The chemistry behind making the league's top-ranked bullpen

Marshall has been highly effective since
moving back to a setup role

Needless to say, the Reds bullpen has been its biggest strength in 2012. Even with the season loss due to injury of projected closer Ryan Madson, coupled with the absences of Bill Bray and Nick Masset, the Cincinnati 'pen still reigns as one of the best in Major League Baseball. They lead all National League relief staffs in ERA (2.75), BAA (.210), WHIP (1.15), K/BB (2.97), SO/9 (10.30), and opponent OPS (.621). Simply put, Reds relievers have been mighty good this year.

Here's a look at the chemistry of the league's top bullpen, which includes where they played before pro ball, how they were acquired by the team, and their 2012 stats:

RHP Jose Arredondo (no. 33)
Birthplace: San Pedro de Macoris, D.R.
College: N/A
Acquired: 1/22/10 via free agency
2012 stats: 31g, 4-1, 2.05 ERA, 1.043 WHIP, 34 K

LHP Aroldis Chapman (no. 54)
Birthplace: Holguin, Cuba
College: N/A
Acquired: 1/11/10 via free agency
2012 stats: 30g, 4-3, 1.57 ERA, 0.728 WHIP, 8/11 SV, 15.5 SO/9

RHP J.J. Hoover (no. 60)
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, PA
College: Calhoun Community College (AL)
Acquired: 4/1/12 in a trade w/Atlanta in exchange for 3B Juan Francisco
2012 stats: 16g, 1-0, 3.06 ERA, 1.019 WHIP, 18 K

RHP Sam LeCure (no. 63)
Birthplace: Jefferson City, MO
College: University of Texas
Acquired: 6/7/05 via First-Year Player Draft (4th round)
2012 stats: 18g, 2-2, 3.76 ERA, 1.329 WHIP, 25 K

LHP Sean Marshall (no. 51)
Birthplace: Richmond, VA
College: Virginia Commonwealth University
Acquired: 12/23/11 in a trade w/CHC in exchange for SP Travis Wood, OF Dave Sappelt, and minor league INF Ronald Torreyes
2012 stats: 32g, 1-3, 2.93 ERA, 1.193 WHIP, 11.4 SO/9

RHP Logan Ondrusek (no. 66)
Birthplace: Halletsville, TX
College: McLennan Community College (TX)
Acquired: 6/7/05 via Draft (13th round)
2012 stats: 30g, 3-1, 3.16 ERA, 1.325 WHIP, 2 SV

RHP Alfredo Simon (no. 31)
Birthplace: Santiago, D.R.
College: N/A
Acquired: 4/3/12 off waivers from Baltimore
2012 stats: 16g, 2.19 ERA, 1.338 WHIP, 4.50 K/BB