Who Will Be the American League Rolaids Relief Man of the Year in 2007?

My journey to incorrectly predict everything about the 2007 Baseball Season continues! Just watch, I bet everything I predict doesn't come true. My luck is so bad that I could probably even end Johan Santana's career by picking him to win the Cy Young award. But the Cy Young Award will be later. For now let's talk about those other pitchers, the relievers and their award, the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year.

The Rolaids Relief Man of the Year goes to the best closer in each league. In the American League it's a pretty tough race, there are a lot more great closers in the American League than in the National League. The American League is so loaded that I couldn't even find place on my top 5 for J. J. Putz and Bobby Jenks even though they could both notch close to 40 saves. Chris Ray of the Orioles is another guy who could save 35 games this season. There are also closers like Eric Gagne who are trying to revive their careers and young studs like Joel Zumaya in Detroit who could eventually overtake the current closer. But those guys don't quite make the cut; here are the top 5 nominees for the Rolaids Relief Man of the Year.

5. B. J. Ryan - B. J. Ryan was a big surprise for the Orioles in 2005 and improved his numbers in 2006 with the Blue Jays. Ryan is still getting better and this season the Blue Jays should finally compete for a playoff spot, which means more save opportunities for Ryan.

4. Mariano Rivera - Mariano Rivera is still as good as they get as far as relievers but the Yankees offense are going to put some games out of save situations. Still, Rivera could return to 40 saves and will have a very low ERA and WHIP.

3. Joe Nathan - Joe Nathan had incredible numbers last season. A 7 - 0 record, 36 saves, 1.58 ERA and 0.798 WHIP. You can make an argument for Nathan as the best closer in the Majors but he will play many games against the Tigers, White Sox and Indians. That tough of a division is the only reason I have Nathan slightly behind the other two.

New York's Mariano Rivera

Credit: Googie Man

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