2011 Closer/Relief Pitcher Rankings


San Diego Padres pitcher Heath Bell (L) is congratulated by teammate and catcher Yorvit Torrealba after the Padres defeated the San Francisco Giants during their MLB baseball game in San Francisco, California October 2, 2010. REUTERS/Robert Galbraith (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASEBALL)

Fantasy Baseball Rankings 2011: Closers

In comparison to real baseball, closers have an inflated value in fantasy baseball. They certainly play an important role in winning games, but c’mon – is it really that hard to get 3 hitters out with a 3-run lead?

With that said, over the past few seasons, there has normally only been one closer in Major League Baseball who makes it look easier than all the rest: Mariano Rivera, who has topped our annual fantasy baseball closer rankings heading into draft time the past two years.

Coming into 2011, however, Rivera falls from the throne. He may retire as the greatest closer in MLB history, but in 2011… there’s one closer who stands above the rest – San Diego’s Heath Bell.

How can we not rank Rivera no. 1 on this list for 2011? Well, he only saved 33 games last year. And while Rivera certainly is consistent, Bell finished 2010 6-1 with 47 saves, a 1.93 ERA, 86 strikeouts and a 1.20 WHIP in 70 innings and 50 save opportunities. Bell’s body of work the past few seasons is enough to annoint him the top closer in 2011, even though stoppers like Rivera, San Francisco’s Brian Wilson, and Texas’ Neftali Feliz certainly deserve some serious consideration right behind him on your draft boards.

And while we do call this page a listing of closers and other relievers, unless your league shows love to holds as a fantasy baseball category, there really is no reason for you to consider middle relievers on draft day.

Fantasy Baseball Closer/
Relief Pitcher Rankings

Closer is probably the toughest position to evaluate in fantasy baseball. Unlike most positions where the starter has a lock on his job, closer situations can often become a revolving door if some pitchers can’t get their act together.

Despite the volatility at the position, Fantasy Baseball Dugout still recommends carrying 3 closers on a fantasy roster. Why? Because you can corner the market. That said, however, don’t overpay for saves.

There are a wide variety of quality closers to consider in 2011, below are our Top 30. E-mail webmaster [at] fantasybaseballdugout [dot] com if you think we got something wrong.

  1. Heath Bell, San Diego Padres
  2. Mariano Rivera, Free Agent
  3. Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants
  4. Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers
  5. Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
  6. Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins
  7. Rafael Soriano, Free Agent
  8. Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs
  9. Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers
  10. Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox
  11. Andrew Bailey, Oakland A’s
  12. Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets
  13. Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
  14. Jonny Venters, Atlanta Braves (or Craig Kimbrel, whoever wins)
  15. Drew Storen, Washington Nationals
  16. Houston Street, Colorado Rockies
  17. Bobby Jenks, Chicago White Sox
  18. Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati Reds
  19. Kevin Gregg, Toronto Blue Jays
  20. Brad Lidge, Philadelphia Phillies
  21. Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati Reds
  22. Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals
  23. David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners
  24. Fernando Rodney, Los Angeles Angels
  25. Leo Nunez, Florida Marlins
  26. John Axford, Milwaukee Brewers
  27. Matt Lindstrom, Houston Astros
  28. Chris Perez, Cleveland Indians
  29. Alfredo Simon, Baltimore Orioles
  30. Juan Gutierrez, Arizona Diamondbacks

Check out our other 2010 fantasy baseball rankings:
Catcher | First Base | Second Base | Third Base | Shortstop | Outfield
Starting Pitchers