Middle relievers
Jul 21, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Breslow delivers a pitch against Toronto Blue Jays during the Red Sox 14-1 win at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
- Craig Breslow (Boston Red Sox)– New Haven, CT
The lone Red Sox player on the All-New England team, Breslow comes as one of many representing Connecticut. He isn’t having his best season in 2014 as his ERA has ballooned to 4.84 this season after a very impressive 2013 which saw him post a 1.81 ERA for the champion Boston Red Sox. Still, Breslow has had consistent success in the Majors throughout his career and has the ability to rebound from a tough season.
- Dominic Leone (Seattle Mariners)– Norwich, CT
One more reliever from Connecticut comes in Leone, another left-hander who is in the midst of his rookie season as a member of the Seattle Mariners. A 16th round draft pick in 2012, Leone has been very impressive through his first 46 Major League games as he has posted a 2.47 ERA and 9.5 K/9 for the M’s. As a 22 year old power lefty, Leone could be a valuable piece for years to come.
- Tim Stauffer (San Diego Padres)– Portland, ME
A former starting pitcher for the Padres, Stauffer has settled in nicely as a long reliever and spot starter over the last two seasons. Through 33 games (3 starts) and 51 innings pitched this season, Stauffer holds a 3.71 ERA and his 3.19 FIP hints that he’s been even better than his results suggest. Among long relievers in Major League Baseball, there are few better options than Stauffer.
- Brian Wilson (Los Angeles Dodgers)– Londonderry, NH
Considered an elite closer for the Giants not too long ago, Wilson’s career has taken a sharp turn since undergoing Tommy John Surgery in 2012. While he has kept his formidable beard, he has gone from a top-notch closing pitcher to a relatively disappointing reliever for the Giants’ hated rivals in Los Angeles. His dominant stuff remains as he has struck out 11 batters per nine innings, but he has had difficulty harnessing his pitches as he has walked 5.9 per nine and his ERA has suffered as it has ballooned to 5.05 this season.