Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Relief Pitchers

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21. Chad Qualls – Arizona Diamondbacks

22. Bobby Jenks – Chicago White Sox

23. George Sherrill – Baltimore Orioles

24. Brian Fuentes – LA Angels Of Anaheim

25. Jason Frasor – Toronto Blue Jays

Wow, what a difference! Let’s go over each player and why I have them ranked so high.

1. Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers – 6 W, 0 L, 16 SV, 2 BSV, 53 K, 11 BB, 1.41 ERA, 0.69 WHIP

Broxton has been just about as lights out as they come so far this year. He was expected to excel as the Dodgers closer this year, and so far he has not disappointed. He has 53 strikeouts in 32 innings and has 16 saves in 18 chances. Plus, he has six wins. Broxton is a must-start in all formats and looks to be an elite fantasy closer for years to come.

2. Heath Bell, San Diego Padres – 2 W, 1 L, 18 SV, 1 BSV, 32 K, 9 BB, 1.32 ERA, 0.95 WHIP

Talk about a guy who has exceeded expectations. Bell was 23rd on my preseason list and I had him projected for just 23 saves. Well, he has 18 already and has only allowed four runs in 27 innings. He has made San Diego realize why they allowed Trevor Hoffman to leave. Go ahead and keep him active while he’s hot.

3. Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets – 1 W, 1 L, 16 SV, 1 BSV, 33 K, 13 BB, 0.57 ERA, 0.96 WHIP

K-Rod has been exactly what the Mets paid for. His only blown save was not his fault, as Luis Castillo dropped an easy pop fly that would have ended the game. He is an obvious must-start as he is an elite fantasy closer.

4. Trevor Hoffman, Milwaukee Brewers – 0 W, 1 L, 15 SV, 1 BSV, 17 K, 2 BB, 0.47 ERA, 0.63 WHIP

Hells Bells has been vintage this year. He has been lights out to the point that he just blew his first save on Sunday and allowed his first run in 19 innings. Hoffman looks to be back to elite status so keep him active.

5. Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals – 1 W, 0 L, 15 SV, 1 BSV, 18 K, 5 BB, 1.09 ERA, 0.89 WHIP

Franklin has run away with the closer’s role after rookie Jason Motte faltered at the beginning of the season. He has been lights out, only blowing one save and allowing only three runs in 24 innings. He is as good as they come right now so keep him active in all formats.

6. Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins – 1 W, 1 L, 15 SV, 2 BSV, 29 K, 6 BB, 1.78 ERA, 0.91 WHIP

Nathan has been pretty much what was expected. I had him as my No. 2 closer coming into the year and projected him for 40 saves. He is on pace for that and should be kept active as he is an elite fantasy closer.

7. Frank Francisco – Texas Rangers – 1 W, 1 L, 12 SV, 0 BSV, 20 K, 5 BB, 0.46 ERA, 0.81 WHIP

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