There are several strategies in regards to handling your relief pitchers. You can use high draft picks (or big time auction money) on one of the seven or eight sure things out there. There isn�t much upside but at least you know they are highly coveted. Or you can go the cheap way with several speculative picks � if some don�t pan out don�t worry, no less than 16 teams changed their closer due to injury, ineffectiveness or whatever reason during 2003. The key is to be first to the waiver wire when a new closer is identified. Or you can simply punt the category all together, since saves is only one of eight or ten categories � but where�s the fun in that???

1. Eric Gagne (LA � 1890) � Quick, what does Gagne and NFL kicker Mike Vanderjagt have in common??? Both are Canadians, and the only time either failed all of last year was in their respective All-Star games. But Gagne is far more valuable than any liquored-up NFL kicker. CDM players traditionally go with the cheap reliever theory, simply finding the best value while saving cap space for the rest of the roster. Eric Gagne totally defeats that theory. Last year in 82 1/3 IP, the opposition hit all of .133 off of Gagne, along with a microscopic 1.20 ERA and a .69 ratio along with 55 saves. The Goon�s 107 saves over a two year period rank as the best in any two-year period in history, averaging over 1 � strikeouts PER INNING during that span is also unprecedented. Was even better after the break, with a 0.24 ERA, striking out 61 in 34 innings after the break. It says something when a reliever wins the Cy Young without a controversial debate. Further, the Dodger way of getting into close, low-scoring games ensures plenty more opportunities for Gagne for the foreseeable future. If there was ever a closer not only meriting a first round pick, but even a top-five selection this is it. Even if Gagne slips to 2002 levels (1.89/.86/12.4 K�s per nine innings) he will be worth it.



2. Billy Wagner (PHI � 1630) � By now the story is legendary, as a youth Wagner kept on breaking his right arm playing football. While the bad arm was healing Wagner started taking to throwing a baseball left-handed. As they say, the rest is history. The past three years, only his home park (not friendly to lefties) has been keeping Wags from perhaps being the #1 reliever overall. Last year Wagner only gave up 2 ER�s on the road in 45.1 IP. That�s a tidy .4 ERA, along with .75 ratio. Opponents hit just .140 off Wagner on the road and also whiffed 62 times. Since 2001, Wagner has a 1.19 ERA on the road along with a .76 ratio. The dimensions of the Phillies new park due seem hitter friendly (330� down the lines, 369 to the power alleys) but not quite the bandbox Houston is. A bum middle finger suffered early in camp is only cause for mild concern.



3. Keith Foulke (BOS � 1560) � This is all you need to know about how truly crazy this position is, the White Sox removed Foulke from his closers role two years ago, then traded Foulke for Billy Koch!!! Never mind that Foulke has a sub-1.00 ratio since 1998, along with 43 saves last year while even chipping in nine wins. The wins only served to jack up his CDM salary even more, but with the Red Sox Foulke should do just as well if not even better.



4. Mariano Rivera (NYY � 1600) � If you�ve been chased away by sticker shock or the thought of burning a high draft pick in recent years, perhaps in 2004 you will find this Yankee legend somewhat affordable. Some injury concerns have popped up, but even last year Mariano had just a 1.66 ERA (the best in his career) along with 40 saves and winning five games. As usual, the Sandman was at his best during the stretch drive, only allowing one ER in 28 innings in September and during the playoffs. Rivera has also issued less free passes as time has gone on, allowing only 10 BB in 70.2 innings last year.



5. John Smoltz (ATL � 1500) � Only his chronic elbow keeps Smoltz behind the 2-4 relievers on this list. In fact Smoltz was just a half-step behind Gagne (although no one else can keep up with Eric�s strikeouts) recording 45 saves through August before being shutdown, with a microscopic 1.12 ERA and .87 ratio. Smoltz wound up having scar tissue removed from the elbow (remember his pained expressions while closing Game 4 v. the Cubs??) and will take it easy this Spring. The Braves brass came away very impressed after a recent bullpen session (Bobby Cox said �Our eyes opened way up�) but the real test will be the grind of the season. Still, Smoltz should be worth the risk.



