1. Jonathan Broxton, LAD: Overtakes Papelbon as top closer with video game numbers (1.33 ERA, 0.67 WHIP) and bonus 5 wins
2. Jonathan Papelbon, BOS: Starting to figure things out, but already has more walks this season (11) than he did all of ‘08 (8)
3. Mariano Rivera, NYY: On pace for second-highest opponents’ batting average of career (.244), but using pristine control (28:1 K-to-BB ratio) to lock down saves
4. Francisco Rodriguez, NYM: Had 10 saves and a 0.00 ERA in 15 May appearances; is tied for 2nd in MLB with 14 saves
5. Joe Nathan, MIN: Better days are ahead for the Twins, which means more save chances for one of the game’s most reliable closers
6. Heath Bell, SD: Big-time surprise as MLB saves leader; if Padres keep overachieving, he blows past 40 saves
7. Trevor Hoffman, MIL: A dynamo since coming off the disabled list; has yet to allow an earned run in 16 appearances, already has 14 saves
8. Joakim Soria, KC: When healthy (shoulder), is baseball’s best young closer; returned from the DL in non-save situation Wednesday
9. Frank Francisco, TEX: A draft day gem; allowed his first run of the season Sunday, but still has 0.46 ERA and 12 straight save conversions
10. Francisco Cordero, CIN: Improved command has been a pleasant surprise; on pace for career-best efficiency (16.0 P/IP) and just 21 walks Read more »

Young pitchers and recovering veterans are the theme this week, since a handful of each offer the best potential value on the waiver wire. The must-know name is Atlanta Braves phenom Tommy Hanson, who will make his much-anticipated 2009 debut Saturday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Another youngster, Detroit Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello, has been pitching effectively in the big leagues all season. He is not a perfect addition to a fantasy rotation — he faces an innings limit and has a low strikeout rate — but Porcello has a lot of talent and a knack for earning decisions in his starts.

Injured veterans John Smoltz and Kelvim Escobar are rehabbing right now, and we know exactly what both have to offer when healthy. Of course, there are questions about just when they’re healthy and how long they can stay that way, but those risks are what makes them so widely available in fantasy leagues. Take on the injury risk, and there are huge potential rewards. Read more »

Wednesday was an eventful day for prospect watchers, with three more of the game’s most talented, major league-ready products being called up by their parent clubs.

Atlanta Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson was the most anticipated of the group, but Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen and Chicago White Sox infielder Gordon Beckham could also have an immediate impact on their respective teams. Read more »