X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Closers (July Update)

Click here to get fantasy baseball advice on updated closer rankings and tier commentary. These ranks are updated for week 14 of the 2013 fantasy season.

The first three months of the 2013 fantasy baseball season are in the books, and now we’re really starting to get a feel for the fantasy baseball landscape. RotoBaller will be updating our positional rankings over the next week. Today, we’re revisiting the relief pitcher rankings we initially published in April. All the ranks below are compared to the FantasyPros ECR (Expert Consensus Rank), which will show you where RotoBaller differs with the expert community and by how much. Check out our tier-by-tier analysis below the rankings, and let us know where you agree or disagree with us!

I ranked the closers or possible replacement closers in six tiers but instead of just numbering them from 1-6, I created a name for each tier. I took a look at several lists of the top 10 hottest actresses in 2013 and picked my favorite 6. Of course all 6 of these women are beautiful so as the tiers descend that does not mean the women get uglier. I think it's fun and better than just reading Tier 1-6. Get it? Got it? Good!!


Fantasy Baseball Rankings powered by FantasyPros

 

The Olivia Wilde Tier (1)

Olivia Wilde is the most beautiful actress on the planet (there is no argument here, please save your bandwidth), so the closers in this tier represent the best of the best in baseball.  Since they are elite, there is really not much to report in this group, save perhaps  a cursory note on each's potential replacement in the case of injury.  David Robertson would be the most likely candidate to supplement Mariano RiveraJordan Walden is filling in nicely as the setup guy for Craig Kimbrel, and since he has some closer experience from Anaheim, he should be next in line.  If Aroldis Chapman where to go down with an injury, Jonathan Broxton would probably have been next, but he is presently disabled.  Some experts are touting J.J. Hoover as the next choice, but I would lean towards Alfredo Simon, as (again) he has had some closing experience at the major league level with Baltimore.  You cannot overstate the importance of ninth-inning experience to a manager seeking a replacement.  As of right now, Tanner Scheppers is manning the eighth so he would probably get the call to step in for Joe Nathan-- though Joakim Soria is due back this weekend, he will likely start off in low-leverage situations and eased back into the eighth.

The Jennifer Lawrence Tier (2)

Jennifer Lawrence's beauty is close to Olivia's, but not quite there.  Thus, the pitchers in this tier are very good, but not quite good enough to be considered elite. As I mentioned in last week's column, Jason Grilli is struggling a bit and pitching a ton of innings so far this season; if you have room, stash Mark MelanconGrant Balfour is probably my favorite closer to watch because he is the RAGE against the pitching machine.  Kenley Jansen is really close to being elite and might be by season's end.  Glen Perkins and Addison Reed could be moved via trade so keep a very close watch over the next three weeks.

The Megan Fox Tier (3)

Every one of these women is unique in her own way and Megan Fox was just ridiculously hot in the Transformers movies.  The closers in this tier are unique, but not as good as the second tier.  I wrote about Jim Johnson last week and it seems as though he has put his struggles behind him, but I would still keep Tommy Hunter in the back of your mind.  Edward Mujica has been throwing his changeup more frequently which has really contributed to his success this year, thanks to Yadier Molina blocking behind the dish.  Greg Holland and Ernesto Frieri have been rock-solid this year, and each should remain the closer for his respective team for the foreseeable future.  Fernando Rodney seems to have gotten back on track, but he's still walking batters in bunches.  There have been some rumors that the Phillies might look to move Jonathan Papelbon before the deadline, but it seems like a longshot. It's worth monitoring, though, because either Antonio Bastardo or Phillippe Aumont would replace Papelbon if he does get traded.

The Mila Kunis Tier (4)

Mila Kunis will always have a place in my heart because or her performance in That 70's show.  She can deliver a laugh-line with the best of 'em, and she's stunning in her own way, which puts her on my list as the fourth tier.  These pitchers do not necessarily have a place in my heart, but they do belong in the fourth tier.  It looks like Tom Wilhelmsen is back as the Mariners' closer (hallelujah!)-- I'm not sure how much more of Oliver Perez I can take.  Steve Cishek has been nailz in June, but there is a possibility that he gets traded.  If that happens, then I have to believe that A.J. Ramos would replace him.  Ramos has not allowed a run in his last 8.2 innings.  Bobby Parnell and Casey Janssen both have been reliable closers this year, and both have put up decent numbers.  Chris Perez and Rafael Betancourt both just returned from injuries, and immediately were put back in the ninth-inning role.  Chris Perez scares me because his injury was of the shoulder variety which is never good; I would hold on to Vinnie Pestano, even though he has been struggling.  I really hate to admit this, but I now believe in Jose Veras.  I dogged him earlier in the season, but Veras has been pretty darn good with some really nasty stuff.  As long as he doesn't get traded, he should close the rest of the season.  If he does change teams, then keep these two names in mind:  Jose Cisnero and Josh Fields.

