Save and Hold criteria

[Tramplers]

OK, what constitutes a hold and save? I was under the impression if a pitcher faced more batters/runners on base than his team was ahead, he was eligible for a save and as long as he held the lead in a game, he got a hold.

The pirates were up 6-2 a couple of nights ago. Mike Gonzales pitched the 8th and 9th innings for 6 outs and gave up zero runs, one hit and walk. He didn't get either. Shouldn't he have got a save? Any info is appreciated.

[EK711]

Straight outta da rule book:

10.20 Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three of the following conditions:
(1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club; and
(2) He is not the winning pitcher; and
(3) He qualifies under one of the following conditions:
(a) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or
(b) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or is one of the first two batsmen he faces); or
(c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each game.

Gonzales did not meet any criteria for #3.


As for the hold aspect, I believe most fantasy leagues would use Stats Inc.'s definition:

A Hold is credited any time a relief pitcher enters a game in a Save Situation, records at least one out, and leaves the game never having relinquished the lead.

It would seem to me that because the lead did not constitute a save situation Gonzales gets neither a save or a hold.

Here's a read about holds I found a while back that I thought was interesting.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/s/2000/0523/546788.html

[brock middlebrook]

can we make this a sticky on here or the game commentary forum? This seems to be a FAQ.

thanks

[Madison]

can we make this a sticky on here or the game commentary forum? This seems to be a FAQ.

thanks

The save rule is in our Frequently Asked Questions, so if someone asks about the rule, just give them the link.