6. Octovio Dotel (HOU � 1250) - Here is why the Astros had no problems moving Billy Wagner�s contract. In recent years Dotel has had an ERA just over two with his ratio under one the past two years. For his career, Dotel has been well over a strikeout per inning, and fanned 145 in 115 innings in 2001. Don�t expect anything less than Dotel being among the elite this year, and a tremendous value pick in CDM.



7. Eddie Guardado (SEA � 1490) � The Mariners!!!??? Don�t they have that Kaz guy??? No, don�t sweat it, in case you haven�t been following the off-season Kaz Sasaki terminated his contract and elected to return to Japan. Guardado racked up 86 saves the last two years in Minnesota with a ratio just over 1. In Seattle expect even better, where you just might get a save �every day�.



8. Jason Isringhausen (STL � 1290) � There is a steep drop off after the top seven, but if you could insure me that Izzy could stay in one piece for just one year, he would be an elite closer as well. Sincle arriving in St. Louis Izzy has held opponents to a .200 batting average and amassed 20 saves in the final three months last year.



9. Arthur Rhodes (OAK � 800) � Inherits one of the better closer gigs in the game. Disregard last years numbers (4.17/1.31) that were mainly due to a bum ankle. Art was one of the better 7th/8th inning pitchers for two years running in Seattle, with years of 1.72/.85 and 2.34/.84 in 2001-02, averaging well over a strikeout per inning each time. 800 salary makes him a must in CDM.



10. Armando Benitez (FL � 1300) � As maligned as Mando has been in recent years, it should be noted that Benitez has averaged 11.7 K�s per nine innings in his career, perhaps the best ratio this side of Gagne. He will give up his walks and occasional gopher balls, but going to relative obscurity in South Florida will be a big help. Expect 35-40 saves.



11. Trevor Hoffman (SD � 1230) � BONG!!! BONG!!! BONG!!! He�s back, the closer who made Hell�s Bells one of AC/DC�s greatest hits years after the fact got some September work in following shoulder surgery (not roto-cuff related) last September (9 IP, 11 K�s, 2 ERA). With 296 saves from 1996-2002, TH51�s resume should need no introduction and perhaps the year off will actually help. Also don�t be surprised with the Padres contends, or perhaps even win the NL West, so Hoffman should get plenty of save opps.



12. Troy Percival (ANH � 1420) � Probably a bit overvalued at this point, and kind of damaged due to an arthritic hip (think Joey Belle). Still you have to like anyone who holds opponents to a .180 average and has been the team�s closer since 1996, compiling 280 saves in that span.



13. Joe Borowski (CHC � 1220) � You would think Joe had nothing else to prove after last season, saving 33 of 37 games along with a 2.63/1.05 and averaging a strikeout per inning. But Kyle Farnsworth and now the newly acquired LaTroy Hawkins are mentioned as possible candidates to unseat Borowski. Joe is one of those who only needs a bad week or two to find himself in trouble.



14. Matt Mantei (AZ � 1040) � A gamble, but potential steal at this juncture. Although oft-injured, Mantei showed what he was capable of, saving 14 games in July/August while allowing only one earned run in 21 innings, striking out 29 in that span. The problem is the D-Backs would like to dearly move Mantei and his salary and make Jose Velverde their closer. A nice CDM price tag, but be sure to have a contingency plan in place.



15. Rob Nen (SF � 1280) � Big question mark here. After seven consecutive seasons of 35+ saves, Nen missed all of last season with a partially torn rotator cuff and is no guarantee to come back. In limited bullpen work so far this Spring, Nen has been described as �85 percent�. Kind of sounds like someone who will begin the year on the DL to me. Well over a strikeout per inning in his career, and this ranking is solely based on that. At the very least, make sure you get a handcuff if selecting Nen.



16. Francisco Cordero (TX � 1010) � Saved 14 games the final two months of the year, and is also worth plenty of strikeouts (90 in 73 IP). Beware of some wildness along with the high heat. Also lost eight games and blew 10 saves, but those were somewhat misleading stats as some of those occurred in the role of a set-up man.



17. Braden Looper (NYM � 1190) � Was steady but not spectacular as the Marlins closer for most of last year, amassing 28 saves with a 3.68 ERA but a 1.38 ratio � before in effect switching places with Armando Benitez. Met fans won�t have to worry about seeing Mando-like meltdowns from Looper, but don�t look for automatic lights-out ninth innings either. Looper is not a strikeout pitcher which may be looked as a negative.



18. Danys Baez (TB � 880) � Cleveland elected to stick with David Riske along with the returning Bob Wickman, and let Baez go to Tampa as a free agent. The big Cuban�s career #�s are not bad, with a 3.81/1.16 last year, but lost nine games with nine blown saves His situation in Tampa will be no better nor worse than Cleveland. Another inexpensive option for CDM.



19. Joe Nathan (MN � 720) � Another former set-up man who should flourish as a closer in Minnesota. Last year Nathan won 12 games for the Giants along with a 2.96/1.06 while averaging a strikeout per inning.



20. Shawn Chacon (COL) � Saw Chacon with his girlfriend on an episode of Springer the other day, where Chacon had to confess that even though she had always known him as a starter, that he is now a closer. She gave a shocked look for a few seconds before she started whaling her purse at Shawn. Guest bouncer Jeff Weaver attempted to intervene, but Mike Sweeney emerged from backstage and pummeled Weaver to pieces. A GREAT SCENE. OK, I made all this up, Chacon was the Rockies ace last year and is that rare pitcher who actually PITCHES BETTER at Coors Field. The fact that he has never closed however makes him a question mark. It will take a few appearances before Shawn officially qualifies at reliever.



21. Danny Kolb (MIL � 940) � Except for a long history of arm troubles and pitching for the Brewers, there is much to like here, as Kolb saved 21 games after the All-Star Break with a sub-2 ERA and 39 K�s in 41 innings pitched. A power pitcher who relies on fastballs and sliders, Kolb is spending this spring adding a change-up to his arsenal. Only problem is I�m not expecting too many 10-game winning streaks in Milwaukee this summer.



22. Jorge Julio (BAL � 1250) � Considering that he saved 36 games last year despite a 4.36/1.52, and that the Orioles are improved elsewhere, the thinking is Julio could post some big time save totals if he can improve on his 2002 totals (1.99/1.21). Except for the threat of the O�s trading for an established closer should they contend, Julio�s job appears fairly secure.



23. Danny Graves (CIN � 1070) � Is officially the Reds closer after a 4-15 season as a starter, you may have to wait until he qualifies as a relief pitcher this year. Only struck out 60 in 169 innings. If he struggles again this year, look for Chris Rietsma and eventually Ryan Wagner to take over. Even if Graves does the job, he will probably be dealt at the trade deadline.



24. Damaso Marte (CWS � 1000) � What does one have to do to earn a closers job??? Marte has come off years of 2.85/1.03 and 1.58/1.05 and also struck out 87 in just 71 IP last year. But the Pale Hose would desperately like to see Billy Koch regain the closers role because (a) he makes the big bucks and (b) the Sox don�t want to look even more foolish for trading Keith Foulke. Smart money says Marte ends up being the closer once and for all.



25. Ugueth Urbina (FA � 1160) � Normally he would be ranked much higher, but as of March 1 he is without a job, although the latest reports have him talking to the Pirates. Urbina is on record as saying he will �retire� without a 2-year contract for $4.5 million per. If he elects not to take the Pirates offer (which is considerably less), UUU can elect to sit and wait for a the first domino to fall, reports are that there could be up to a dozen teams interested depending on the circumstances. UUU also had a gun charge in Venezuela in the off-season, the second time he has made the blotter in recent years. Urbina has 206 saves since 1997 and has held opponents and held opponents to a .174 average last year, and is also good for a strikeout per inning.



26. Rafael Soriano (SEA � 700) � Very capable of being a top closer, with 68 K�s in just 53 IP last year with a .79 WHIP, which is darn close to Eric Gagne #�s. But Eddie Guardado is the man for now, but Soriano could also wind up in the rotation, where he could be this years Johan Santana.



