Ranger to the Rescue

John Wetteland’s name is rarely mentioned anymore when discussions turn to the game’s best closers, but his consistency has been remarkable. Wetteland who came up through the Dodgers’ system but now pitches relief for the Texas Rangers, has amassed 25 or more saves for eight consecutive seasons. His low season of 25 saves came in strike-shortened 1994, and last season was the first during the streak that his earned-run average was above 3.00.

The longest streaks of seasons with 25 or more saves:

13: Lee Smith (1983-95)

8: John Wetteland (1992-99)

7: Dave Righetti (1984-90)

6: Dennis Eckersley (1988-93)

6: John France (1986-91)

6: Rod Beck (1993-98)

6: Bruce Sutter (1977-82)

Reported by Bob Rohwer

Source: Baseball Prospectus