Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
Some treat closers like gold, others treat them like second-class pitchers.
But, for some reason, closers are really holding their own as far as worth this season, compared to the starters who have seemingly been lit up like Christmas trees on a consistent basis, well, besides Johan Santana.
If anyone knows why six of the 10 top-ranked pitchers in standard Yahoo! leagues are closers, please let me know so I can trade my top starters for closers. It just doesn't make sense to me, but I'll go out on a limb and say it won't last very long.
Los Angeles Dodgers' Jonathan Broxton, Texas' Frank Francisco, San Diego's Heath Bell and St Louis' Ryan Franklin has been just filthy. Of that group, only Broxton has an ERA -- 0.64 -- so shame on you Broxton. Will this mastery of the ninth inning last? No way.
Closers are typically viewed as "dime a dozen" pitchers, expect for the elite like Jonathan Papelbon, Mariano Rivera and Francisco Rodriguez, and even some fantasy owners punt saves to focus on other categories and positions during the draft.
Don't forget about B.J. Ryan's replacement Scott Downs (0.59 ERA, 3 saves). And kudos to A's reliever Andrew Bailey (1.45 ERA, 3 wins, 22 Ks, 0.70 WHIP), a complete unknown who is only owned in 38 percent of leagues.
But you've got to appreciate the production they're giving your team right now. Perhaps, you should think about unloading them in a trade while their stock is sky high. Look for those owners who desperately need saves to stay in the saves race, and try to get one of their higher-profile pitchers or position players. If you're going to sell, sell REAL high!
As far as starters, Chad Billingsley is cruising with 5 wins and a 2.21 ERA. Billingsley is quickly becoming a legit fantasy ace, and a must-have pitcher.
Also there are some early-season surprises in the form of: Yovani Gallardo (3 wins, 3.02 ERA, 0.96 WHIP) and Johnny Cueto (1.65 ERA, 1.04 WHIP) -- remember he couldn't find the strike zone as a rookie last year for the Reds.
When talking about ace stuff, look no further than Tampa Bay's Matt Garza. Everyone knows who he is now. He's got a blistering fastball and a "you-can't-hit-me mentality."
Garza is 3-0 with 3.51 ERA and 1.00 WHIP.
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