27. Mike MacDougal (KC � 920) � His player ID in Yahoo is 6666 - If that isn't enough to scare you off, MacDougal has nasty heat, but not very accurate and very hittable, not a good combination. Saved ten games in April, leading to an eventual All-Star berth, but ERA approached seven in the second half and now may have to share closing duties with Curtis Leskanic and possibly Jeremy Affeldt.



28. Jeremy Affeldt (KC) � One of the more promising pitchers out there, Affeldt could either land in the Royals rotation or wind up as their closer. Either way the potential value out there makes him worth a late round pick, especially being eligible in both positions.



29. David Riske (CLE � 720) � There isn�t much risk here, he will be the Tribes closer sooner rather than later. Last year Riske struck out 82 in 74.2 IP pitch along with an excellent .96 ratio.
30. Bob Wickman (CLE � 920) � You remember Wick don�t you??? Kind of has a fat face, and talks R-E-A-L S-L-O-W. Coming back from Tommy John surgery, the Indians would like for Wickman to open the season in the closer�s role to gain some trade value. Look for Wicky to wind up as a setup man for a contender by August.



31. Jose Valverde (AZ � 950) � Between Matt Mantei�s injury troubles and the D-Backs desire to trade him, Valverde stands an excellent chance to close at some point this season. Valverde struck out 70 in 50.1 IP last year, and opponents hit only .137 off him.



32. LaTroy Hawkins (CHC � 950) � The story goes that LFH wasted no time calling Joe Borowski and letting him know that he�s not looking to claim his closers job. And perhaps Hawkins is indeed more interested in being the #2 man on the ticket instead of seeking the nomination himself. Fact is Hawkins has been spectacular as a set-up man since a mid-season meltdown cost him his closer job with the Twins back in 2001. The past two years, LFH has been 15-3 while posting ERA�s of 2.13 and 1.86, and makes for a nice handcuff for Borowski.
33. Justin Speier (TOR � 780) � The son of long-time Giants infielder Chris Speier, Justin put up solid numbers for 2 � years as a Rockies set-up man (ratios of 1.19/1.13/1.31) Speier appears to be getting first crack at being the Jays closer this year, could actually be a nice sleeper for a team that�s not half bad.



34. Luis Ayala (MTL � 890) � Rocky Biddle may be the incumbent, but last year�s stats point towards Ayala winning the job this spring after posting a 2.92 ERA/1.10 ratio last year. He seems to be the best option the Expos have, but like Aqualino Lopez - Ayala carries the red flag of being a Rule 5 pick-up.



35. Ryan Wagner (CIN � 700) � It took Wagner all of one month after being a top amateur draft selection to get the call with the Reds, and has huge strikeout potential. There is talk about making him a starter, but his chances are better than 50-50 of becoming the Reds closer sometime this season. You cannot go wrong making a late-round selection on Wagner and stashing him away.



36. Billy Koch (CWS � 1270) � Since late in 2002, it has not gone well for Billy the Goat. First he publicly mused about capping himself after costing the A�s in the deciding game in the Division series. Then Billy wasted no time in his �fresh start� with the Sox, capped by giving up 4 ER in a third of an inning on a bizarre full-moon night which featured the attack by a fan on umpire after Laz Diaz. After the game, Billy suggested that the next two-fisted slobber to venture onto the field at Comiskey take his frustrations out on him (which wouldn�t be a first in Chicago either). Billy has the big contract, and the White Sox would like to show their fans that they got something out of the Keith Foulke trade � but steer away unless Koch regains his fastball and his self-esteem.



37. Felix Rodriguez (SF � 690) � Tim Worrell is no longer around, so if Rob Nen is unable to answer the bell F-Rod stands the best chance to fill in. At the very least you can get a month or two out of him buying time to find another closer off the scrap heap.



38. Lance Carter (TB � 1170) � Ignore the info in most of the magazines that printed early that have Carter ranked higher, and also forget that bogus All-Star bid he received over Aubrey Huff. Yes, Lance saved 26 games and had a decent ratio � but now his role is clearly defined as a setup man behind Danys Baez.



