2010 Closer Profile: Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com

Team: New York Yankees

Projections: 42-5-2.01-1.00-69 (SV-WIN-ERA-WHIP-K)

Average Draft Position: 70th pick 

Recommended Draft Round: 6

Team Saves Projection: 46

Injury Risk/Stability: 9/10

Top 50 Rank: #5

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Mariano Rivera is the Sandman, fact. You couldn't act for a more perfect closer. He is on a winning team and he really only needs one pitch to get outs. He's coming off a great season and he showed no sign of declining at age 39. I expect him to have another outstanding season in 2010. It will probably be the last dominating season for Rivera. He will open 2010 at the ripe age of 40 and decline is inevitable. Rivera makes a perfect closer to head up your fantasy bullpen.


The True Guru Strategy: Rivera is one of the best in the game and is a high-end #1 closer. Currently his ADP is sixth round, but I think it's a round too high for Rivera. Take him around the 7-8th round. Rivera turned 40 and could start declining at any time. He should have one more great year in him, but no matter how you look at he has risk.

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