In an earlier report, I talked about the importance of considering a team's bullpen when analyzing a particular (or any) pitching match-up.

Since we've nearly reached the 1/3rd mark in the Major League Baseball season, I thought a quick review might be in order.

Division leaders (as of Sunday, May 27) are Boston, Cleveland and the LA Angels in the American League and the New York Mets, Milwaukee and the LA Dodgers and San Diego Padres in the National League.

But now for the stats that REALLY count. Those statistics that determine whether you are making a profit or losing money. When I analyze my MLB pitching match-ups, my formula takes into account both the starters and the bullpen. To that extent here are the top bullpens in baseball as of 5/27:

San Diego
Boston
New York Mets
LA Dodgers
Minnesota

Of the top five baseball bullpens, four of those teams either lead or share the lead in their division. San Diego is tops in ERA (2.26), Boston leads in saves (17), the Mets bullpen leads in wins with nine and the Dodgers lead in strikeouts.

Finally, to the numbers that REALLY matters, all of the top bullpens are part of the Top 10 money making teams this season!.

Coincidence? I think not!

In my next report, I'll review the top 5 overall pitching staffs.

Allen Eastman.