MLB Fantasy Baseball: 2011 A.L. Only Top 10 Closer Rankings

Here’s a look at the 2011 A.L. Only closer rankings.

1. Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers

His stuff is filthy. He has a 0.82 WHIP and a .160 BAA in 100.3 innings. The Rangers are toying with the idea of using him as a starter, which would obviously change his value. That said, he’s desirable either way. If you are in a league that uses SP and RP and he’s a starter, you basically get an extra starter in your weekly lineup. If he hangs onto the closer gig, he’s the best in the American League.

2. Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals

In the last three years Soria has 115 saves, a 1.84 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. He also has 210 K in 186 innings. Will there be enough leads to protect? That’s the big question.

3. Andrew Bailey, Oakland Athletics

Bailey was limited to 49 innings in 47 appearances last year, but still managed 25 saves, a 1.47 ERA, a 0.96 WHIP, a .199 BAA and 42 K. In two seasons he sports a 1.70 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and a .178 BAA. You know he can get the job done. Health will be a concern.

4. Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox

Papelbon wasn’t nearly as nasty last year, posting a 3.90 ERA, a 1.27 WHIP and a .226 BAA. He still managed 37 saves last year. He’s averaged 37.6 saves over the past five years with 77.6 K, a 2.18 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP.

5. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

It’s not that I think Mo is slipping, but the addition of Rafael Soriano suggests that he will have a lighter load this year. Let’s face it, the Yankees' season doesn’t start until the playoffs begin. If a game were on the line, Mo would be my guy. For a fantasy team, he’s just top five in A.L. Only leagues for me.

6. Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers

His save total (26) wasn’t great and his ERA (3.00) wasn’t spectacular, but he had a solid 1.16 WHIP and an excellent .184 BAA. He also had 63 K in 63 innings. He’s a solid A.L. Only closer.

7. Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins

We know what he was before Tommy John surgery, but how will he respond at 36 years old? The closer gig isn’t a guarantee right away either. There are questions, but he has the goods if he’s healthy.

8. Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians

Perez posted a 1.71 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP and 61 strikeouts in 63 innings last year. Even if he regresses, he should be one of the top strikeout closers in the American League.

9. Kevin Gregg, Baltimore Orioles

Mike Gonzalez is there if Gregg messes up, but he should be a good source for saves and strikeouts. He nailed down 37 wins last year for the Blue Jays.

10. Frank Francisco, Toronto Blue Jays

There are so many question marks on the remaining closers that it gets pretty dicey after the seventh or eighth closer has come off the board. Francisco picks up a ton of strikeouts and has shown he can post a low WHIP. He’s never topped 25 saves, but that could change this year.

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MLB Fantasy Baseball: 2011 A.L. Only Top 10 Closer Rankings

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