Orioles' Jim Johnson, Rays' Fernando Rodney show importance of closers

Dominant seasons beg question: why aren't relievers given more consideration for Cy Young?

Another argument is that relievers do have two other awards: The Rolaids Relief Man, which is awarded on a statistical formula that weighs heavily on saves accumulated; and MLB's Delivery Man of the Year, which is awarded by a fan vote. But Stark points out that the two are awarded with little fanfare and little national recognition.

"They carry zero weight," Stark said.

Even though he may be the biggest advocate for closer credibility in baseball, Stark admits that if he had a vote for AL Cy Young, Rodney and Johnson would probably fall into a tier below the five top starters. In the NL, however, Stark has made a case for Cincinnati's Aroldis Chapman to win the award.

Johnson said if he had a vote, he would potentially give it to Rodney, the guy anchoring the opposing bullpen this week. Especially considering Rodney, who has a 0.69 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 65 1/3 innings pitched, was supposed to be a set-up man but was thrust into the main role when Kyle Farnsworth was sidelined due to injury.

"Yeah, just the numbers he has had this year and what he has done for that club is just unbelievable," Johnson said.

But here's the big question: Would Johnson vote for himself for Cy Young over Rodney and all those excellent starters.

"No," snapped the no-nonsense Johnson. "Because I wouldn't. What do you want me to say?"

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Fernando Rodney

Games: 66

Record: 2-2

Saves: 42

WHIP: 0.78

Jim Johnson

Games: 60

Record: 1-1

Saves: 42

WHIP: 1.01

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