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The FanHouse staff has had some time to ponder over our initial fantasy baseball rankings (which you can view by clicking here), so now it's time for the updated version -- no drawn out tables, just down and dirty rankings. We will elaborate on significant moves after the ranks. Read this ranking of RPs. Soak it in. Savor it. Because before you know it, it's going to be rendered virtually meaningless.
Almost all the value a relief pitcher has is tied into his ability to get saves. Think about it -- there are some fantastically-talented eighth-inning relievers out there that won't get drafted till the end of your draft, if at all, yet there will be teams leaping over each other to draft Brandon Lyon and Leo Nunez (among others) before the end of the draft. When an injury strikes or roles switch, the less-talented closers that lose the ninth-inning role are stripped of all their value. So enjoy this ranking. Because after a few months of baseball, the RP landscape will drastically change.
1. Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers
2. Mariano Rivera, Yankees
3. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox
4. Joakim Soria, Royals
5. Brian Wilson, Giants
6. Andrew Bailey, A's
7. David Aardsma, Mariners
8. Jose Valverde, Tigers
9. Heath Bell, Padres
10. Chad Qualls, Diamondbacks
11. Frank Francisco, Rangers
12. Carlos Marmol, Cubs
13. Francisco Rodriguez, Mets
14. Francisco Cordero, Reds
15. Bobby Jenks, White Sox
16. Brian Fuentes, Angels
17. Rafael Soriano, Rays
18. Trevor Hoffman, Brewers
19. Ryan Franklin, Cardinals
20. Huston Street, Rockies
21. Billy Wagner, Braves
22. Brad Lidge, Phillies
23. Mike Gonzalez, Orioles
24. Leo Nunez, Marlins
25. Matt Capps, Nationals
26. Neftali Feliz, Rangers
27. Octavio Dotel, Pirates
28. Chris Perez, Indians
29. Brandon Lyon, Astros
30. Jon Rauch, Twins
31. J.A. Happ, Phillies
32. Matt Lindstrom, Astros
33. Franklin Morales, Rockies
34. Ryan Madson, Phillies
35. Scott Downs, Blue Jays
36. Brandon Morrow, Blue Jays
37. Jason Frasor, Blue Jays
38. Matt Thornton, White Sox
39. Phil Hughes, Yankees
40. Matt Guerrier, Twins
41, Kevin Gregg, Blue Jays
42. Michael Wuertz, A's
43. George Sherrill, Dodgers
44. Jim Johnson, Orioles
45. Kris Medlen, Braves
46. Fernando Rodney, Angels
47. Joel Zumaya, Tigers
48. Kerry Wood, Indians
49. J.J. Putz, White Sox
50. C.J. Wilson, Rangers
51. Hideki Okajima, Red Sox
52. J.P. Howell, Rays
53. Mike Adams, Padres
54. Nick Masset, Reds
55. Luke Gregerson, Padres
56. Dan Meyer, Marlins
57. Jeremy Affeldt, Giants
58. LaTroy Hawkins, Brewers
59. Bob Howry, Diamondbacks
60. Jason Motte, Cardinals
61. Justin Masterson, Indians
62. David Robertson, Yankees
63. Brad Ziegler, A's
64. Takashi Saito, Braves
65. Daniel Bard, Padres
66. Joey Devine, A's
67. Rafael Betancourt, Rockies
68. Brian Bruney, Nationals
69. Hong-Chih Kuo, Dodgers
70. Jhoulys Chacin, Rockies
71. Alfredo Aceves, Yankees
72. Sergio Romo, Giants
73. Joel Hanrahan, Pirates
74. Tony Pena, White Sox
75. Mark Melancon, Yankees
• A way to try and find sleeper saves candidates in deeper leagues is to check out the 20-30 range of RPs and picture who you would think taking over for those lower-tier closers. For instance, Dan Meyer of the Marlins could pay dividends if Leo Nunez can't hold on to the Florida job. Other potential waiver-wire saves include Joel Hanrahan, Brian Bruney, and any Blue Jay you can pick up.
• Convential wisdom has Kevin Gregg taking over as the Toronto closer, but we're not so sure. The Jays will probably mix and match and see what works for the back end of the pen. Jason Frasor and Scott Downs have excelled as setup men, but one may be ready to take the next step. If you're low on saves at the end of your draft, nab one of these three and hope your lottery ticket hits.
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