The San Diego Save

Each year, when creating my crazy baseball prediction magazine, I have one recommendation of literature from the “Ryan J. Dugan Book Club”.  Not that such a club really exists.  It’s really just my chance to “book drop” in a feeble attempt to seem superiorly intellectual.  I pretend to know how to read, and pretend to recommend books to others.  But the truth is, very few people read in America any more, and the few that do, are not going to take any tips from me!  But this year’s recommendation pertains directly to the San Diego Padres who perplex me when it comes to baseball’s final key ingredient: The Save. 

I stumbled into a book signing at Borders about a year ago when author Fran Zimniuch spotted me checking out his book.  He told me I have a striking resemblance to Shane Victorino and from there we engaged in a serious debate of baseball.  The coversation centered around Fran’s book, Titled: Fireman- The Evolution of the Closer.  I of course have an undying infatuation for my favorite closer/player, and in my opinion the best of all time: Mariano Rivera.  Fran, although placing Rivera on the cover of his book, seemed to disagree quite passively.  Fran was more interested in the origins of the closer role, and his personal friend, and favorite closer: Lee Smith.  I bought his book, he signed me a copy, and now I’m recommending it to others. Imagine that!

But our closer conversation alas brings me to San Diego California, and to two Padres closers who have, in recent history that left me baffled.  The first closer I have issue with would be the all time saves leader Trevor Hoffman.  How can a guy with such little talent accumulate such astronomical save totals? (601 lifetime saves - the all time leader) Hoffman has never had a vital save in a big game, I.E. Playoffs or World Series. And in fact Hoffman usually choked in any playoff spots he found himself in. Hoffman threw an average fastball, and an above average changeup. Yet he is considered statistically the greatest closer in the history of baseball.

Thier second closer I have issue with, would be their present day closer Heath Bell. Bell was second in NL saves a year ago , behind only Brian Wilson. Bell was an over-weight, bullpen right-hander, who spent eight years in the Mets minor league system. Then in 2009 he exploded on the scene. First as the USA closer in the World Baseball Classic. Then Bell went on to a 42 save season. His pervious season high in saves: two. I just don't get it!

After reading Fran’s book, the reader receives a fine appreciation for how complex the save role is in baseball. And yet the Padres, from Hoffman to Bell, have made it look easy. They get top credit in save conversation. Truely amaizing!