Your name is Mike Scioscia.  Tony Reagins has given you a mandate:  Cut your relief staff down to six - yes, that's right - six pitchers.  You grovel and grumble but the boss has spoken.  You consider all the possibilities:  long relief, middle relief, set up, and closer.  Your know your staff must be comprehensive and as redundant as is possible with only six pitchers.  There are no trades allowed, and you may not promote anyone from the minors.  Money is NOT an object right now (Arte says he's willing to pay what it takes).  Your main concern when choosing your staff is talent and cohesion.

Even though Trevor Bell started a few games last year, for this exercise we'll consider him a reliever.  Scott Shields was eliminated based on the prevailing wisdom that he will retire.

Here's your roster; remember you may keep only six of the ten relievers:

Trevor Bell, Jason Bulger, Bobby Cassevah, Kevin Jepsen, Michael Kohn, Matt Palmer, Fernando Rodney, Francisco Rodriguez, Rich Thompson, and Jordan Walden.

Here are my selections (that I feel would give my team the best chances of success):

Long Relief:        Matt Palmer

Middle Relief:     Michael Kohn, Rich Thompson, Kevin Jepsen  

Set Up:               Fernando Rodney

Closer:               Jordan Walden

Who's in your pen?