What is this bullshit saving your "ace" to "close out" the win? Use him in the most effective situation to get outs.
If you're the yankees and you're up 3-0 with the bases loaded against you in the 8th, and you're facing the top of the order, bring out Rivera. If he gives up a slam then it's probably over and it doesn't matter. If he saves your ass, then you can afford to use a weaker pitcher in the 9th with the bases empty. In the 8th is when the quality of your pitches is expected to be most important.
What is all this bullshit about some pitchers acting as great "bridges" between the starter and closer?
Someone enlighten me.
If you're the yankees and you're up 3-0 with the bases loaded against you in the 8th, and you're facing the top of the order, bring out Rivera. If he gives up a slam then it's probably over and it doesn't matter. If he saves your ass, then you can afford to use a weaker pitcher in the 9th with the bases empty. In the 8th is when the quality of your pitches is expected to be most important.
What is all this bullshit about some pitchers acting as great "bridges" between the starter and closer?
Someone enlighten me.