2009 Fantasy Baseball Closers
In this post we’ll take a look at the 2009 fantasy baseball closer rankings from FantasyBaseballDugout, FantasyBaseballChamp, RotoSavants, and CBS Sportsline. Keep in mind these rankings are early and some of them don’t reflect new signings.
Last year Papelbon was the clear choice as the top closer. He delivered with impressive numbers, but not good enough for him to keep his stranglehold on the top spot. This year Francisco Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera are contending for top spots. Rodriguez is coming off of a record breaking season and, even though he was traded, still pitches for a contender that will win a lot of games. If you are worried about his declining ratios check out this interesting article on Fangraphs. Rivera had stellar numbers last season and now will be pitching behind Sabathia. That makes for a good bet that more saves are coming. Dugout ranks him 1, Savants 3, Champs 5, and CBS 3. Papelbon comes in at 2, 1, 2, 2. Rodriguez ranks 5, 2, 1, 1 on the same lists. Papelbon may still be the saftest choice but there is little separation at the top.
While three mentioned above are stellar, you will also get sick production this season from Brad Lidge and Joe Nathan but may be able to take them a few rounds later. They both play on contenders, post great ERA and WHIP, and will give you some real help at K’s from the closer position. Their aggregate rankings make them top 5 closers but they will not be as heralded come draft day.
Last year rookie phenom Joakim Soria comes in at 8, 10, 7, and 9. If and when he gets traded to a contender he may shoot up to the top of the list.
Carlos Marmol should be a good value this year. It’s hard to tell at this point who will be the closer since they traded for Kevin Gregg, but Marmol is a beast. If he’s closing for the Cubs all season he could easily reach top five status but will be taken much later than the other guys I’ve mentioned here.
If none of these names interest you there will be a slew of riskier options availabe in the later rounds. I always prefer to wait on saves unless one of the sure things falls to far. Here are the full lists: