Fantasy Baseball: 10 Best Relief Pitchers in 2011

In the world of fantasy baseball, relief pitchers aren't exactly the most sought out players according to most owners. But, depending on the league you're in, of course, having a solid bullpen could be the key to making it over the hump and into your league's championship.

From experience, I have learned that a majority of fantasy owners care more about heavy bats and the All-Star starting pitchers, rather than the less-known setup men and closing pitchers.

Saves, holds and ERA have quite a bit of an effect on the outcome of fantasy baseball scores as well, and here are 10 guys that have put up impressive numbers from the 'pen so far in 2011.

(Note: I did not place these 10 guys in any particular order).

Tyler Clippard, WAS

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PITTSBURGH - APRIL 24: Tyler Clippard #36 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game on April 24, 2011 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

He has a blown save this season, but his nine holds (t-fourth most in MLB) and 1.73 ERA in an impressive 26 innings pitched for the Nationals this season is enough to outshine that unimpressive outing from late April.

His six-strikeout performance in two innings pitched against the Marlins on May 6 has allowed Clippard to accumulate 31 K in 20 appearances through May 21.

Jonny Venters, ATL

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ATLANTA - MAY 28: Relief pitcher Jonny Venters #39 of the Atlanta Braves trotts off the field after a delay in play was called due to rain during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Turner Field on May 28, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevi

Even more impressive than Clippard's strong start is Atlanta's lefty.

Venters, who currently boasts a 3-0 record with 10 holds (t-third in majors), has pitched 28.1 innings in 26 appearances and has allowed just two earned runs.

He is currently on a scoreless streak of 9.2 innings, and has a save and 26 K to his name as well.

Quite an impressive resume, but surprisingly he is owned in just 56 percent of the leagues on ESPN.com, according to their numbers. If he keeps this up, his stock is sure to raise.

Francisco Rodriguez, NYM

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 07: Francisco Rodriguez #75 of the New York Mets celebrates the final out against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 7, 2011 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Im

At the end of last season, K-Rod ran in to some legal troubles, but the Mets closer seems to have moved on and forgotten the past according to his strong start to the 2011 campaign.

Rodriguez's 15 saves is good enough for second in the majors, but what sets him apart from the other top closers is his monstrous ERA of 0.76 in 23 appearances. Rodriguez has been pretty consistent in closing out games for the Mets this season.

With just one blown save and the fact that he hasn't allowed an earned run since April 14, this makes him one of the game's most dangerous closers. If the Mets weren't under .500 right now, there's no doubt he would be the league's saves leader.

Mariano Rivera, NYY

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 01: Mariano Rivera #42 of the New York Yankees pitches in the ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on May 1, 2011 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees defeated the Blue Jays 5-2. (Photo by Chris Tro

This wouldn't be a list of top relievers without Rivera making an appearance.

Despite his age, the Yanks' longtime closer still has mightily impressive stuff, especially his famous cutter, but most impressive may have to be his 1.80 ERA in 21 appearances.

He has blown three saves this season, yet still has 13 saves, good enough for a tie for fourth-most in the majors. All of this is enough for me to put the 41-year-old legend on the list.

Drew Storen, WAS

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WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 02: Drew Storen #22 of the Washington Nationals celebrates with Wilson Ramos #3 after a 2-0 victory against the San Francisco Giants at Nationals Park on May 2, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

With Clippard setting up games for Storen, the 23-year-old stud, the Nationals have two of the top relievers in the game.

Storen has now converted all nine of his save opportunities, and his only earned run of the season came on April 2 against the Braves (he earned his first of two holds that game). One of the most versatile young guns in the game, Storen has been tough to hit against in his 21 appearances, as he has allowed just 13 hits in 23.3 innings pitched.

The Nationals are 16-5 in games in which Storen makes an appearance, not to mention his 3-1 record and 0.38 ERA. Of all 10 guys on this list, I would really like to say that Storen has been most impressive thus far.

