Ranking The Closers
Ranking The Closers
The Fantasy Sports Forum.com
1. J.J. Putz, Mariners
His incredible numbers from 2007 shows why he tops this list, as he converted 40 of 42 saves and registered 82 Ks in 72 innings, while allowing just 47 hits and 13 walks. The Mariners should be a team that can provide him at least 40-45 save opportunities again.
2. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox
Another lights-out reliever with a miniscule ERA (1.85) and awesome K to IP ratio: 84/57. His 0.77 WHIP was the 3rd best in the majors and was an excellent 37 for 40 in save conversions.
3. Francisco Rodriguez, Angels
K-Rod was 40 for 46 in saves and had 90 Ks in 67 innings. He continues to consistently be among the best closers, piling up 146 saves the last three seasons and should get plenty of opportunities again for the Los Angeles/Anaheim/California Angels.
4. Joe Nathan, Twins
Nathan had another top notch year, posting a 1.88 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and blew only 4 saves in 41 chances. He should be able to repeat his 77 strikeouts in 72 innings this season.
5. Takashi Saito, Dodgers
Some people keep expecting the bubble to burst on this guy, but his stats give no indication of that happening, as he posted equally impressive numbers as his 2006 MLB debut. He converted 39 of 43 saves chances and had 78 Ks in 64 innings. Showed great control, (only 13 walks) and was among the elite in ERA (1.40) and WHIP (0.71). Also plays in a very pitcher friendly home field.
6. Bobby Jenks, White Sox
Converted 40 of 46 saves and had the 4th best WHIP at 0.89. Should get more chances with an improved White Sox team.
7. Francisco Cordero, Reds,
The switch from Milwaukee to Cincinnati as his home field may be a little concerning for a guy who has had his fly ball to ground ball ratio increase three consecutive years. But there’s plenty of good with Cordero: high Ks (his 86 were 3rd best among full time closers) and he should post a very similar save total as his 44 saves from 2007.
8. Jose Valverde, Astros
Valverde was traded to Houston from Arizona and may not be able to repeat his career year of 2007 when he led the majors in saves with 47. He always posts high strikeout totals (78 in 64 innings last season) but he’ll also be among the leaders in blown saves, setting fire to 7 games with Arizona.
9. Billy Wagner, Mets
Wagner continues to blow hitters away at an impressive pace (80 Ks in 68 inings) but he struggled in the second half as he battled back spasms and finished the season 34 for 39 in saves.
10. Mariano Rivera, Yankees
The greatest closer of all time is showing some signs of age as he uncharacteristically had close to an even K to innings pitched ratio (74/71). He should have more than just the 30 saves from last season, but not considerably more, as the Yankees will try to conserve his arm as much as possible.
11. Trevor Hoffman, Padres
One of the most reliable closers ever, Hoffman had 42 saves last season, but also a surprising 7 blown saves. He should post similar save numbers, but don’t expect many more than the 44 Ks from last season.
12. Todd Jones, Tigers
The ageless Jones will put a lot of scares into his teammates and his fantasy owners, but the Tigers will give him so many opportunities, he should be able to exceed his 38 saves from a year ago. Also expect about six blown saves again and not many more than 33-40 strikeouts.
13. Brad Lidge, Phillies
He is the epitome of a high risk/high reward closer. If he’s back to his 2005 form, he can be a top three closer. However, moving to one of the most homer-favorable parks could also cause numerous implosions, and exceed his 8 blown saves from last season, but he’s still capable of be 80-100 Ks. Lidge will miss the start of the season to recover from knee surgery, so Tom Gordon will close in the interim.
14. Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals
Converted an excellent 32 of 34 saves, but the Red Birds do not figure to give him many more chance than that this season. No longer a high strikeout guy, as his 54 Ks in 65 innings will attest.
15. Joe Borowski, Indians
You would think that the reliever with the second highest save total (45) would be ranked higher, but Borowski will have to be less flammable than last season (8 blown saves, 5.07 ERA, 9 HRs allowed), or else you’ll be seeing Rafael Betencourt closing games for the Tribe.
