Closers are the most painfully necessary players in fantasy baseball. Every season, only 30 of them exist, which creates a market dynamic unlike any other position in the game. The chase begins on draft day and doesn’t end until the season comes to a close.

Injuries, ineffectiveness and committee situations are among the headaches that come with relievers, but there is an upside. Because closer positions are the most volatile in fantasy, there are constantly opportunities to improve throughout the season. Drafting well is important, sure, but hawking saves all season long might be even more crucial.

We’ve put together our preliminary closer rankings, which are, of course, prone to change at any time throughout the spring. As the regular season nears, we’ll shuffle the rankings and go a little deeper to include the ‘insurance policy’ for each closer on the list. Read more »

We will be rolling out plenty of 2010 fantasy baseball coverage in the coming days, weeks and months, but let’s start right here with player-by-player profiles of our rough top 100 preseason rankings. Stay tuned to the site for more player profiles, draft kit information, rankings, sleepers, busts, etc. as Spring Training approaches.

Heath Bell, RP, San Diego Padres
Overview: Was a revelation for the Padres after taking over for legendary closer Trevor Hoffman … led the National League with 42 saves to go along with solid ratios … was among fantasy’s most valuable closers, even on one of baseball’s worst teams … is a good bet to repeat that success, maybe even improve if the Padres take a step in the right direction.
2009 numbers: 6-4, 2.71 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 42 SVs, 79 Ks in 69.2 IP
Key splits and trends: Began the season with a 17-inning scoreless streak … took the loss in relief in the All-Star game and proceeded to have a so-so second half with a 3.90 ERA and 19 saves … 3 of his 6 blown saves came in September, when his ERA ballooned from 1.98 to 2.90.
Strengths: Is a workhorse in the 9th inning and records ‘prototype’ numbers across the board for a closer … calls pitcher-friendly Petco Park home and is efficient in converting save chances.
Weaknesses: Has a tendency to start strong then stumble in the second half of the season … has few viable starters and relievers on the Padres’ pitching staff, little run support, and few leads to protect.
Bold prediction for 2010: More of the same; solid numbers and mediocre 2nd half, but with fewer than 40 saves.

There’s a certain amount of unpredictability leading up to the July 31 trade deadline, but all indications are that the action will once again revolve around the American League East. The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are traditionally the most active buyers on the market, and the Tampa Bay Rays are emerging as parties interested in pulling a big deal by the end of the month.

And that’s just the buyers. The Toronto Blue Jays have the most coveted trade chip to sell in ace right-hander Roy Halladay, and the Baltimore Orioles have some nice, tradeable assets in relievers Danys Baez and George Sherrill to help continue their youth movement. Read more »

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 »

Let’s be honest, a list of MVP candidates in fantasy baseball makes as little sense as a list of MVP candidates in real baseball. The Major League Baseball season is all of two weeks old, which leaves, for most teams, about 150 games left to play. There’s a huge chunk of season remaining, but it’s always fun finding excuses to talk about who’s playing the best baseball right now.

Fantasy heart throb Ian Kinsler certainly qualifies, especially after finding the national spotlight with his historic 6-for-6 day last week. Zack Greinke has done the same with a 34-inning scoreless streak, and Heath Bell has been among the most surprising players in the league with a hefty seven saves. All three rank among our top 10 candidates for MVP honors. Read more »