Neftali Feliz, TEX

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ARLINGTON, TX - MAY 07: Pitcher Neftali Feliz #30 of the Texas Rangers reacts after a 7-5 win against the New York Yankees at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on May 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The 23-year-old hurler grabbed everyone's attention from day one in 2010, capturing the AL Rookie of the Year award after a 40-save season.

The Rangers have struggled to stay above .500 thus far in 2011 (currently 23-21), but Feliz has converted eight of his 10 save opportunities (blew back-to-back saves on May 18 and 19) to the tune of a 1.26 ERA.

Once Texas gets its swag back with the returns of Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz, I would expect more save opportunities for Feliz (14 appearances) to arise.

Leo Nunez, FLA

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - APRIL 26: Leo Nunez #46 of the Florida Marlins reacts after winning a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Sun Life Stadium on April 26, 2011 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

The Marlins closer doesn't exactly have the best IP/ER ratio of all the other relievers (23.2/7), but his league-leading 17 saves with zero blown saves in 24 appearances is more than enough to make the cut.

Florida is alive and well in the NL East chase, just 1.5 games behind the leading Phillies with a current record of 26-18. With decent run support, I would expect Nunez to keep up his current streak of converted saves.

Jose Valverde, DET

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DETROIT, MI - MAY 14: Jose Valverde #46 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates a 3-0 win over the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on May 14, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Detroit has been flirting with .500 for quite a while, but thanks to closer Valverde, they have at least had a consistent guy who can close out games. Valverde, 33, has successfully converted all 10 of his save opportunities with a 2.84 ERA in 19 innings.

Valverde has been a constant in the bullpen for four straight seasons (with Arizona, Houston and Detroit), collecting 25+ saves since 2007, which includes a league-leading 47 and 44 in 2007 and 2008.

Expect 25-30 saves from Valverde again this season as Detroit beats out Cleveland for the division crown.

Tony Sipp, CLE

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SEATTLE - APRIL 10: Relief pitcher Tony Sipp #46 of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on April 10, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. The Indians defeated the Mariners 6-4. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Perhaps one of the least-known names on this list, Cleveland's 27-year-old lefty is on pace for career-high numbers in his third major league season with the Indians.

Sure, the fact that the Tribe have the best record in baseball and solid run support (216 runs as of May 21) has been a lot of help to the bullpen, but Sipp has posted great numbers too.

In 20 appearances, Sipp has accumulated 10 holds (tied with two others for third-most in MLB) and a 1.33 ERA with 14 K. He is currently boasting a 11 inning scoreless streak. All three of his earned runs came in the same appearance (April 20 vs. KC Royals).

Grant Balfour, OAK

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OAKLAND, CA - MAY 18: Grant Balfour #50 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Minnesota Twins at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 18, 2011 in Oakland, California. Balfour is from Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

His last name isn't exactly what I would call "pitcher-friendly," but that hasn't stopped Balfour, 33, in striking out 25 batters in 21 games. On pace for what could ultimately be career-high type of numbers, Balfour has posted a 1.31 ERA and 3-1 record in Oakland.

His nine holds leads the A's bullpen and is tied for sixth-most in the majors as of May 21.

Others That Should Be Considered

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PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 27: Relief pitcher J.J. Putz #40 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the Major League Baseball game at Chase Field on April 27, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Phillies defeated the Diamondbacks

*Huston Street, COL: 14 saves (third-most in MLB)

*Brian Wilson, SF: 4-1 record, 13 saves in 21 appearances

*Joel Hanrahan, PIT: 13 saves, 1.66 ERA in 21.2 IP

*J.J. Putz, ARI: 11-for-11 in save opportunities, owned in 100% of ESPN.com leagues

*Jonathan Papelbon, BOS: 2.41 ERA, 8-for-9 in save chances despite looming trade rumors

*Ryan Madson, PHI: 0.47 ERA, 23 Ks, 9-for-9 in save chances

*Rafael Betancourt, COL: League-leading 12 holds

*Jamey Wright, SEA: Nine holds, 1.71 ERA in 21 appearances