After taking over as Braves closer for Bob Wickman, Soriano converted 9 of 12 chances. His 70 Ks in 72 innings were solid, but too many blown saves and Bobby Cox won’t hesitate to make a change.
17. Eric Gagne, Brewers
The Brewers signed Gagne to be their closer after a rollercoaster 2007 season (excellent with Texas, horrible with Boston). Expect about 30-35 saves and 65-75 strikeouts.
18. Manny Corpas, Rockies
Corpas stepped in as closer after Brian Fuentes went down with an injury and never gave the job back, as the Rockies steamrolled to the post-season. He converted 19 of 22 chances and is now the undisputed closer, however his Ks to innings ratio of 58/78 is not impressive.
19. B.J. Ryan, Blue Jays
Ryan is coming off Tommy John elbow surgery and is now expected to be ready by opening day. In the two seasons before his injury, he averaged 93 Ks and 37 saves, but I wouldn’t expect him to return to those spectacular stats so quickly.
20. Huston Street, A’s
Despite showing top notch stuff as evidenced by his 0.94 WHIP and 63 Ks in 50 innings, Street will have less save opportunities this year for the rebuilding A’s.
21. Chad Cordero, Nationals
After a dreadful start to the season, Cordero settled back in as a reliable closer. Of his league high 9 blown saves, 5 came in the first six weeks. He still managed 37 saves playing for a bad team.
22. Joakim Soria, Royals
In 69 innings, Soria struck out 75 and walked just 19 and converted 17 of 21 save opportunities, after becoming the full time closer. With a full season as Royals closer, he can be a solid #2 fantasy reliever.
23. Troy Percival, Rays
The 39 year old made a solid comeback last year with St. Louis as a middle reliever, after two full seasons out of the majors. Don’t expect a return to his status as a top closer, but he’ll be the guy in the ninth for an improved Tampa Bay team.
24. Kevin Gregg, Marlins
In his first season as a closer, Gregg did well saving 32 of 36 games and punching out 87 in 84 innings. But as the highest paid player on the low budget Marlins, a trade to a contender in a non-closer role is possible. Even if he stays, the save chances will be less for this rebuilding team.
25. Carlos Marmol or Kerry Wood or Bob Howry, Cubs
As of this writing, Lou Piniella has not chosen who will close out games for the Cubs. My bet is on the 25 year old Marmol, mainly because of his closer-type stuff (96 Ks in 69 innings, 1.10 WHIP, 1.43 ERA). Another plus is that he also only allowed 3 homers last season.
26. Matt Capps, Pirates
If the Pirates were a better team, Capps would be ranked higher. His 2007 stats of 18 saves in 21 chances and 1.01 WHIP, show that he’s pretty reliable, and a safe #2 reliever for your team.
27. C.J. Wilson, Rangers
After taking over the closing role at the mid-season point, Wilson saved 12 games in 14 chances. He also had 63 Ks in 68 innings, but the Rangers also signed Eddie Guardado, so watch this situation if you draft him.
28. Brandon Lyon, Diamondbacks
Lyon has been named the closer but Tony Pena is waiting in the wings if he falters. Lyon is solid, but not a high strikeout guy (only 40 in 74 innings) and his career 1.41 WHIP indicates that he can get into trouble. Only worth a late round pick.
29. Brian Wilson, Giants
Wilson converted 6 of 7 chances after his call-up in August last year. If he can come close to duplicating his .972 WHIP and average close to a K per inning, he’ll be a good value, late round pick. If he struggles, Brad Hennessy or Tyler Walker will step in.
30. George Sherrill, Orioles
Included in the Eric Bedard deal, the 30 year old lefty is in line up to be Baltimore’s closer. His 56 Ks in 45 innings and .098 WHIP indicate that his stuff is decent. If he holds the job, he’ll be a solid #2 reliever.
See TheFantasySportsForum.com for draft rankings for all positions.
