Saves and Mad Capps Humor

[DOUGHBOYS]

You know what the difference between a bad closer and a good closer is?

If thinking we own a good closer, we can't wait for three run leads going into the ninth.
Put it on the Board, YES! Chalk up another save....

If thinking we own a bad closer, that three run leads becomes a double edged sword. We know that our bad closer could give up four runs in the blink of an eye. We'd almost rather have a one run lead so that if he's not throwing well, the Manager takes him out sooner.

Today, Brad Lidge gave up two runs.
So did Matt Capps.
It could have been worse for both of them. Every hitter was on them. There were no k's. Just two bad closers trying to close games with two and three run leads.
Lidge got a blown because he 'only' had a two run lead.
Capps got a save because he had a three run cushion and the last out happened to come before another run scored.
The big deal is that Capps save, as of now, is the only save in most leagues today. Mike Adams got a save but was unstarted in most leagues. The other games did not end up with a save.
Sometimes, mediocrity is rewarded. And, if you look in the dictionary under 'mediocre', you'll see Matt Capps name.

Does it make our game any worse?
No.
Saves are just one category. Like wins they are maddening. And also like wins, there can only be at most 15 in one day, not counting doubleheaders. The other categories can go up by leaps and bounds in one day.
Capps was among the last of closers selected in every league. His owners know the drawbacks. They don't look forward to seeing him enter the game with a three run lead. They close their eyes. They turn the channel. They wish they hadn't drafted him.
But, he gets a save today, and if no other fantasy team picks up a save, he'll be worth the mediocrity.
At least until the next time he enters a game with a three run lead.