The Amanda Seyfried Tier (5)

Amanda Seyfried is like the girl next door, she is not sexy, but very, very cute.  Well, this next tier consists of relievers who are definitely not sexy (nor cute, really), but I am determined to work this metaphor as far as I can, so just roll with it. Francisco Rodriguez is the new closer for the Brewers, but is he only the closer because they are showcasing him for a trade?  Calling all Jim Henderson owners, please hold, thank you!  I am not a huge fan of either Heath Bell or Huston Street-- I would try to package these guys in the hopes of acquiring a better closer.  If you have an owner that isn't paying much attention at this point than I would sell, sell, sell before it's too late.  Rumors are that there is a good chance that Kevin Gregg gets traded.  I've seen some experts touting Blake Parker, but the guy that needs to be owned here is is Pedro StropJoaquin Benoit is an adequate stopgap, but I'm not sure he keeps this role the rest of the way.  Pay close attention because I'd bet changes will be coming.

The Emma Stone Tier (6)

Emma Stone is the "perfect combination of sexy and cute," but the only perfect thing about this tier is the potential for one of these guys to eventually become his team's closer.  The only reason I created this tier was to list some names that could benefit from trades, injuries or inadequacy.  It is quite possible that I have left some names out but they will get addressed in my articles each week.

 

Stay tuned into RotoBaller.com because the next three weeks are extremely important for relievers as the trading deadline appraoched.  Thanks for reading my articles each week; I hope everyone had a great July 4th!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Darren Waller

Not Expected to Play in Week 3
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
Jameson Williams

Records Long Touchdown in Week 2, Still Limited to Downfield Role?
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Jayden Daniels

Considered "Day-to-Day" with Knee Injury
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Jonathan Taylor

Tops 200 Yards From Scrimmage in Week 2 Win
Joe Burrow

Could Miss Three Months if he Requires Toe Surgery
Davante Adams

Headlines Rams Receiving Corps Sunday
Wan'Dale Robinson

Explodes for 142 Yards, Touchdown in Overtime Thriller
Joe Flacco

Browns Not Considering Benching Joe Flacco After Week 2
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Lamar Jackson

Throws for Four Touchdowns in Week 2 Win
James Cook

Scores Two Touchdowns in Rout of Jets
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Rome Odunze

Scores Twice in Loss
Ja'Marr Chase

Snags 14 Receptions, Finds End Zone in Week 2
Russell Wilson

Throws for 450 Yards, Three Touchdowns in Loss
Jared Goff

Throws Five Touchdowns
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
Luis Arraez

Takes a Seat on Sunday With Head Injury
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Activated, Starting on Sunday
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
Bryan Woo

Records Career-High 13 Strikeouts
Max Muncy

Exits Early on Saturday
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Salvador Perez

Reaches 300 Home Runs, 1,000 RBI
Jose Altuve

Exits Early With Foot Discomfort
Trey Yesavage

Heading to Big Leagues
Will Smith

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
Tarik Skubal

Avoids Serious Injury, Expected to Make Next Start
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
Tanner Bibee

Fans 10 in Two-Hit Shutout
Zach Neto

Dealing With Wrist Soreness
Masyn Winn

Shut Down for Rest of Season
Tarik Skubal

to Undergo Imaging on Saturday
Tyler Soderstrom

Scratched on Friday With Groin Tightness
Tarik Skubal

Exits with Side Tightness
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
Ketel Marte

Scratched From Friday's Lineup
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Alexander Hernandez

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Quang Le

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Card Opener
Santiago Luna

Set For His Debut At Noche UFC 3
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Won't Play Against Georgia
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
CFB

Dylan Edwards Slated to Return on Friday
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
CFB

Ryan Williams Expected to Play Against Wisconsin
CFB

Billy Edwards Jr. Unlikely to Play on Saturday
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension
CFB

David Sanders Jr. Questionable to Make Debut Against Georgia
Lauri Markkanen

Big at Both Ends as Finland Books Place in EuroBasket Semis
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Notches 39 Points in Losing Effort
NBA

Cam Reddish Expected to Move to Europe
NBA

Trey Lyles Joins Real Madrid
Charles Bassey

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Hawks
Sacramento Kings

Terence Davis Waived by Kings
Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP