All rankings assume a 5×5 format (wins, saves, strikeouts, ERA, ratio).
* = check status
Last Update: 9/17
Next Update: 10/1
Relief Pitchers
1. Joe Nathan, Twins
2. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox
3. Mariano Rivera, Yankees
4. Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers
Note: Dominant stuff has returned.
5. Francisco Rodriguez, Mets
6. Joakim Soria, Royals
7. Heath Bell, Padres
8. Andrew Bailey, Athletics
Note: Held up in big chair all season.
9. *Jose Valverde, Astros
10. Trevor Hoffman, Brewers
11. Francisco Cordero, Reds
12. David Aardsma, Mariners
Note: His 2010 spot is secure.
13. Brian Wilson, Giants
14. Bobby Jenks, White Sox
15. Carlos Marmol, Cubs
16. Rafael Soriano, Braves
17. Kerry Wood, Indians
18. *Ryan Franklin, Cardinals
Note: Pixie dust expired right after contract extension.
19. Fernando Rodney, Tigers
20. *Frank Francisco, Rangers
21. Brian Fuentes, Angels
Note: He's struggling but the umps jobbed him Wednesday.
22. Jim Johnson, Orioles
23. Matt Capps, Pirates
24. Neftali Feliz, Rangers
Note: The AL's most electric arm right now.
25. Juan Gutierrez, Diamondbacks
26. Mike MacDougal, Nationals
27. *Huston Street, Rockies
Note: Might not close immediately upon return.
28. J.P. Howell, Rays
29. Ryan Madson, Phillies
30. Jason Frasor, Blue Jays
31. Phil Hughes, Yankees
32. Leo Nunez, Marlins
33. Franklin Morales, Rockies
34. *Brad Lidge, Phillies
Note: Eventually, Charlie Manuel didn't have a choice.
35. *Matt Lindstrom, Marlins
36. George Sherrill, Dodgers
37. Rafael Betancourt, Rockies
Note: Slow routine is hard to watch, but numbers are there.
38. Mike Gonzalez, Braves
39. Chris Perez, Indians
Note: A future closer, just a matter of when.
40. Scott Downs, Blue Jays
41. Brett Myers, Phillies
42. Kevin Jepsen, Angels
Note: Might help Fuentes a bit down the stretch.
43. Kris Medlen, Braves
44. Dan Wheeler, Rays
45. Brandon Lyon, Tigers
Note: A sneaky bounce-back in second half.
46. Michael Wuertz, Athletics
47. C.J. Wilson, Rangers
48. Alfredo Aceves, Yankees
49. Daniel Bard, Red Sox
50. Jeremy Affeldt, Giants
Note: Finally in a role that fits.
51. Jose Mijares, Twins
52. Brad Ziegler, Athletics
53. Chan Ho Park, Phillies
54. Daniel Schlereth, Diamondbacks
55. Dan Meyer, Marlins
56. Octavio Dotel, White Sox
57. Matt Guerrier, Twins
Note: There's always sneaky value here.
58. Hideki Okajima, Red Sox
59. John Grabow, Cubs
60. Jason Motte, Cardinals
61. Juan Cruz, Royals
62. Luke Gregerson, Padres
Note: One part of a deep and underrated pen.
63. Angel Guzman, Cubs
64. *Chad Durbin, Phillies
65. Joe Thatcher, Padres
66. Sean Burnett, Nationals
67. Joel Hanrahan, Pirates
Note: Strikeouts starting to come back.
68. Manny Delcarmen, Red Sox
69. Hong-Chih Kuo, Dodgers
70. *LaTroy Hawkins, Astros
71. Mark Lowe, Mariners
72. *Kevin Gregg, Cubs
73. Kiko Calero, Marlins
