A few weeks ago, Baseball Press kicked off our 2010 Fantasy Positional Rankings with catchers and first basemen, then we started our way around the middle infield with second basemen and shortstops and closed out the infield with our third basemen rankings. With the outfielders covered, we focus on the bullpen. With most teams required to play 3 or 4 guys at the RP position, we tried to provide a large ranking pool. Players are eligible for the position in 2010, if they played at least 10 games at that position in 2009. These are initial rankings heading into draft day and do not reflect the final rankings come October 2010. The statistics listed to each player are his FINAL 2009 numbers, not the projected 2010 stats.

The closer position is another thin position where there are only a handful of "elite" guys who can rack up 35 plus saves year in and year out. As you dive deeper into the closer rankings, you start to take chances with guys who will either simply be replaced as the year goes on with another player or numbers that simply will not benefit your team (High ERA, Walks, Low K totals). With the free agency pool full of potential closers heading into 2010, many of these rankings could see a dramatic change come opening day. Let's take a look at the list.

I had Joe Nathan as a lock for 40 saves 85 strikeouts and a sub 2.00 ERA this season, but that all changed with his recent injury news. It looks as if he could miss the rest of the season. The verdict isn't in yet, so I bumped him down to the lower levels of the rankings, but will adjust when more news becomes available.

Mariano Rivera continues to dominate season in and season out. Rivera continues to baffle hitters with ultimately one pitch and will always rack up saves because of the success the Yankees have each year. Although Rivera has similar numbers to Nathan, Rivera's strikeout total is lower than Nathan because of the total innings pitched. Other than the K totals, you can always expect a sub 2.00 ERA and a sub 1.00 WHIP from Rivera and owners shouldn't think twice about drafting Rivera because of his age.

Jonathan Broxton is a player who racked up high save numbers, but also had a high ERA. His strikeout totals are no joke and he plays on a winning team in a weak division. Last season was a real test for Broxton as he became the number one closer for the Dodgers, but with George Sherrill as the set-up man (who was previously a closer with the Baltimore Orioles), I don't see a problem for Broxton repeating his 2009 totals.

Jonathan Papelbon rounds out my list of "elite" guys despite his shaky performance last season and awful playoff showing. Papelbon was my number one ranked closer last year after a strong 2008, but didn't keep his title as the season progressed. High BB totals hurt owners and Papelbon just didn't seem like his typical self in most games. Regardless of the "off" season, Papelbon should bounce back in 2010 with 35+ saves, sub 2.00 ERA and hopefully a low ERA. With Daniel Bard growing into his setup role and becoming a full-time member of the Sox bullpen, this will help Jonathan have an outstanding season.

This group of three is your essential list of "elite closers" year after year. These top three guys simply produce every year and will be targeted high by fantasy owners.

Yes, Andrew Bailey was a rookie last year and yes he played on a small market team, but he was a gem for fantasy owners with 26 saves and a sub 0.90 WHIP. I expect some owners who don't follow the game as much to pass on Bailey just because they don't know the name, but don't you be that owner. Bailey should continue to build upon his rookie season in 2010, with his exceptional ability to strike out batters and not allow walks, you can expect 30 saves.

I like Joakim Soria and Heath Bell regardless of the teams they play for. Soria may be a stretch because of his injuries, but both of these guys proved that they could close out games and produce big numbers, even though their teams didn't have winning records.

Francisco Rodriguez signed a huge deal with the Mets in 2009 and was expected to capture 40+ saves for the team last season and while that didn't happen, Rodriguez is still a top five closer. After the All Star break, Rodriguez really let owners down by posting a 6.75 ERA and only collecting 12 saves. While these numbers are awful, remember that Rodriguez was trying to close out games for the New York Mets, who as you remember were awful themselves and found wins few and far between. K-Rod will bounce back in '10 and should return to form with a mid 2+ ERA and close to 40 saves.

I really like Carolos Marmol heading into 2010, especially now that manager Lou Piniella gave him full-time closer role next season. Marmol was skipped over by most owners in 2009 because of his job security, but with Marmol's talent, he's a Top 10 closer. The stats only show Marmol with 15 saves, but Carlos had a 13.2 K/9 ratio after the All Star break last year. Hopefully Marmol can retain the full-time job and if he can, I fully expect 25+ saves and he could easily shoot up the BBP rankings board.

