Fantasy Baseball: 2010 Top 15 Closer Rankings
Hereโs an early look at Closer Rankings.
1.ย Jonathon Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers
While I would feel more comfortable handing the ball to Mariano Rivera to close out a game, Broxton is the better fantasy closer because of his high strikeout total.
2.ย Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
How long can he stay at this elite level? Until he falters, I canโt bet against him.
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3.ย Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox
Heโs averaged 37.8 saves with a 1.74 ERA over the past four years without much deviation from the mean.
4.ย Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins
The thing that scares me with Nathan is his ERA jumped 1.20 points when moving outside. That could present an issue at Target Field. Of course, his outside ERA was still only 2.79.
5.ย Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
His numbers have been scary good the past two years for the Royals. Heโll need to stay healthy, and have plenty of save opportunities to justify his ranking.
6.ย Jose Valerde, Detroit Tigers
He struggled with just 25 saves last year, but averaged 45.5 the previous two seasons. Iโm expecting that a bounce back is in order.
7.ย Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets
He was about the only starter that didnโt get hurt last year for the Mets. Iโm expecting them to be healthier, despite Beltranโs continued woes, which should lead to more save opportunities.
8.ย Heath Bell, San Diego Padres
Not surprisingly his ERA was over a half a run better at home. Thatโs what happens when you pitch in a pitcherโs park. He still managed 21 saves and a 3.08 ERA in 28 road games.
9.ย Brian Fuentes, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
He followed up K-Rodโs record-breaking season with 48 saves of his own. Now that he has a season of closing under his belt, I expect his ERA and WHIP to decrease. Heโs almost a lock to be among the league leaders in saves simply by pitching in Anaheim.
10.ย Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants
Heโs got a good starting staff to hand him plenty of save opportunities. His strikeouts were up and his ERA down, which is ideal for a closer.
11.ย Rafael Soriano, Tampa Bay Rays
Soriano was second only to Broxton for strikeouts by a closer.
12.ย Andrew Bailey, Oakland Aโs
Bailey was outstanding as a rookie, and barring a sophomore slump should turn in another solid year. I only fear a limited amount of save opportunities in Oakland.
13.ย Billy Wagner, Atlanta Braves
He looked sharp last year for Boston. He should still have the tools to get it done for the Braves.
14.ย Huston Street, Colorado Rockies
Street brings a bunch of Ks and a low WHIP to the table.
15.ย Trevor Hoffman, Milwaukee Brewers
Hoffman just continues churning out solid seasons. Heโs a marvel.
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