To continue with this StoryStream, we're now going to look at the best free agent relief pitchers on the market this offseason.
Rafael Soriano: Soriano only turns 31 next month, and he's now two years removed from his most recent bout of injury trouble. Having had good success closing in both leagues, he looks like the top reliever on the market, and he should be compensated accordingly.
Joaquin Benoit: after missing all of 2009 following shoulder surgery, Benoit shined for the Rays in 2010 after signing a minor league contract. He struck out 75 while walking just 11 over 60.1 innings, and the shutdown setup man is ready to ply his trade for the highest bidder.
Grant Balfour: the third of the Rays' trifecta, the righty Balfour still throws hard, and he's averaged at least a strikeout an inning every year he's been in the Majors. He'll make for a good solution to someone's problems in the 7th or 8th innings.
Scott Downs: highly sought after at the deadline, Downs remained with Toronto, and is only now becoming available for a reasonable price. The groundballing southpaw is capable of pitching to both lefties and righties alike, and will end up with a very favorable contract.
J.J. Putz: after a nightmarish 2009, Putz rebounded in a big way in 2010, flashing all the stuff that once made him a shutdown closer in Seattle. Armed with a mid-90s fastball and a fearsome splitter, Putz brings a lot of intensity and a lot of potential.
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Worth noting: Mariano Rivera (who is technically a free agent, but who will almost certainly remain in New York), Octavio Dotel, Jose Contreras, Frank Francisco, Jason Frasor, Kevin Gregg, Brian Fuentes, Matt Guerrier, Trevor Hoffman, Koji Uehara.