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The closer spot on teams doesn't offer the greatest stability factor. As only 3 closers have been with their respective teams for longer than 2 seasons(Rivera, Wilson and Soria). For long term purposes we are starting to see the "new era" of relief pitching. Bullpens are starting to become a haven for specialists and effective relief only guys. If you have read anything that I have written previously, I love stacking the end of my pitching roster with relievers who will keep your peripheral stats in check. The future is starting to look really good for the long term closer candidates, and it is being ushered in by Craig Kimbrel. So on to what your here to read enough of the fluff.
1. Craig Kimbrel ATL
2. Mariano Rivera NYY
3. Jon Axford MIL
4. Jonathon Papelbon PHI
5. Drew Storen WAS
Rest of rankings after the jump.
6. Jose Valverde DET
7. Ryan Madson CIN
8. Brian Wilson SF
9. Andrew Bailey BOS
10. Sergio Santos TOR
11. Joel Hanrahan PIT
12. Heath Bell MIA
13. JJ Putz ARI
14. Joakim Soria KC
15. Brandon League SEA
16. Carlos Marmol CHC
17. Rafael Betancourt COL
18. Joe Nathan TEX
19. Huston Street SD
20. Jason Motte STL
21. Jordan Walden ANA
22. Kenley Jansen LAD
23. Chris Perez CLE
24. Javy Guerra LAD
25. Matt Thornton CHW
26. Johnny Venters ATL
27. Frank Francisco NYM
28. Jim Johnson BAL
29. Kyle Farnsworth TB
30. Matt Capps MIN
31. Vinnie Pestano CLE
32. Addison Reed CHW
33. David Robertson NYY
34. Tyler Clippard WAS
35. Sergio Romo SF
36. Brett Myers HOU
37. Grant Balfour A's
38. Francisco Rodriguez MIL
39. Mike Adams TEX
40. Sean Marshall CIN
41. Joel Peralta TB
42. Glen Perkins MIN
43. David Hernandez ARI
44. Francisco Cordero TOR
45. Scott Downs ANA
46. Fernando Salas STL
47. Greg Holland KC
48. Luke Gregerson SD
49. Antonio Bastardo PHI
50. Joaquin Benoit DET
NEXT FIVE: Rex Brothers, Andrew Cashner, Rafael Soriano, Fautino De Los Santos, Mark Melancon
DEEP SLEEPERS: Jeff Samadzija, Tom Wilhelmsen, Edward Mujica, Juan Abreu, Matt Lindstrom
FIVE FOR DYNASTY: Heath Hembree, Joel Carreno, Kelvin Herrera, Brad Boxberger, Bruce Rondon
- I never was a fan of Chris Perez and now his injury has vaulted my often promoted Vinnie Pestano to about the same ranking. Altough, I think by years end Pestano has top 15 type potential. I'm a sucker for the paisans. Oh ehh. Or Ehh oh if your from the west coast.
- Equally as perplexing but very similar in situation is the closer situation with the White Sox and the Dodgers. Both have equally competent big arms in waiting. Guerra and Thornton both start the year and I don't see either finishing. All 4 guys will contribute mightily to saves/holds if your league does that type of thing.
- I would offer advice and ignore the closer situation in Oakland. For drafting sake you could roster 3 guys and all seem like a crap shoot to me. I would rather take a closer a round too early then be stuck with one too late.
- The lower half of the ranking features guys who will get some sneaky saves/maybe better options in the near future. Holland, Brothers and Hernandez all fit this criteria.
- All guys after the first 12 or so are pretty much interchangeable for me. As some have more potential for K's then others, or their teams are in a better position to win games.