Top 5 closers who used to be starters

1 Eric Gagne, Dodgers. Putting Gagne in the bullpen in 2002 seems like a no-brainer now--after all, everything about his appearance and disposition screams "closer!" Gagne, who has been on the D.L. for most of this season, has converted 160 of his 166 save chances since making the switch.

2 Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals. He had the stuff to be an elite starter, but his arm couldn't hold up to the rigors of throwing 100 pitches every five days. That bought him a ticket out of New York, but he became a full-time closer in Oakland and has thrived since going to St. Louis. If Kerry Wood can stay healthy now that he's in the Cubs' bullpen, he eventually could find similar success.

3 Dustin Hermanson, White Sox. Hermanson was drafted third overall as a closer out of college but was moved to the rotation by the Expos in 1997. He returned to the bullpen last season, saving 17 games for the Giants. This season, he has been dominant, converting 30 of 31 save opportunities and helping the White Sox post the best record in the majors.

4 Ryan Dempster, Cubs, He won 14 games with a 3.66 ERA as a starter in 2000, but his ERA spiked after that. This season, Dempster is one of the few things going right for the Cubs--he has 15 saves in 17 chances.

5 Miguel Batista, Blue Jays, Batista had some good years in Arizona as a swingman, but he has been at his best closing games in Toronto. He has 20 saves in 24 opportunities this season and has greatly improved his command. Batista has carved out a nice niche for himself.

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