MLB.com's PR machine sells the 'Total Save' stat when it suits their purpose

• Joakim Soria is great but with only 2 regular seasons as a late inning reliever MLB.com anoints him as 'elite.'

MLB.com, 3/29/09: "Joakim Soria is one of 14 closers

• in history

• to have more saves (42)

• than hits allowed (39)

• in a season."

No mention of how many outs per save, runners on base, save opportunities, the 19 walks he gave up in each of his 2 years, etc. Just the total save stat.

• Article from MLB.com, "Soria now one of Majors' Elite Closers," by Dick Kaegel

(On another day about another pitcher they'll say the 'total save stat is the most overrated in baseball').