[Big Six]

Over the past few years, more and more teams have designated a member of their pitching staff as the "closer." This pitcher's primary responsibility lies in protecting late-inning leads, and he's rewarded with a healthy number of saves.

Who's the best at closing the deal?

1. Clyde Shoun, Boston
2. Ray Harrell, Philadelphia
3. Brennan Thomas, Seattle
4. Jud McLaughlin, Portland
5. Mike Harris, Chicago Cubs
6. Pat Richardson, Detroit
7. Bob Lewis, Cleveland
8. Milt Shoffner, New York Yankees
9. Jaime Soto, Chicago White Sox
10. Dave Bailey, Los Angeles
11. Allyn Stout, Kansas City
12. Clay Bryant, Milwaukee
13. Don Brennan, Baltimore
14. Ken Smith, Oakland
15. Bob Adams, San Francisco
16. Merle Settlemire, Cincinnati
17. Hugh Casey, New York Giants
18. William Jones, St. Louis
19. Jim Winford, Hollywood
20. Mike MacMoran, Brooklyn
21. Raul Rodriguez, Sacramento
22. Jed Carter, San Diego
23. Herb Bradley, Pittsburgh
24. Ed Fallenstein, Washington

Most of these names aren't well known; they're often fictional players, because few "real" major leaguers established themselves as late relievers in the 1930s. Still, it's been a lot of fun to watch some of them over the course of their careers.

The best of the young pitchers who are being groomed as closers are:
1. Angelo Sandoval, Los Angeles
2. Shoun
3. Harry Eisenstat, Seattle
4. Red Barrett, Chicago White Sox
5. McLaughlin

Sandoval and McLaughlin throw particularly wicked fastballs, the likes of which only a very few starters, such as Paige, Bridges, and Feller, can match. They also have only one other pitch in their arsenal. Sandoval is only 18, and he looks like he'll be a genuine beast one day. Shoun, Eisenstat, and Barrett have more traditional repertoires.