Posted By:
Jay MillerI think we have established that there are several not very important stats. I agree with Kevin that the save, as currently defined, is a joke. However, going back to Lee's initial point, I think the strikeout is certainly one of the most overrated stats. Sure when a batter is struck out he can't put the ball in play. Striking out a batter is better than him hitting a ball which might find a hole or a brick handed fielder. However, in evaluating a pitcher those possiblities are already accounted for in other areas such as era. As to Ryan's abilities I think he was a very good pitcher who had the potential to be unhittable on certain nights. If I had one game to win he wouldn't be my first choice to pitch the game, or even one of my top twenty choices, but he certainly was a quality pitcher who lasted a long time. He also did a pretty good job defending himself when some unthinking batter charged the mound (think Robin Ventura). BTW Leon, I was also at the 4K K game at the Dome.