Week 5 Closer Report: Five-Tool Closers

Published: 30^th Apr 12 11:29 pm

by Adam McGill
adammcgill

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Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

With the fifth week of the fantasy baseball season upon us, it is pretty clear if you are set at the closer position or if you have a gaping hole at the bottom of your lineup. The position is growing more and more important in fantasy baseball and is always worth taking a closer look at. Each week of the season I will dissect the closer position; by evaluating injuries, looking at position battles, and reviewing some future stars. Below is the week 5 edition of my fantasy baseball closer report:

The Med Room:

Joel Hanrahan, PIT – Hanrahan is finally back following a lingering hamstring injury, and the closer has converted a save in three straight outings since returning. He also has yet to allow a hit and appears to be back to his All-Star form. Hanrahan should be starting in every format and will be back anchoring fantasy bullpens.

Job Security:

Fernando Rodney, TB – Rodney has really established himself as one of the best closers in the AL since taking over the spot and will make it very hard for Kyle Farnsworth to claim the job when he comes back from an elbow injury. Rodney has racked up 7 saves on the year along with a 0.64 WHIP and even more impressive 0.96 ERA. The veteran is having a career year and should be starting in every format until he loses his job.

Reenergized:

Alfredo Aceves , BOS – “Double-A” has completely changed the opinion of him in the fantasy world over the last week. After blowing his second save earlier in the month, Boston brought starter, Daniel Bard, back into the bullpen to show Aceves that his job is not secure. Aceves has responded by converting his last three saves opportunities and has brought his ERA from a football-like 24.00 all the way down to a less embarrassing 12.00. Aceves has somewhat secured his job and if he can remain the closer he will finally be able to start taking advantage of the Bo-Sox’s amazing run support.

New Man on Campus:

Scott Downs, LAA – The former setup man was handed the closer role after head coach, Mike Scioscia, demoted Jordan Walden after some early season jitters. Downs has yet to allow a run in his 9 innings of work, which is something a coach always looks for in the ninth inning. Downs for now will be the man in LA and can still be found in a majority of deeper leagues, just in case any fantasy owners need an always-precious reliever.

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