Andrew Bailey: Oakland A's Closer Seeks Opening Day Return

Andrew Bailey may be one of the best—and also one of the most underrated closers—in all of Major League Baseball.

In the two years since taking over closing duties for the Oakland Athletics, beginning in 2009, Bailey has 51 saves with an era of 1.70, as well as two All-Star appearances.  

In 2009, Bailey won the American League Rookie of the Year award after closing 26 games with an ERA of 1.84. 

Bailey suffered no sophomore slump when, in 2010, he closed 25 games with an ERA of just 1.47.

In late September, Bailey was shutdown to have bone chips and bone spurs removed from his right elbow.

Although the surgery was considered minor and precautionary, Oakland isn't taking any chances having kept Bailey on a strict spring training regimen. 

And just in case Bailey isn't okay to start the 2011 season, Oakland added former Los Angeles Angels closer Brian Fuentes, who in 2009 had 48 saves.

In the last six seasons, Fuentes has 183 saves; last season, he split time between the Angels and Chicago White Sox.

In the meantime, Bailey, who got married during the offseason, dropped 15 pounds—from 250 down to the 235. Bailey is on track and expected to be ready by Opening Day when Oakland takes on the Seattle Mariners.