Fantasy Baseball: Updated 2010 Top 20 Closer Rankings

Joe Nathan had to go and get hurt on us, so here’s another look at the closer rankings.

1. Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers

Others prefer Mariano Rivera, but Broxton’s strikeout totals put him at the top of my chart.

2. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

At some point he’ll slow down. At least I think he will. Until I see it, though, I won’t believe it.

3. Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox

Papelbon anchors one of the best bullpens in baseball. He should get plenty of opportunities to close out ball games.

4. Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals

Soria could lead the league in highest percentage of saves in relation to team wins. He also sports a low ERA and WHIP with a high strikeout total.

5. Heath Bell, San Diego Padres

The Twins have some interest in Bell. If he stays with San Diego or goes to Minnesota, he’ll be in line for another spectacular season.

6. Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers

The Tigers should be improved in 2010, thanks in part to Valverde.

7. Andrew Bailey, Oakland A’s

Previously I had him lower on the list, but his high strikeout totals and low peripherals should make him one of the best closers once again.

8. Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets

I’m a little afraid that the Mets are cursed, though he did manage to put together a solid season last year despite the injuries.

9. Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants

The Giants have the pitching to keep the scores down with an offense that’s not going to run over many teams. Wilson is in great shape to put up another fine season.

10. Brian Fuentes, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

If he stumbles, Fernando Rodney could get a look, but Anaheim’s style is very conducive to racking up huge save totals.

11. Rafael Soriano, Tampa Bay Rays

I’d rank him higher if he played in a different a different division. That said, he’s still a quality option thanks to his large strikeout totals.

12. Huston Street, Colorado Rockies

As long as the second-half Rockies show up, Street will be a solid No. 1 fantasy closer.

13. Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati Reds

Cordero has become one of the best at closing out a game. His ballpark and less than spectacular strikeout totals keep him from climbing higher.

14. Billy Wagner, Atlanta Braves

The jury is out whether or not he can do it for a full year again. I'm in the camp that says he can...at a very high level.

15. Trevor Hoffman, Milwaukee Brewers

At 42, I can’t count on him as a No. 1 option, but his solid save totals and low WHIP make him a good No. 2.

16. Frank Francisco, Texas Rangers

C.J. Wilson did well when filling in for Francisco last year. That concern puts him in the middle of the pack.

17. Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals

He was amazing in the first half last year. I think he steps back but remains a solid No. 2.

18. Chad Qualls, Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks pitching staff could prove to be one of the best in the league, meaning Qualls has a chance to move even higher up the list.

19. David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners

I’m a little worried that last year was a fluke, but with one of the best pitching duos handing him their leads, I think he’ll be solid.

20. Octavio Dotel, Pittsburgh Pirates

I’m not sure he reaches the 30-save mark, but he could be among the leaders in strikeouts among closers.

Click to see the rest of the 2010 fantasy baseball rankings.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .