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Most Reliable Fantasy Baseball Closers

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Best Fantasy Baseball Closers

Theres not much difference statistically between the number one most reliablefantasy baseball closer and number ten on the list. The Dodgers Jonathan Broxton

starts the year at the top but could just as easily find himself near the bottom. Such

is the fate of closers.

1. Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers In his first full season as a closer

Broxton was dominant. His .165 BAA, 2.61 ERA and .96 WHIP were the best of

his four-year career. Still only 26.

2. Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox Papelbon has blew only three of his 41

save chances in 2009. He also posted a solid .185 ERA and .213 BAA. Should

be motivated as he becomes a free agent at season end.

3. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees Rivera showed no signs of giving up his

mantle as the most reliable fantasy baseball closer in history. In 2009 he

answered the bell 44 of 46 times, which gave him the second best

percentage in baseball.

4. Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati Reds Cordero has been steady. Even though

he pitched for the sub-.500 Reds he earned 39 saves and has averaged 44

over the past three seasons. His ERA of 2.16 was third best in the NL.

5. David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners Aardsma is looking to prove that his firstfull season as a closer was not a fluke. He earned 38 saves in 44

opportunities and his four homers allowed and .190 BAA paced the AL. His

BAA of .190 was the best among AL closers.

6. Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets Rodriguez is intent on proving doubters

wrong. His numbers fell off markedly from his record-setting 2008 season.

Hes average 46 saves per season, with 35 last year.

7. Heath Bell, San Diego Padres Bell made Padre fans forget about Trevor

Hoffman in 2009 by picking up 42 saves, which led the NL. He also had an

outstanding BAA of .213 and average well over a strikeout per inning.

8. Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants Wilson also averaged well over a

strikeout per frame as he picked up 38 saves in his second season as Giants

closer. He improved on his ERA and BAA. Hes in his prime at 28.

9. Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals Franklin has plans on proving hes not a

one-season wonder. The ex journeyman botched only five of his 43 save

chances and pitched to an ERA of 1.92.

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