In order to win games in the big leagues, it takes an entire team effort. That goes without saying. There are a group of players that we hardly ever hear of who are difference makers. Just ask Cole Hamels.
In the bullpen, we know the stoppers by name. We know that a good closer helps teams and starting pitchers to increase the W's. Even today we have the opportunity to watch the greatest closer of all time, Trevor Hoffman, he is amazing. Others like K Rod, Broxton, Papelbon and Riviera save games for their starters, but there is another group of players who are game changers too.
Let me give an example. Tonight Cole Hamels was pitching against the Blue Jays and left after six with a 3-2 lead. He was in line for win #43 and handed the lead to the pen. In came two guys who get holds, Chad Durbin and JC Romero and they held things in check until the ninth. They passed the ball to Ryan Madson who then gave up the tying run and lost the lead for the Phillies and cost Hamels #43. Normally, Madson is very reliable but not tonight.
Who are best of the unsung heroes? Well here are top five holders as of today:
#1 Jeremy Affeldt, #2 Ryan Madson, #3 Carlos Marmol, #4 Mitch Stetter, #5 Jose Arradondo.
Who are some other underrated players you can think of? These guys do make a difference.
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