How do you spell relief? S-T-A-R-T-E-R

By KEVIN KELLY

© St. Petersburg Times,
published July 29, 2001

John Smoltz made his bullpen debut Sunday for the Braves. Smoltz, who had Tommy John surgery last year and has been hurt much of this season, pitched a perfect inning against the Expos with a 97 mph fastball. The 34-year-old's possible move to the pen draws a comparison with another right-hander. Dennis Eckersley was 20-8 as a starter for Boston in 1978. Nine seasons later, he moved to the pen with the A's and saved 390 games, ranking third all-time. Of baseball's top 25 relievers, 15 started at least one game. They are listed below:

(Player, W-L, ERA, Games, Starts, Saves)

1. Lee Smith,71-92,3.03, 1,022, 6,478

3. Dennis Eckersley,197-171,3.50, 1,071, 361,390

5. Randy Myers, 44-63, 3.19, 728, 12,347

6. Rollie Fingers*,114-118,2.90, 944, 37,341

7. John Wetteland,48-45, 2.93, 618, 17,330

8. Rick Aguilera,86-81, 3.57, 732, 89,318

10. Goose Gossage,124-107, 3.01, 1,002, 37,310

11. Jeff Montgomery,46-52,3.27, 699, 1,304

12. Doug Jones,69-79, 3.30, 846, 4,303

15. Roberto Hernandez#,45-45, 3.12, 618,3,283

18. Robb Nen#,37-37, 3.06,546,4,255

19. Dave Righetti,82-79,3.46, 718, 89,252

22. Hoyt Wilhelm*,143-122, 2.52, 1,070, 52,227

23. Gene Garber,96-113, 3.34, 931, 9,218

25. Dave Smith,53-53, 2.67, 609, 1,216

* Hall of Famer; # active player

- Compiled by Kevin Kelly.

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