I voted for Donnelly and K-Rod but Scot Shields is actually the 8th inning guy for the Angels now. I think if you wanted to extend the poll to 7th/8th/9th, I'd probably take Linebrink/Otsuka/Hoffman over Donnelly/Shields/K-Rod. Tanyon Sturtze brings the Yankees final combination down a notch for me.

Speier and Batista eh....when is the last time Speier pitched the 8th inning in a one run ball game. Jason Frasor is the man....put him in there and they would have got my vote...Speier's recent numbers are good , but Frasor has been pretty clutch most of the year.

Likewise, voted for the Anaheim duo although it's actually Shields and Rodriguez.

Am I crazy for wanting Ugie and Wagner? I think I might be.

I wasn't sure whether to go with Donnelly or Shields, but have made the suggested change on the assumption that those who voted for LAA would have anyway. If you did and actually want to change your vote, just let me know.

Shields has been phenomenal for two years running now. It's likely that in the near future he's going to break down, as Dotel did, from too much work. But hell, it's a good ride.

Gitz, do you think Dotel broke down from overwork, or from over*throwing*? He absolutely throws the hell out of the ball, his motion is an explosion of arms and legs.

I don't think Shields got too much work in the past.

He had 105.1 IP pitched last season, but keep in mind, that is for 60 appearances, which is a big difference, its not like this guy appeared in 80+ games, these were longer outtings... het got the proper rest. Not to mention this kid was groomed as a starter, so I have no doubt that his stamina is pretty damned good.

Oh and I went with Shields/K-rod. These guys are just money, and they have the best track record.

And Donnally, Shields, K-rod are the best top 3 on any team as well as far as the pen goes.

Crain and Nathan get my 'Other' vote.