1) Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox: In his sophomore campaign Pabelbon showed us his rookie year was no fluke. In 2007 he recorded 37 saves and struck out 84 batters in only 58 1/3 innings. With the run support he is likely to get from the destructive Red Sox lineup this season, look for the flame-thrower to showcase his talents yet again. The Sox will likely surpass the 90 wins mark and there's no reason (barring injury) he won't pay off as the first reliever taken off the board.
2) J.J Putz, Seattle Mariners: Putz proved he's the real deal in '07 by saving 40 games while managing a 22 scoreless inning streak. His impressive season included topping all regular relievers in ERA and WHIP, he also struck out 82 in 71.2 innings. With the additions of Carlos Silva and Erik Bedard to the starting rotation, Putz should be dangerous again in '08.
3) Jose Valverde, Arizona Diamondbacks: A lot of draft boards have Valverde ranked between 7-10, I on the other hand have him as my third overall reliever because he is too dominating to be overlooked. His 47 saves led the majors last season, and
his dazzling 78 strikeouts in 64.1 was incredible for a closer in his first full year. Valverde did struggle with ball control at times, walking 3.64 batters per nine innings. His youthful enthusiasm and dangerous repertoire of pitches adds a great closer to a dominating Diamondback rotation.4) Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees: The 'Sandman' still has gas left in the tank to be considered one of the most dominating closers in the game. He converted 30 of 32 save opportunities, his trademark cutter hasn't lost a step. Rivera managed 9.34 K per nine inning in '07, while spending most of September shelved on the disabled list. If the Yankees bullpen can manage late innings better than last year Rivera should be able to surpass the 40 saves mark again this season.
5) Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: K-Rod is good, K-Rod is real good-he managed to record his third straight season with at least 40 saves in 2007. He struck out a mind numbing 90 batters over 67.1 innings last year, and has averaged 94 strikeouts over the last two seasons. In a contract year where he lost his arbitration case K-Rod for the first time seems to have a legitimate downside. He suffered a career worst 4.54 BB per 9 innings last season, and his speedy delivery is always a threat to haunt him. All that being said, Rodriguez's reward is much greater than his risk.
This is the first installment in the three part Fantasy Baseball Preview. Due up next time, Starting Pitchers.
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