The situation in Atlanta seemed confusing when the Braves inked Billy Wagner and still had Rafael Soriano under contract. Everything worked out when Soriano was shipped to the Rays, making Wagner the main closer. Wagner was brilliant in limited action last season after returning from Tommy John surgery and I expect more of the same this season. Wagner always produces nice K/9 numbers along with a solid ERA. He like Marmol, could easily shoot up the rankings board by mid-season.

D-Backs closer Chad Quallsis one of the most undervalued closers this season. Qualls doesn't own high strikeout totals, but does have great command of the strike zone. Qualls had surgery on his knee cap during the offseason which could be of concern, but he's still the guy out in the desert. He isn't the "sexy" option but does get the job done in the ninth inning making him a solid lock for 20-25 saves.

Injuries limited Jose Valverede to only 25 saves in 2009, but he recorded 40+ saves the previous two seasons. With a healthy arm, he should pick up plenty of saves with his electric fastball.

As mentioned above, Rafael Soriano was shipped to the Rays and is listed atop the depth chart for now. Soriano has some injury proneness and could be an issue later in the season, especially with the Rays having a deep bullpen. If Soriano struggles or becomes injured, owners may want to handcuff the pick with left-handed reliever J.P. Howell.

Phillies closer Brad Lidge was a nightmare for owners last year with his inability to close games and the looming of Ryan Madson. While Lidge was lights-out during the playoffs last season, it was to late for most owners. Lidge remains the closer for now, but what can you expect from him? The Philllies are a winning team and the opportunity to save games exists, but will Lidge blow it again?

Bobby Jenks is the main man for the White Sox for now, but that could be a short run. With most owners realizing that Matt Thornton is ready for the assignment; Jenks could fall in rounds on draft day. He may not be a bad option during middle rounds.

David Aardsma and Ryan Franklin both have something in common; the ability to deceive fantasy owners into thinking they are legit 40+ saves guys. With good seasons from both in 2009, their career numbers suggest that they are nothing more than stop-gaps for younger guys coming up in the system. The M's and Cardinals role with the "hot-hand" when it comes to closing games and with that being said, I look away from these two.

Brian Fuentes plays for a winning team, which means plenty of save opportunities. The Angels made K-Rod look good and Fuentes should follow the same path. He'll rack up the saves, but the ERA and K totals will be low. In the overall picture, Fuentes is good for 30+ saves, but I think you can find more value by combining multiple relief pitchers.

Mike Gonzalez and Matt Capps signed new deals this off-season, but neither is really a reliable option. Gonzo has a history of arm injuries and could be out of the ninth inning later in the season. Gonzalez has the "stuff" to be a ninth inning guy and is a late-round grab. Capps is coming off an awful season in Pittsburgh in which he couldn't keep the ball in the park. The numbers last season don't boast well for his draft value, making him another late value. If anything, I would target Capps over Gonzalez simply because he may stay in the ninth inning all season.

Octavio Dotel is the closer in Pittsburgh simply because there isn't another option. Joel Hanrahan was the favorite once Capps was non-tendered, but he's an injury risk. Dotel is another guy like Gonzalez and Capps who is a cheap option for saves and won't empty your wallet.

Kerry Wood makes over $10 million and isn't really worth it in the long-haul for the Indians. Cleveland is stuck with him for now, but hopefully he can find a new home and open the door for Chris Perez and other youngsters.

With the injury to Nathan, the Twins could look to close games by committee this season. I have Jon Rauch as the favorite in Minnesota to close games, but your guess is as good as mine at this point. The Twins will also give looks to Matt Guerrier, Pat Neshek and Jose Mijares. The Twins have also reportedly inquired about Blue Jays reliever Jason Frasor. If you like to gamble (and obviously you do) - then this might be your chance.

Fireballer Neftali Perez doesn't rack up huger save numbers for the Rangers, but strikes out everyone he faces. Perez could also see an increased role with the starting rotation in 2010, which is another added bonus for owners.

The closing situation in Toronto is a mess right now, with Kevin Gregg leading the charge followed by Jason Frasor and Scott Downs all competing for ninth inning duties. Gregg is the favorite heading into spring training, but given Gregg's struggles over the past seasons, my money is on Frasor in the long run

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