Relief pitching is the most fluid position in fantasy baseball.
Whether it be due to an injury or a managerial decision, a new closer seems to emerge every other week. Last year we saw relief pitchers such as David Aardsma, Andrew Bailey, and Ryan Franklin take over closing duties for their respective teams and put up elite level production.
Every week of the season, I will be providing you with my personal top 50 rankings for relief pitchers. I will also be letting you know which relief pitchers are trending upward and which are trending downward so you can better monitor the latest developments at the closer position.
Surging 
Billy Wagner, Atlanta Braves
Not long ago, Wagner was considered one of the game’s best closers. He showed last year in his brief stint with the Red Sox that he still has closer stuff. The Braves were certainly convinced and signed him to be their closer. So far he has not disappointed. Wagner has pitched a scoreless innings in both of Atlanta’s wins, recording a save to go along with five strikeouts. If he is able to remain healthy the entire year, he should be a top 10 closer.
Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants
Wilson just looks the part. He’s intense on the mound and rifles high 90′s fastballs at opposing hitters. He has two saves on the young season, striking out a batter in each game while not allowing a base runner. Although he does walk more hitters than you’d like to see out of your closer, Wilson could sneak into the top 10 considering the Giants won’t be blowing out opponents when they win.
David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners
Aardsma improved his control last year and became one of the American League’s best closers, yet he still is not getting the respect he deserves. He’s done all he could thus far to silence his critics, converting a save in his only opportunity while striking out two and not allowing a base runner. There’s a lot to like about Aardsma; he plays in a spacious ballpark with a great defense behind him and will be closing for an offensively challenged team expected to contend for the American League West title. Expect a lot of close Mariners wins.
Falling
Frank Francisco, Texas Rangers
Francisco imploded on Thursday, giving up three runs and five base runners while taking the loss. His job is secure, however things could get interesting down the road if flamethrower Neftali Feliz pitches lights out like he did last year. Francisco also doesn’t have the greatest track record when it comes to injuries.
Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals
Ryan Franklin had a great year last year but really struggled in September with a 7.56 ERA. He didn’t start off 2010 on the right foot either, giving up three hits and two earned runs on opening day. His job is safe for now but if he continues to struggle, don’t think Dave Duncan is incapable of turning another journeyman reliever into an All-Star closer.
Mike Gonzalez, Baltimore Orioles
Gonzalez’s first two games with his new club have not been kind to him. In 1.1 innings, he has given up two earned runs and allowed seven base runners. He was brought to Baltimore to close so he is in no danger of losing his job, but if he continues to struggle watch out for Jim Johnson who saved some games for the O’s last year.
On The Mend
Huston Street, Colorado Rockies
The good news? The MRI on his shoulder showed no structural damage. The bad news? Street’s shoulder will have to be strengthened so he’s likely to be out until mid-May. Franklin Morales will be the interim closer for the Rockies in the meantime.
Brad Lidge, Philadelphia Phillies
Lidge is recovering from both elbow and knee surgery. Fortunately he will be pitching in a rehab game soon and if all goes well, he should be back by late-April. While he was awful last year, keep in mind that he also started the year on the DL in 2008 and ended up with 41 saves and an ERA under 2.00.
Kerry Wood, Cleveland Indians
Wood is suffering from a muscle strain in his back. Given his injury history, Indians manager Manny Acta is likely to take a cautious approach with Wood. As a result, he probably won’t be back up mid-to-late May. Chris Perez will take over the closing duties and should be a nice source of saves while Wood is out.
Situation To Watch
Houston Astros
It will be interesting to see what new Houston Astros manager Brad Mills does when Brandon Lyon recovers from the shoulder injury that plagued him during spring training. Matt Lindstrom is officially the closer and earned the job with a great spring, but Lyon is being paid closer money (three years, $15 million). For now, Lindstrom is the guy to own but he likely won’t be given a long leash.
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