Greatest closer of all time

[5]

without a doubt, it's gotta be Rivera. Yes the team gives him chances but when it comes down to it, this guy's been money...even if he doesn't even like Metallica.

[johnsamo]

The word he in LA sport radio is that Gagne was a juicer and basically the effects of throwing harder than his natural body frame would've allowed has basically wrecked his body.

[Havok1517]

Rivera couldn't pitch 3 innings like Eck could and could never start. It may not be Eck but its not Rivera either.

[HOOTIE]

Eck.

Rivera is no better than Hoffman, and I think there are a number of younger guys better than both.

Career wise Rivera is. Peak wise Hoffman wins. This was debated before. PW (player wins), showed the above.

I think Eck, Rivera, Gossage come to mind. Smith was good, but i don't think he cracks the top 10 myself.

[nuggets]

One name I haven't seen is Hoyt Wilhelm.

[orange12]

One name I haven't seen is Hoyt Wilhelm.

That's because he was portrayed by Tom Candiotti in the movie 61*. After watching that, I don't think I can ever take Hoyt Wilhelm seriously.

[biju]

The first person I thought of was when Randy Johnson "closed" for the Mariners during a do-or-die portion of the '96 (I think) season. If I remember correctly he actually has w saves for his career stats.

I can't help but think that if Randy for some reason or another was only used as a closer this wouldn't even be a realistic debate. Of course, you can't argue about what could have been, only what has been.

[KronJon]

It's easy to just say Rivera but if you really look at the numbers Hoffman can't be denied his place.

[BronXBombers51]

I'm with HOOTIE. Hoffman had the best peak, but Rivera's had the better career.

The point about Eckersly be able to start makes no sense, since we aren't talking about the best starter ever, or the best stater/closer combo ever. We're talking about the best closer ever.

[Havok1517]

What about a 3-2 inning save instead of a 1 inning save????