Angels in the pitching staff: The unknown heroes

As the nation watches K-Rod rocket along to a record, I'd like to tap into something a little less known...the guys who have that fun task of trying to protect the lead, and bridge the gap between the starter and the reliever.

The Setup Guys.

It isn't the hyped position. Going back, and using the A's as a reference point, can anyone name the setup guys in Oakland when Dennis Eckersley was dominant?

Rick Honeycutt, Greg Cadaret, Gene Nelson, and Eric Plunk. Not exactly the guys you'd find on Wheaties boxes. But if it wasn't for these guys, Eck wouldn't have saved 45 games in 1988.

Different relievers would have different tasks. Sometimes, depending on Tony LaRussa's insight, he'd use a lefty. Always a number cruncher, he'd look at every batter, every stat, and then dictate accordingly.

Now, along comes 2007. Francisco Rodriquez. Tonight he just nailed down number 53, leaving him five short of the record. Who helped him tonight?

Well, first of all, the starter was Jered Weaver. He went five innings, then gave way to Jose Arredondo. Jose, for his effort, got the win...but also got a blown save in the process. Oops.

So, along comes Scot Shields. He makes a Hold, his 27th of the year.

Then, K-Rod slams the door in the ninth.

How important is the setup men?

Well, if you think, what if Scot Shields gives up a home run? Or Arredondo not only blows the save, but gives up a homerun as one hit?

K-Rod never makes it into the game.

So, when you give him props, be sure to thank the setup people, for giving him the chance to close it out.