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The closing pitcher is one of the most important figures on any team in baseball. The job is high stress, high pressure, and they are often unsung heroes ... or evil villains (depending on the game's outcome). Game after game they are called upon to preserve tenuous leads for their club.

Thus far in the 2007 season, Milwaukee Brewers closer Francisco Cordero has been nothing short of outstanding. Taking over for the struggling Derrick Turnbow, Cordero rose out of relative obscurity to become one of the most impressive pitchers in baseball today.

Cordero has been a huge factor in the Brewers 32-25 record and 6.5 game lead in the National League Central Division. Through May, Cordero has a microscopic ERA of .39. He has converted 21 saves in a row, a record for a Milwaukee pitcher.

Closers can make or break a team's spirit. Lock down a few one or two run games - the team gains confidence and plays better. Cough up a lead or two after your team battled for nine innings - and you can quickly become a lonely guy in the clubhouse. If Cordero keeps pitching the way he has, he will likely lead the Brewers to a National League Central title, and possibly even beyond.

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