Why can't starting pitchers get the win if they don't pitch 5 innings, while relievers/closers can?
460678
Because if he is good enough, he should be able to last 5 innings.\n\nIn the situation you described, the MLB guys will pick one pitcher that has the best persormance to give him the win.  It's usually middle reliver, but it can still be the starting pitcher.
445178
They don't any more than any other player, but if they did it would be because they thought they could hit better.\n\nHitting lefty if you throw righty is a bit better if you are a weak hitter because your dominant eye is on the side that you use to throw, and for a weak hitter it is best for the dominant eye to be nearest the incoming ball. Also, the arm towards the pitcher is the most important arm because it does most of the work in guiding the batt onto the ball. If you don't make contact, it doesn't matter how hard you swing. For most pitchers, just making contact is a great success, so they work on that first.\n\nAll the BULL about protecting the pitching arm is just guessing, and guessing wrong. Pitchers "bail out" at anything remotely near them, and the umpires are particularly sensitive about allowing the pitcher on the mound throw near the pitcher in the batters box.\n\nI should know. I was a pitcher who could hardly hit anything righty, but I had some success hitting lefty with better batt control. It never went very far when I hit it, but at least I made contact occassionally.
696501
The official rule (don't know number) is that a pinch runner can be placed in your spot to finish running and stay in game. If there is a runner or runners on base and one of them gets hurt, a pinch runner can replace them but any runner after them cannot pass them on the base path, if this happens the base runner that was passed is out and that runners run does not count, the real bummer is if the past runner is the third out and even the hitter that hit the home run gets screwed because his home run does not count, only the runs that crossed before the third out,
1115190
It depends on whether they're using a pinch runner OR something called a courtesy runner.  Pinch runners are actually players that will go in for the player they're running for in the lineup, i.e. a replacement.\n\nCourtesy runners are typically for the pitcher and catcher, mainly to keep the pitcher from getting tired running the bases and the catcher to help speed up the game so he can get his gear on between innings.  (Rules state the time between innings should be limited to ONE MINUTE or eight pitches, whichever comes first).  When courtesy runners are used, to prevent the coach from simply picking his fastest runner, the player that can run should be the last batter who got out.  This explains why the boy who just struck out was the runner.
1038420
Of course, but they would remain in the position of DH throughout the game. If they send their designated hitter into the field, however, then they would lose the DH and the pitcher would have to bat.
165654
I don't think they do it by games, I think they do it by innings - some games take longer than others, and sometimes a pitcher may only pitch part of a game (hence the distinction between SP and RP).  Your local AD would probably have that information.
548443
I agree completely. It's easier for a pitcher to rack up "wins" when his teammates score seven runs per game for him. Clemens' performance last year was fabulous. He was on my fantasy team last year. I knew I could count on him for good ERA and WHIP numbers, but often called the Astros dirty names for not scoring for him and getting him (and me) wins. :(
289521
the person who is on base get the credit for the run scored. in order to get credit you have to be on the base and not replaced by a pinchrunner
332648
Because their pitching rotation is young an inexperienced.  They've scored at least 5 runs in 4 of their 6 games - it's simply that the pitching staff has been unable to stop opposing teams from doing better.  As the season progresses and the rookie starters get more comfortable in the majors, their records will improve.
1106174
SAVES FOR RELIEF PITCHERS \n10.20\nCredit 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. \n\nIn your situation, it is because he pitched effectively for atleast 3 innings. Most saves are acquired in the 9th inning when the team is up by 3 runs or less and the "closer" shuts down the other team.
320755
Assuming that the winning team is the visitors (which seems to be what your scenario indicates): the starting pitcher gets a no-decision.  The closer, pitching the bottom of the 9th with a 3-run lead, gets a save.  The pitcher who finished the 8th inning, regardless of what the score was when he finished pitching, gets the win because the winning run was scored before another pitcher took over.
495543
(1) The ball is roughed up, and pitchers are uncomfortable with that. Most of them are used to having a new ball. So even if you give the ball back to the pitcher, he can always ask for a new one.\n\n(2) Baseballs are only good for about seven to nine pitches. After that, they are usually thrown away to the fans anyways.
186826
Most teams will have 11 or 12 pitchers:   5 will be starting pitchers, the rest in the bullpen.  Of the bullpen guys, you'll have 1 closer, 2 setup men (i.e., 8th inning), and the last 3-4 are situational or long relievers.
485601
Every pitcher has his or her own routine. As an example, Mariano Rivera needs work to stay fresh. Last year when he didn't pitch over the winter, he got off to a slow start, eventually saving 20+ consecutive games. To each his own, I suppose.
308496
if it's on yahoo, a player must start 5 games at the position, or play in 10 games at that position.  pitchers must have 3 starts or 5 relief appearances.
315777
When you absolutely cannot give up a run.  Simple as that.  Such a situation would be like a one run lead with one out and a man on third.  You don't want that runner to score or else it's a tie game.  On the other hand, if you were up by two, you might give up that run to get the out.
620409
No punishment... pitcher can put the ball anywhere he wants, at any time. Starting to intentionally walk a batter, and then deciding to pitch to him makes no sense since you would be down in the count... now, maybe start pitching to the guy, get to an 2-0 count, you could decide to throw the next intentional balls to walk him. But there is no punishment.