39. Curtis Leskanic (KC � 710) � A year removed from rotator cuff surgery, Leskanic appeared to be his old self in 2003, posting a 5-0 record and a 2.24 ERA while striking out a man per inning. Showed enough early on to convince the Royals to trade for him at mid-season. With the Royals closer situation unsettled, Leskanic has the experience to take over if need be.



40. Jose Mesa (PIT � 990) � A 6.52 ERA and a 1.76 ratio, which seems like the Mesa we all know and love. But Mesa has come back from the dead before, and is only a couple years removed from recording years of 45 and 42 saves. As long as Ugueth Urbina doesn�t show up, Mesa has as good a chance as any to close in the Burgh.



41. Fernando Rodney (DET � 750) � Hasn�t accomplished much in his career, but throws heat in the high 90�s and is the best bet to be the Tigers closer this year, although Franklyn German and Matt Anderson will probably also get opportunities.



42. Aquilino Lopez (TOR � 900) � Kind of sounds like a name for a designer water. Had a great finish saving 12 games for the Jays in August and September, gets some strikeouts, and held opponents to a .212 average last year. The red flags are that Lopez was a Rule 5 pick (Seattle never thought enough of him to call him up) along with competition from Justin Speier. Being part of a committee is the best possibility here.



43. Rocky Biddle (MTL � 1030) � He saved 34 games last year, but you won�t see anywhere near that this year. Biddle was very rocky along the way, posting an ERA near six in the second half. By far Luis Ayala is the better pick.



44. Francisco Rodriguez (ANH � 820) � 2002 Playoff hero had a nice quiet first full season with the Angels, winning eight games while striking out 95 hitters and allowing just less than a baserunner an inning. With the state of Troy Percival�s health, K-Rod is definitely worth keeping an eye on.



45. Brad Lidge (HOU � 830) � Moves up one rung on the Astros ladder, now is the prime setup man for Octovio Dotel. Key # here is 97 K�s in 85 IP last year, but is inconsistent.



46. Kyle Farnsworth (CHC � 750) � Highlight of last season was his memorable charge of home plate, where he proceeded to rearrange the face of the Reds Paul Wilson. Don�t think any other NL pitchers will be giving him the what for after getting some high heat on a bunt attempt anytime soon. Farnswoth struck out 92 in 76.1 innings and held opponents to a .196 average. Remains a good player to keep an eye out on, although he is behind Borowski and LaTroy Hawkins in the pecking order.



47. Flash Gordon (NYY � 1100) � Signs on as an insurance policy in case Mariano Rivera has physical problems again. Still one of the best strikeout ratios of any reliever, recording 91 strikeouts in 74 innings while recording seven wins and 12 saves with the White Sox last year.



48. Guillermo Mota (LA � 700) � Hopefully he does not pitch v. the Mets in the exhibition season, Piazza is probably still searching Vero Beach trying to find him. Unless the blimp crashes on Gagne, you won�t see Mota close games but has shown to be very capable, logging 105 innings last year (tops for a short reliever) and recording 99 K�s along with a sub-2 ERA and a sub-1 ratio. Even without the saves, the rest of his stats are great and would be a top-15 closer if ever given the chance.



49. Tim Worrell (PHI � 1110) � The Giants couldn�t have possibly asked any more out of Worrell, as he wound up holding the closers role all season in place of Rob Nen, and recorded 38 saves along with a 2.87 ERA. But Worrell hooked up with Philly in the off-season with a well defined role of setting up Billy Wagner. But you know he is a known commodity if he�s needed.



50. Shingo Takatsu (CWS) � Japan�s all-time save leader (260) comes over stateside and will fight for scraps with Billy Koch, Damaso Marte, and former Blue Jay Cliff Politte in the Sox bullpen. Most scouts don�t think his Japanese success will translate into Kaz Sasaki like success here. But it might not hurt to take a chance on anyone who has the moniker of �Mr Zero�. Does Nancy Faust have the lyrics down yet??? �Maybe I�ll win, Saved by Zero�.