Fantasy MLB: Looking for Relief
Posted March 10, 2011 1:25 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
I have always preached that caution and patience must be utilized when drafting closers in your fantasy baseball draft.
Too many things can go wrong for a closer over the span of 162 games. There will be injuries, trades, and remember, when pitchers are relegated to ninth inning duties, a small slump comes across as a major meltdown.
On that note, my recommendation is to wait until the late rounds to draft your closers.
Each week we’ll reveal 10 of the top closers in the Big Leagues:
1) Mariano Rivera, RP, Yankees
I don’t care about his age, all that matters is that the Yankees will provide Mo with plenty of save opportunities, and he is as effective now as he’s ever been in his Hall of Fame-worthy career.
2) Carlos Marmol, SP, Cubs
The combination of strikeouts and saves make him a unique fantasy option, but buyer beware, he looks a lot like Jonathan Broxton did entering last season.
3) Neftali Feliz, RP, Rangers
I suppose there may be a chance that he ends up starting, but whatever his role Neftali Feliz will be worth drafting.
4) Brian Wilson, RP, Giants
He took his game to a new level with an extra dose of personality and a very dark beard. Most importantly, Wilson was the Major League saves leader last season.
5) Joakim Soria, RP, Royals
Imagine what would happen if the Royals were actually a decent team? Well, the Royals may not contend this season, but there’s a good chance that Soria will enjoy some more save opportunities as the young prospects continue to develop.
6) John Axford, RP, Brewers
He may be a tad wild, but Axford can dominate and without Trevor Hoffman getting in his way, Axford will have every chance to reach 30-plus saves.
7) Heath Bell, RP, Padres
Bell has evolved as one of the elite closers in baseball, but we are not certain how many saves will come his way considering the Padres have let go of Adrian Gonzalez.
8) Jonathan Papelbon, RP, Red Sox
He was not as good as usual last season, but he was still better than most and should get plenty of saves for a team that a lot of people consider the favourite for the AL Pennant.
9) Francisco Rodriguez, RP, Mets
Aside from the whole suspension Francisco Rodriguez was pretty darn good last season. It hurts that Johan Santana is injured, but K-Rod will still get his 30-plus saves.
10) Andrew Bailey, RP, A’s
In a great ballpark, pitching for an improving team, expect to see Andrew Bailey enjoy another fine season. He’s also one of the few pitchers who can go two innings to get his saves.
