-Dexter Sports
2:48

After one Week into the season, it is evident who who will have very strong bullpens during the 2008 season. In this edition of Around The Horn, we will rank the top three pens as well as the bottom three to start the season.

The Big Boys

1. Brewers - I know that Eric Gagne blew his first save of the year, but beyond that this pen has been flawless. The rebuilt pen has kept the crew in games, exactly the way GM Doug Melvin and Manger Ned Yost wanted. David Riske seems like the perfect set-up man for this club and Solomon Torres is the inning eater that they need for the very few starts that don't go 5 innings plus.
2. Orioles - Though the pen has not seen a lot of time, it has been a huge reason the Orioles are 4-1 and on top of the AL East. George Sherrill's pitching has not been hit yet and he has shut down opponents, which has resulted in two saves. Dennis Sarfate, a gift from the Astros in the Tejada deal, has also shined early this season. Matt Albers, who has been effective as a long reliever could take away Daniel Cabrera's rotation spot sooner rather than later. Albers was also acquired with Troy Patton, Mike Costanzo and Luke Scott from Houston for Miguel Tejada.
3. Red Sox - Seems to be the only thing keeping the Sox in games. Well, not quite. Manny Declarman struggled giving up a grand slam to Frank Thomas, but this pen will form. With veteran Mike Timlin coming off the DL, this team will be more than solid.

The Bottom Three

1. Detroit Tigers -The Bullpen is 0-3 after last night's blowout against the White Sox. Without Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney there is nobody that can plug he bleeding of the middle relief of Jason Grilli and company.
2. Cincinnati Reds - This is expected from a really week bullpen and a weakness on this team that will keep them out of the hunt for a playoff birth. Of the 7 relievers that the reds have thrown out there, six have given up at least a run.
3. Cleveland Indians - Ok, so maybe it is too early to give up on this bullpen, but I am worried. Joe Borowski has always been shaky, but not the likes of Fernando Betancourt. He has been a staple in the eighth inning, but not so much this year. This Bullpen will shape up in due time.