Ranking baseball's top relief pitchers since 2004, when Joe Nathan took over as closer for the Twins:
1. Trevor Hoffman, SD 172
2. Joe Nathan, Min 160
3. Mariano Rivera, NYY 160
4. Francisco Cordero, Tex/Mil 152
5. Jason Isringhausen, StL 151
1. Eric Gagne, LAD/Tex/Bos .921
2. Joe Nathan, Min .920
3. Mariano Rivera, NYY .914
4. Takashi Saito, LAD .913
5. Trevor Hoffman, SD .901
(minimum 153 innings)
1. Joe Nathan, Min 1.94
2. Mike Gonzalez, Pit/Atl 2.03
3. Mariano Rivera, NYY 2.05
4. Billy Wagner, Phi/NYM 2.16
5. Francisco Rodriguez, LAA 2.22
(minimum 460 batters faced)
1. Takashi Saito, LAD .166
2. Jonathan Papelbon, Bos .171
3. Joe Nathan, Min .185
4. Joel Zumaya, Det .187
5. Francisco Rodriguez, LAA .188
1. Brad Lidge, Hou 452
2. Francisco Rodriguez, LAA 402
3. Scot Shields, LAA 368
4. Joe Nathan, Min 355
5. Francisco Cordero, Tex/Mil 328
Source: Stats Inc.

I made this championship belt for the push to the '09 Division Title. Gladden offered to buy it; I wanted a trade for one of his rings. He declined.
See thousands of photos from other StarTribune.com readers and share your own photos and video today.
![]() Research, Build, CompareCustomize your car search by building your own dream car. Find your perfect vehicle! |
Comment on this story | Be the first to comment | Hide reader comments