Sergio Santos: Ranking the Blue Jay Among AL East Closers

The AL East is home to some of the most prolific offensive lineups in the MLB. In 2012, the unenviable task of shutting the door on these clubs on a regular basis will fall to division closers Jim Johnson (Baltimore), Andrew Bailey (Boston), Mariano Rivera (New York), Kyle Farnsworth (Tampa Bay) and Sergio Santos (Toronto).

Here, we will compare and rank each team's closer to determine which squads will enter the 2012 campaign with a positional edge over their division rivals.

The Blue Jays' representative, Sergio Santos, is looking to shine in his first season north of the border, but he has to go up against the greatest closer to have ever played the game.

5: Jim Johnson, Baltimore Orioles

Jim Johnson has been a very solid reliever for the Orioles over the past four years, but 2012 will mark the first time he enters a season as Baltimore's closer.

The right-hander boasts a respectable career ERA of 3.31, but he has struggled to keep ninth inning leads in tact. 

Last year, Johnson went 9-of-14 in save opportunities. For his career, he is 21-of-37.

Some pitchers play well out of the pen but, for whatever reason, struggle when they step up to close. Johnson seems to be one of those guys.

Orioles fans are hoping he can buck the trend in 2012, but don't be surprised if Kevin Gregg takes over at some point this summer.

4: Kyle Farnsworth, Tampa Bay Rays

Farnsworth was a nice surprise for the Rays last year, posting a stellar 2.18 ERA across 57.2 innings. 

Despite this impressive efficiency on the mount, the 6'4" hurler was only able to record 25 saves in 31 attempts. If Farnsworth hopes to solidify his role as a closer in the toughest division in baseball, he will have to work at a better rate in 2012.

Unfortunately for Rays fans, this is not likely to happen. 2011 was only the second time in the past six years that Farnsworth was able to post a sub-4.35 ERA. Additionally, his strikeout rate declined last summer from previous years.

All signs point to a decline, or rather a return, to mediocrity for Tampa Bay's shutdown man.

3: Sergio Santos, Toronto Blue Jays

Santos is Alex Anthopoulos' prized acquisition from the 2011-12 offseason. Much has been made of his team-friendly contract and upside, but Santos will have to perform on the field to vindicate the trade.

Santos got his first crack at closing last season for the Chicago White Sox and posted all-around solid stats. His 3.55 ERA is decent, and his 30 saves in 36 tries is impressive for a first kick at the can.

The major issue Santos will face in 2012 is consistency. Last year he was hot and cold all season, and he will have to level out if he wants to be an effective MLB closer in the long term.

Despite an electric arm and lofty upside, Santos enters the 2012 season as the division's third most valuable closer.

2: Andrew Bailey, Boston Red Sox

The Sox were able to wrestler Bailey away from the A's at a bargain during the offseason, a move that could pay massive dividends in 2012.

As far as talent goes, few closers in the game can match Bailey. Over three seasons, the New Jersey native has posted a terrific 2.07 ERA, striking about one batter per inning, over 174 IP.

Staying healthy has been an issue for Bailey during his short career, and that more than anything else will determine how successful he is in making the transition to Beantown in 2012.

Bailey will start the season as the division's second best closer.

1: Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

This ranking may be a bit unoriginal, but hey, what can you do?

Despite entering the 2012 campaign as a 42-year-old, Rivera has yet show any signs of slowing down. Since 2003, the all-time saves leader has posted an ERA above 1.94 just one time.

Rivera may only be a year or two away from retirement, but until he sends in the papers, he will remain atop the divisional (and league) rankings as the best closer in the game.

Also check out:

Brett Lawrie: Ranking the Blue Jays Infielder Among AL East Third Basemen

Yunel Escobar: Ranking the Infielder Among AL East Shortstops

Colby Rasmus: Ranking the Blue Jay Among AL East Center Fielders

Jose Bautista: Ranking the Slugger Among AL East Right Fielders

Edwin Encarnacion: Ranking the DH Among AL East Designated Hitters

Still to Come

Blue Jays: Ranking the Starting Five Among AL East Rotations

Blue Jays: Ranking the Bullpen Among AL East Bullpens

Blue Jays: Ranking the Bench Among AL East Benches