SCREAMING HEADS

Some topics are too divisive to cover with comprehensive reportage and astute analyses alone. Sometimes you just have to let random guys spout off. One such topic: the value of a good closer.

"K-Rod broke the record by 'protecting' a three-run lead against an awful team. Fitting, given how overrated the closer role has become. Retrosheet.org says teams have protected ninth-inning leads roughly 95% of the time over the past century. Why pay a closer $10 million when teams with leads usually win anyway? The stats are the same now as they were before stadiums could blast Metallica over the PA."

-Jim Caple, ESPN.com Senior Writer

"I respect everybody's opinion, but if a save wasn't important, teams wouldn't pay a lot of money for closers. Not just anybody can do it. It's a really difficult job with a lot of pressure. If we let a close game get away, people won't say the Angels lost; they're going to say Francisco Rodriguez blew it. If you fail, you let a lot of people down. A guy who gets saves is as important as a guy who hits 30 homers and has 100 RBI."

-Francisco Rodriguez, Angels Closer

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