What do Joe Nathan, Brian Fuentes, Kerry Wood and Frankie Rodriguez have in common.  Aside from the fact that they are considered some of the best closers in the game, they have also each blown five saves this season.  Bobby Jenks has blown four and Jonathan Papelbon, three.  Tigers closer Fernando Rodney has blown just one.  Yet, Rodney, who is in his free agent year, is not mentioned among the best closers in the game.   I wonder why?

Rodney, as most Tigers fans know, features a mid to upper 90's fastball and one of the best change-ups in the game.  While his innings may not be the cleanest around and, as Todd Jones used to say, he'll send you to the fridge to make a sandwich when he pitches, Fernando has been remarkably consistent.  Many are reminded of Jones when Rodney enters a ballgame.  Many times Fernando will find himself with a few runners on base and a somewhat stressful situation.  The difference between the two however is that Rodney can get a strikeout when he needs it the most and Jones relied a lot more on his defense.

Fernando is setting himself up for a big payday at the end of the year, but right now he continues to establish himself as one of the top closers in the American League.  We should probably enjoy his talent a little more.  And when he gets in his next jam, don't worry, that change-up is coming...and so is his next strikeout.