2012 Fantasy Baseball Closer Rankings
Here are the 2012 Lester’s Legends fantasy baseball closer rankings.
1. Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves: Recorded 46 saves last year with a 2.10 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and an absurd 127 strikeouts in 77 innings. With a top-notch pitching staff, he should see plenty of save opportunities once again.
2. John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers: The Brew Crew will miss Prince Fielder, but they still have a rock-solid rotation. Axford picked up 46 saves with a 1.95 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP and 86 Ks in 73-2/3 innings. He more than proved that 2010 wasn’t a fluke.
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3. Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies: Talk about having a good starting rotation to pitch behind. Papelbon saved 31 games last year with a 2.94 ERA, a 0.93 WHIP and 87 Ks in 64-1/3 innings. His only issue is that his starters often finish their games.
4. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees: I admittedly ranked Mo way too low last year. I figured Rafael Soriano’s presence would lead to less work. Until Mo hangs it up, he’s an elite option. Last year he had 44 saves, a 1.44 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP and 60 Ks in 61-1/3 innings. With a better rotation, he should easily be able to cruise to another banner year.
5. Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants: Wilson’s health had a lot to with his struggles last year. Still, he managed 36 saves with a 3.11 ERA, a 1.47 WHIP and 54 Ks in 55.0 innings. I expect much more this year.
6. Heath Bell, Miami Marlins: I don’t love the fact that he is no longer in PETCO, but Bell is still a top-tier closer. He had 43 saves last year with a 2.44 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP and 51 Ks in 62-2/3 innings.
7. Drew Storen, Washington Nationals: Certainly met his lofty expectations with 43 saves, a 2.75 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP and 74 Ks in 75-1/3 innings.
8. J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks: Putz has a solid pitching staff to finish up for. Plus he had 45 saves, a 2.17 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP and 61 Ks in 58.0 innings.
9. Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals: His saves went down to 28 and his ERA (4.03) and WHIP (1.28) were also on the rise. He did rack up 60 Ks in 60-1/3 innings and given his career numbers, I expect improvement.
10. Andrew Bailey, Boston Red Sox: Makes the move to Boston coming a 24 saves, a 3.24 ERA and 41 Ks (41-2/3 IP) season. He has the ability, but is oft-injured.
11. Huston Street, San Diego Padres: Speaking of oft-injured, Street also fits that bill. Escaping from Colorado to San Diego is about as dramatic an improvement as you can make. Plus, he stays within the division.
12. Jordan Walden, Los Angeles Angels: Walden ran with his opportunity last year picking up 32 saves with a 2.98 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 67 Ks in 60-1/3 innings. He has a great rotation in front of him.
13. Ryan Madson, Cincinnati Reds: Madson has a new home, but considering he pitched in Citizens Bank Park, he shouldn’t have too much trouble adjusting. He picked up 32 saves last year with a 2.37 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP and 62 Ks in 60-2/3 innings.
14. Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers: Saved all 49 of his attempts last year with a 2.24 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP and 69 Ks in 72-1/3 innings. I can’t imagine that he can repeat that kind of success.
15. Joe Nathan, Texas Rangers: Nathan has a new home as well. It’s tougher on pitchers, but he has a solid staff in front of him, a great offense behind him and an excellent track record.
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