K-Rod claims the Eck

Philadelphia's Francisco Rodriguez has done it again, taking home the 2007 Dennis Eckersley Reliever of the Year Award for the second straight year. It was a pretty close battle for most of the year between K-Rod and Vancouver's Billy Wagner, but Vancouver's late season swoon cost Wags many save opportunities. Looking down the standings, it wasn't a big year for closers in 2007. In fact, K-Rod's 65 relief points was the lowest total in the DMB Era. Part of this can be attributed to the rapid rise of closers-by-committee this year. Five of the top ten in relief points were part of a committee or platoon. Cla Meredith, the highest ranked part-timer, shared closing duties in Newark with Denys Reyes and five other pitchers in the Sugar Bear pen had at least one save. Sardine City's Akinori Otsuka split the job with B.J. Ryan, at least until the latter was traded to Marietta. Hoboken's Juan Rincon split his duties with incumbent closer Jason Isringhausen. Jon Papelbon and Joe Nathan shared the role in D.C. Carolina, Hillsborough, and Las Vegas all had shared or undefined closer roles. Is this a new trend? In Newark, it certainly seems to be that way ever since John Smoltz was converted back into a starter. As for the other teams, it all will depend on the strengths -- and weaknesses of their bullpens.