MLB: The Top Five Worst Bullpens

Aug 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus signals to the bullpen to bring in reliever Joe Nathan (not pictured) during a conference at the mound during the Tigers 5-4 win over Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus signals to the bullpen to bring in reliever Joe Nathan (not pictured) during a conference at the mound during the Tigers 5-4 win over Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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The top five worst bullpens in MLB should come as no surprise to anyone, with the exception of one successful team on the list.

Aug 8, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Tigers manager Brad Ausmus signals to the bullpen to bring in reliever Joe Nathan (not pictured) during a conference at the mound during the Tigers 5-4 win over Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

A great bullpen can be a major key to success in Major League Baseball. Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Lemon once said, “The two most important things in life are good friends and a strong bullpen.” Bob might have been on to something.

The five best bullpens in the league are all currently first and second place teams. For the most part, the same can not be said for teams with bad bullpens. Out of the ten worst pens, only two of them have a winning record: the Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants. The remaining eight teams have a combined record of 166-258.

As for the bottom five, absolute worst pens in the game? The list isn’t all that surprising with the exception of one team. This team is in the middle of a pennant race and should probably address the issue if they’re serious about contending.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the five worst bullpens MLB currently has to offer.

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