The Fantasy Sports Forum.com
1. J.J. Putz, Mariners
His incredible numbers from 2007 shows why he tops this list, as he converted 40 of 42 saves and registered 82 Ks in 72 innings, while allowing just 47 hits and 13 walks. The Mariners should be a team that can provide him at least 40-45 save opportunities again.
2. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox
Another lights-out reliever with a miniscule ERA (1.85) and awesome K to IP ratio: 84/57. His 0.77 WHIP was the 3rd best in the majors and was an excellent 37 for 40 in save conversions.
3. Francisco Rodriguez, Angels
K-Rod was 40 for 46 in saves and had 90 Ks in 67 innings. He continues to consistently be among the best closers, piling up 146 saves the last three seasons and should get plenty of opportunities again for the Los Angeles/Anaheim/California Angels.
4. Joe Nathan, Twins
Nathan had another top notch year, posting a 1.88 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and blew only 4 saves in 41 chances. He should be able to repeat his 77 strikeouts in 72 innings this season.
5. Takashi Saito, Dodgers
Some people keep expecting the bubble to burst on this guy, but his stats give no indication of that happening, as he posted equally impressive numbers as his 2006 MLB debut. He converted 39 of 43 saves chances and had 78 Ks in 64 innings. Showed great control, (only 13 walks) and was among the elite in ERA (1.40) and WHIP (0.71). Also plays in a very pitcher friendly home field.
6. Bobby Jenks, White Sox
Converted 40 of 46 saves and had the 4th best WHIP at 0.89. Should get more chances with an improved White Sox team.
7. Francisco Cordero, Reds,
The switch from Milwaukee to Cincinnati as his home field may be a little concerning for a guy who has had his fly ball to ground ball ratio increase three consecutive years. But there’s plenty of good with Cordero: high Ks (his 86 were 3rd best among full time closers) and he should post a very similar save total as his 44 saves from 2007.
8. Jose Valverde, Astros
Valverde was traded to Houston from Arizona and may not be able to repeat his career year of 2007 when he led the majors in saves with 47. He always posts high strikeout totals (78 in 64 innings last season) but he’ll also be among the leaders in blown saves, setting fire to 7 games with Arizona.
9. Billy Wagner, Mets
Wagner continues to blow hitters away at an impressive pace (80 Ks in 68 inings) but he struggled in the second half as he battled back spasms and finished the season 34 for 39 in saves.
10. Mariano Rivera, Yankees
The greatest closer of all time is showing some signs of age as he uncharacteristically had close to an even K to innings pitched ratio (74/71). He should have more than just the 30 saves from last season, but not considerably more, as the Yankees will try to conserve his arm as much as possible.
11. Trevor Hoffman, Padres
One of the most reliable closers ever, Hoffman had 42 saves last season, but also a surprising 7 blown saves. He should post similar save numbers, but don’t expect many more than the 44 Ks from last season.
12. Todd Jones, Tigers
The ageless Jones will put a lot of scares into his teammates and his fantasy owners, but the Tigers will give him so many opportunities, he should be able to exceed his 38 saves from a year ago. Also expect about six blown saves again and not many more than 33-40 strikeouts.
13. Brad Lidge, Phillies
He is the epitome of a high risk/high reward closer. If he’s back to his 2005 form, he can be a top three closer. However, moving to one of the most homer-favorable parks could also cause numerous implosions, and exceed his 8 blown saves from last season, but he’s still capable of be 80-100 Ks. Lidge will miss the start of the season to recover from knee surgery, so Tom Gordon will close in the interim.
14. Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals
Converted an excellent 32 of 34 saves, but the Red Birds do not figure to give him many more chance than that this season. No longer a high strikeout guy, as his 54 Ks in 65 innings will attest.
15. Joe Borowski, Indians
You would think that the reliever with the second highest save total (45) would be ranked higher, but Borowski will have to be less flammable than last season (8 blown saves, 5.07 ERA, 9 HRs allowed), or else you’ll be seeing Rafael Betencourt closing games for the Tribe.
