead is safe when he's pitching.

Is there an opposite of the Hold? Like a blown-hold? .....I better stop now, that last thing sounds a little weird...

The opposite is called "Shitty 4th Inning Mop Up Duty in an 11-2 Game" pitcher.

 

[Scout101]

yep, can't pitch yourself into a save situation in order to get the save. Next guy can get it, though. And a 'hold' is basically just the same as a save, but for middle relievers...

 

[Starbreaker]

If you're in line for a hold, and you blow the lead, you're charged with a blown save.

 

[Canadave]

If you're in line for a hold, and you blow the lead, you're charged with a blown save.

And are thus sentenced to one year of hard labour in the Kansas City Royals labour camps.

 

[SmoothieX]

^I hear they waterboard you in those falls they have in the outfield if you don't shape up.