Relief Pitcher Rankings

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By David Ferris
CSNChicago.com Contributor

The following pitchers are ranked assuming a 5x5 format (wins, saves, ERA, WHIP, strikeouts).

1. Craig Kimbrel, Braves
2. Jonathan Papelbon, Phillies
NOTE: A shame Manuel doesn't use him right.
3. Joel Hanrahan, Pirates
4. Fernando Rodney, Rays
NOTE: Too late to turn back now.
5. Aroldis Chapman, Reds
6. Kenley Jansen, Dodgers
7. Jim Johnson, Orioles
8. Joe Nathan, Rangers
NOTE: Nice discount buy for Texas.
9. Jason Motte, Cardinals
NOTE: Fastball still straight but he's fine.
10. Chris Perez, Indians
11. Rafael Soriano, Yankees
12. Ryan Cook, Athletics
13. Ernesto Frieri, Angels
NOTE: Absolutely unhittable, but has to share a little with Downs.
14. Casey Janssen, Blue Jays
NOTE: Santos unlikely to get job back.
15. Tyler Clippard, Nationals
NOTE: Took the gig and ran with it.
16. Huston Street, Padres
NOTE: Is there a trade market?
17. Santiago Casilla, Giants
18. Tom Wilhelmsen, Mariners
NOTE: The former bartender always closes.
19. Jose Valverde, Tigers
20. Jonathan Broxton, Royals
21. Rafael Betancourt, Rockies
NOTE: Another possible trade chip.
22. Addison Reed, White Sox
NOTE: Took a while but he's established now.
23. J.J. Putz, Diamondbacks
24. John Axford, Brewers
25. Frank Francisco, Mets
26. Carlos Marmol, Cubs
NOTE: Don't think, just throw.
27. Alfredo Aceves, Red Sox
28. Scott Downs, Angels
29. Brett Myers, Astros
NOTE: Can't see a bidding war for him.
30. Heath Bell, Marlins
31. Sergio Romo, Giants
32. Vinnie Pestano, Indians
33. Glen Perkins, Twins
34. Charlie Furbush, Mariners
NOTE: A set-up stud in Seattle.
35. Jared Burton, Twins
36. *Drew Storen, Nationals
37. Bobby Parnell, Mets
38. Grant Balfour, Athletics
39. Sean Marshall, Reds
40. Tim Collins, Royals
41. Joaquin Benoit, Tigers
42. *Matt Capps, Twins
43. David Hernandez, Diamondbacks
44. *Andrew Bailey, Red Sox
NOTE: The injuries are part of the profile.
45. Aaron Crow, Royals
46. Mike Adams, Rangers
47. Wilton Lopez, Astros
48. Jason Grilli, Pirates
NOTE: He's finally put it all together.
49. Sean Burnett, Nationals
50. David Robertson, Yankees
51. Mitchell Boggs, Cardinals
52. Darren O'Day, Orioles
NOTE: The underrated character from Animal House.
53. Greg Holland, Royals
54. Jose Arredondo, Reds
55. Matt Belisle, Rockies
56. James Russell, Cubs
NOTE: Might close if they move Marmol.
57. Brandon League, Mariners
NOTE: Doubt he gets the job back.
58. Brandon Lyon, Astros
59. Craig Stammen, Nationals
60. Scott Atchison, Red Sox
61. Brayan Villarreal, Tigers
NOTE: Starting to earn Jim Leyland's trust.
62. Ronald Belisario, Dodgers
63. Jake McGee, Rays
64. Steve Cishek, Marlins
65. Robbie Ross, Rangers
66. Pedro Strop, Orioles
NOTE: Big fastball, could be future stopper.
67. Jerry Blevins, Athletics
68. Andrew Miller, Red Sox
69. Joel Peralta, Rays
70. Sean Doolittle, Athletics
71. Rex Brothers, Rockies
72. Jordan Walden, Angels
73. Kyle Farnsworth, Rays
74. Brad Ziegler, Diamondbacks
75. Octavio Dotel, Tigers
76. *Jonny Venters, Braves
NOTE: Never chase last year's middle-relief superstar.