Glue Guys: Ten Middle Relievers Who Are Successfully Bridging The Gap

Soriano used to throw 99 MPH as a youngster in Seattle. While he doesn't light up the radar gun quite like he used to, his fastball has plenty of zip on it and he locates it down in the zone extremely well. He also has a power slider that is downright filthy at times, breaking extremely late in its ball path.

Bobby Cox has started to use Soriano in the ninth because he's been so dominant. That's where he may stay for good if he continues to harness his lightning arm and embrace the late inning role.

8. David Weathers, Cincinnati: 2009 Stat Line: 0.00 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 8.53 K/9, 5 Holds

'Ol Stormy Weathers is out of the closers role for the second straight year, but that doesn't mean he can't be of use to Dusty Baker and the Reds. Weathers has taken the eighth inning and made it his own so far in 2009, dominating lefties and righties alike while utilizing his solid sinker to keep balls in Cincinnati's tiny bandbox of a park.

History would suggest that Weathers will NOT keep this up for the remainder of the season, but through April he's been as effective as anyone. Not coincidentally, the Reds have improved from a year ago and are in the thick of the NL Central.

9. Scott Downs, Toronto: 2009 Stat Line: 0.84 ERA, 0.46 WHIP, 11.81 K/9, 3 Holds, 2 Saves

Much like Soriano, Downs began the year as a primary setup man but has since moved into the closer's role due to the struggles of the incumbent.

Wherever he's pitched, Downs has been downright filthy in '09. His sweeping breaking ball and excellent control, coupled with his deceptive left-handed delivery, are a lot for hitters to handle. Downs keeps the ball low and away from power threats and will work in a lot of favorable counts because of his penchant for throwing strikes. This early start for Downs is no fluke; he was equally effective last season for the Jays.

10. J.P. Howell, Tampa Bay: 2009 Stat Line: 2.16 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, 11.88 K/9, 9 Appearances

The Rays have, across the board, not gotten what they expected from several arms so far in 2009. A lot of key contributors from their 2008 World Series team—Grant Balfour, Andy Sonnanstine, Dan Wheeler—have had tough starts. But Howell, who was a surprise lefty in '08, has sustained his success. Howell rarely, if ever, touches 90 MPH on the radar gun, but he thrives using three softer offerings: a sinking two-seam fastball, a big curveball with nasty rotation, and a lolly—pop changeup that is downright unfair to righties.

Logic would say that Howell will get figured out sometime soon. But he's been dominant for over a year now in a tough hitter's division and it looks as though he's here to stay. J.P. is a great example of a guy who doesn't throw very hard but utilizes control, command, deception, and good mixing of his repertoire to keep hitters second guessing.

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