In MLB how do they pick the closing pitcher?

Question

Im a Red Sox fan still learning. It seems they only put Paplebon in when they are winning.

Answer 1

When it is a save situation which is defined as

   1. He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his team

   2. He is not the winning pitcher

   3. He is credited with at least ⅓ of an inning pitched

   4. He satisfies one of the following conditions:

         1. He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning

         2. He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, at bat or on deck

         3. He pitches for at least three innings

Answer 2

The MLB doesn't choose the closer.  Each individual team chooses their closer.  It is then up to the manager as to when he uses the closer.  They're usually always brought in for a save situation which is when they are winning by 3 or less runs.  It is also a save opportunity when the closer comes in with the team winning by more then 3 runs, but the tying run is up at the plate.  Example being the defensive team is winning by 4 runs, the bases are loaded with a guy at the plate.  It can also be winning by 5 runs with the tying run in the on deck circle.

Your closer is usually one of your most trusted guys in the bullpen.  His job is to come in and protect the lead.  So you see Papelbon coming in because they feel he's the guy that gives them the best chance of holding onto their lead.

Answer 3

Normally, the closing pitcher is the most effective relief pitcher. Any good pitcher that can pitch multiple innings is typically added to the starting rotation.

Answer 4

Well yeah

that is what a closer does

To get a save you must put in your closer when you are a most up by 3 runs

Then if the Closer gets through the end of the game then he gets a "save"

And they choose the best closer they can find, such as for the red sox, Paplebon

Answer 5

papelbon is paid to retire the last three batters of a ballgame, only if the red sox are winning. that is how he gets saves,  

Answer 6

Thats his assigned duty. He is the best pitcher that doesnt start the baseball game. Lets just say the red sox are leading by 3 runs they would call paps in because its a save situation (leading by 3 runs or less) if he gets the final 3 outs in the 9th inning he gets a save. He cannot pitch himself in a save situation (if its a 3 run game and he gives up 3 runs its no longer a save. If he pitches the final 2 innings regardless of the score he gets a save. Last year a team one by like 28 runs and a pitcher got the save. In the old days they would pick all the pitchers who werent good enough to start to be a relief pitcher but now the closer like papelbon is one of the best pitchers on the team.