That Balls Outta Here
FanSided

Top 10 relievers in Philadelphia Phillies franchise history

By Kerry Kauffman

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 29: Catcher Carlos Ruiz #51 and Brad Lidge #54 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after recording the final out of their 4-3 win to win the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays during the continuation of game five of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 29, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 29: Catcher Carlos Ruiz #51 and Brad Lidge #54 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrate after recording the final out of their 4-3 win to win the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays during the continuation of game five of the 2008 MLB World Series on October 29, 2008 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 13: Closer Jonathan Papelbon #58 of the Philadelphia Phillies walks off the field after getting the save in the Phillies 3-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park on May 13, 2015 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Papelbon broke the Phillies franchise record with his 113th save. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

4- Steve Bedrosian (1986-1989)

It’s a rare feat for a reliever to lead the league in saves and take home the Cy Young Award. That’s exactly what Bedrosian did in 1987, going 5-3 with 40 saves and a 2.83 ERA.  He was solid the season before, saving 29 with a 3.34 ERA.  Although Bedrosian struggled somewhat in 1988 with a 3.75 ERA, he managed 28 saves. All told, he is third in club history in saves and his epic 1987 season pushes him near the top of this list.

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3- Jonathan Papelbon (2012-2015)

Certainly not a fan favorite due to his abrasive personality, Papelbon’s numbers are difficult to overlook. He saved 38 in 2012, 29 in 2013 and 39 in 2014. On  a contender, those totals would have been much higher. He’s the all-time franchise leader in saves and is second in ERA among those on this list. Papelbon was an All-Star in 2012, averaging 11.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

Papelbon’s numbers are better than those in the top two, but closers on a World Championship team have to rank at the top.

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