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ESPN.com's American and National League rankings of closers and middle relievers, based on the pitcher's or unit's projected value to the team, with last year's preseason ranking:
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Mariano Rivera |
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Robb Nen |
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American League closers
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National League closers
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Player
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'01 rank
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Player
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'01 rank
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1. Mariano Rivera, Yankees
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1
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1. Robb Nen, Giants
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3
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2. Keith Foulke, White Sox
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3
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2. Trevor Hoffman, Padres
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1
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3. Troy Percival, Angels
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8
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3. Armando Benitez, Mets
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2
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4. Kazuhiro Sasaki, Mariners
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5
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4. Billy Wagner, Astros
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5
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5. Bob Wickman, Indians
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7
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5. John Smoltz, Braves
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27 (sp)
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6. Jeff Zimmerman, Rangers
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NR
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6. J.Isringhausen, Cardinals
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11 (AL)
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7. Ugueth Urbina, Red Sox
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8 (NL)
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7. Byung-Hyun Kim, D-Backs
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NR
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8. Billy Koch, A's
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4
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8. Danny Graves, Reds
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4
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9. Kelvim Escobar, Blue Jays
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NR
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9. Jose Mesa, Phillies
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16
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10. Matt Anderson, Tigers
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NR
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10. Scott Strickland, Expos
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NR
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11. R. Hernandez, Royals
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9
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11. A. Alfonseca, Cubs
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11
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12. Esteban Yan, Devil Rays
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14
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12. Mike Williams, Pirates
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13
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13. Eddie Guardado, Twins
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NR
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13. Eric Gagne, Dodgers
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NR
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14. Willis Roberts, Orioles
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NR
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14. Mike DeJean, Brewers
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NR
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15. Jose Jimenez, Rockies
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10
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16. Braden Looper, Marlins
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NR
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