Preliminary Closer Rankings for 2012

With less than 3 weeks remaining in the season, I thought it might be a good time to take a look at my preliminary rankings for closers for 2012. 

News and Notes from Around the Bullpen

• The Orioles are probably going to be in the market for a free agent closer for 2012. Jim Johnson has been used in save situations this week, but I imagine that if the team had confidence in him, they would use him much more than Kevin Gregg for the rest of the year. Gregg is under contract for 2012, but has been extremely ineffective this year (7 blown saves).
• The White Sox are going to have an interesting problem, as Sergio Santos has shown himself to be a very solid closer this season. However, they also have Chris Sale and Matt Thornton in the bullpen, as well as prospect Addison Reed who could all get a shot at closing next year as well. Moving Sale to the rotation could clear up some of that, but their rotation is also fairly full for next year already.
• We'll have to see what happens the rest of the season in St. Louis and Colorado, as both have unsettled closer roles with multiple candidates available.
• Some notable free agent to be non-closers (currently) who could get a shot to close for a new team in 2012: Matt Capps, Jonathan Broxton, Francisco Rodriguez, Jason Isringhausen, Fernando Rodney
• Free agency will also have the possibility to open up jobs in Boston, San Diego, Philadelphia, Minnesota, and Toronto. Realistically, Boston would most likely go with Daniel Bard if they do not end up resigning Papelbon for some reason.
• Trade candidates in the offseason include Leo Nunez, Brandon League, and possibly Andrew Bailey.