Should there be a "Hold" stat for non-closing relievers?

Question

It would be a quantitative way to rate middle relievers and set up men. Guys like Heilman, Zumaya, Procter, Mota ect... and so forth....

The "Hold" listed on some sports pages and websites is not an "official" MLB stat.
My assertion is that it should be.

Answer 1

I agree that it should be an official statistic. I know ESPN keeps track of it, so there should already be some objective criteria in place. As for the argument that there are too many statistics already: I believe that all statistics are both useful and limited in the information and overall understanding and evaluation they provide. The more statistics that can be quantified and cross-referenced with other statistics, the better understanding will be reached. Middle relievers are an especially important part of any team. The "hold" statistic gives information that cannot be conferred simply with ERA. Relief pitchers could be almost perfect when pitching without a lead, but then blow it anytime they were trying to hold off an opponent long enough to bring in the closer. In that case, the ERA statistic is useful, but skewed nevertheless. Used in conjunction with the "hold" statistic, however, it paints a clearer picture.

Answer 2

Of course it should. It's not a perfect statistic, but it's no worse a stat than is a save, and it's at least one way to measure the effectiveness of your middle relievers and setup guys.

We've used it for years in fantasy leagues, and it's always annoyed me that MLB doesn't count it as an official statistic. They lot closers get saves, but middle relievers get nothing for performing in the same situation? I think part of it is a bias that many have, one that makes them feel like holding a lead in the ninth inning is more difficult than any other inning.

I also think that adding holds as an official stat might help middle relievers when it comes to arbitration. As it is, they don't have a counting stat beyond strikeouts that they can use for their case, and this would be one for them to point to.

Answer 3

In a sport with an already enormous surfeit of statistics, I would say no. I suspect that it would be a can of worms in fixing agreed upon criteria given the circumstances according to the specifics of each game. Let their ERAs, innings worked, and the admittedly subjective, but informed, critique of their work by management, the written press and fans be their advocates.

Answer 4

I'm intrigued. I like this idea. I think middle relievers have nothing to rely on except their ERA, innings pitched, and strikeouts.

Of course, the two guys to answer first are NOT idiots (I don't want to get tagged for insulting the idiots on here).

If you don't like baseball, go away.
If you think there is, explain it more so we stupid little people can be a part of your big world.

Answer 5

the respond's in the question: Q: what's this "burn a Qur'an?" A: Nonsense some loopy pastor desperate on the anniversary of 9/11 he's going to coach how extra suitable the Christians are and how heavily he follows the interest of Jesus by putting hearth to somebody else's Holy e book so as to incite hatred and, if he's honestly fortunate, violence.

Answer 6

Yes, the hold is an extremely valuable commodity in modern day baseball. Plus, it is crap when middle relievers get blown saves for giving up two runs in the 7th. They should get blown holds.

Answer 7

It sure would be nice for middle relief guys to finally get some recognition. I doubt any fans would care that much. The only people who would really care would be managers and scouts and I'm sure scouts already keep track of that stuff.

Answer 8

We use it in one of our fantasy baseball leagues each year as a statistical category. It's a way for teams that lost a closer to injury or had a poor draft to keep even.

Answer 9

And this would improve life on earth in what way? Absolutely of no importance in my mind.

Of course, I also think baseball is BORING TRIPE!

Answer 10

there is......