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Relievers are eligible for my HOF; I just can't find one I'd vote for. What they contribute relative to position players and starting pitchers isn't HOF worthy. If a guy spends his career as a DH, I'd never vote for him, either.
Now, Steve, I know you're going to disagree, but your claim that teams wouldn't have gotten to the playoffs is sheer speculation. It can't be proven or disproven. True in some cases, not in others. I'd be more impressed with saves if the rule granting one weren't so liberal. Two outs, last inning. Reliever comes in with a three-run lead and a runner on first. He gives up a two-run shot, then a double before the next guy flies out to the warning track. Save. Joke.
How many saves are granted to closers after set-up guys and middle relievers do the heavy lifting? R1, R2, no outs. Set-up guy strikes out two batters, then closer comes in, walks a batter and retires the next one. Save. Joke.
The save is the most overrated stat in baseball. I'm curious as to how many would be granted under a different condition: you don't get one unless you enter the game with the tying run in scoring position (not on deck). If a guy chalked up 300 of THOSE in a career, I'd vote to put him in the HOF.
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