After taking over as Braves closer for Bob Wickman, Soriano converted 9 of 12 chances. His 70 Ks in 72 innings were solid, but too many blown saves and Bobby Cox won’t hesitate to make a change.
17. Eric Gagne, Brewers
The Brewers signed Gagne to be their closer after a rollercoaster 2007 season (excellent with Texas, horrible with Boston). Expect about 30-35 saves and 65-75 strikeouts.
18. Manny Corpas, Rockies
Corpas stepped in as closer after Brian Fuentes went down with an injury and never gave the job back, as the Rockies steamrolled to the post-season. He converted 19 of 22 chances and is now the undisputed closer, however his Ks to innings ratio of 58/78 is not impressive.
19. B.J. Ryan, Blue Jays
Ryan is coming off Tommy John elbow surgery and is now expected to be ready by opening day. In the two seasons before his injury, he averaged 93 Ks and 37 saves, but I wouldn’t expect him to return to those spectacular stats so quickly.
20. Huston Street, A’s
Despite showing top notch stuff as evidenced by his 0.94 WHIP and 63 Ks in 50 innings, Street will have less save opportunities this year for the rebuilding A’s.
21. Chad Cordero, Nationals
After a dreadful start to the season, Cordero settled back in as a reliable closer. Of his league high 9 blown saves, 5 came in the first six weeks. He still managed 37 saves playing for a bad team.
22. Joakim Soria, Royals
In 69 innings, Soria struck out 75 and walked just 19 and converted 17 of 21 save opportunities, after becoming the full time closer. With a full season as Royals closer, he can be a solid #2 fantasy reliever.
23. Troy Percival, Rays
The 39 year old made a solid comeback last year with St. Louis as a middle reliever, after two full seasons out of the majors. Don’t expect a return to his status as a top closer, but he’ll be the guy in the ninth for an improved Tampa Bay team.
24. Kevin Gregg, Marlins
In his first season as a closer, Gregg did well saving 32 of 36 games and punching out 87 in 84 innings. But as the highest paid player on the low budget Marlins, a trade to a contender in a non-closer role is possible. Even if he stays, the save chances will be less for this rebuilding team.
25. Carlos Marmol or Kerry Wood or Bob Howry, Cubs
As of this writing, Lou Piniella has not chosen who will close out games for the Cubs. My bet is on the 25 year old Marmol, mainly because of his closer-type stuff (96 Ks in 69 innings, 1.10 WHIP, 1.43 ERA). Another plus is that he also only allowed 3 homers last season.
26. Matt Capps, Pirates
If the Pirates were a better team, Capps would be ranked higher. His 2007 stats of 18 saves in 21 chances and 1.01 WHIP, show that he’s pretty reliable, and a safe #2 reliever for your team.
27. C.J. Wilson, Rangers
After taking over the closing role at the mid-season point, Wilson saved 12 games in 14 chances. He also had 63 Ks in 68 innings, but the Rangers also signed Eddie Guardado, so watch this situation if you draft him.
28. Brandon Lyon, Diamondbacks
Lyon has been named the closer but Tony Pena is waiting in the wings if he falters. Lyon is solid, but not a high strikeout guy (only 40 in 74 innings) and his career 1.41 WHIP indicates that he can get into trouble. Only worth a late round pick.
29. Brian Wilson, Giants
Wilson converted 6 of 7 chances after his call-up in August last year. If he can come close to duplicating his .972 WHIP and average close to a K per inning, he’ll be a good value, late round pick. If he struggles, Brad Hennessy or Tyler Walker will step in.
30. George Sherrill, Orioles
Included in the Eric Bedard deal, the 30 year old lefty is in line up to be Baltimore’s closer. His 56 Ks in 45 innings and .098 WHIP indicate that his stuff is decent. If he holds the job, he’ll be a solid #2 reliever.
See TheFantasySportsForum.com for draft rankings for all positions.
posted by The Fantasy Sports Forum at
Thursday, March 06, 2008
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