Figuring out which closers to draft each year is one of the tricks to fantasy baseball. The 2012 MLB closers list has changed a bit during the offseason, with several big names changing teams. The updated list (below) breaks down the No. 1 option at closer for every franchise heading into Spring Training 2012. Several teams could obviously see a shift in who gets the ball during the ninth inning, but the option listed is the guy who has the job heading into camp.
Names to keep an eye on this year include Craig Kimbrel of the Atlanta Braves, Jordan Walden of the Los Angeles Angels and Drew Storen of the Washington Nationals, who could become the three best closers in the game. There were a number of free agent signings as well as trades that could shift many roles in 2012.
Full 2012 MLB Closers List
New Jobs:
Boston Red Sox - Andrew Bailey
Cincinnati Reds - Ryan Madsen
Colorado Rockies - Rafael Betancourt
Houston Astros - Wilton Lopez
Miami Marlins - Heath Bell
Oakland Athletics - Grant Balfour
Philadelphia Phillies - Jonathan Papelbon
San Diego Padres - Huston Street
Texas Rangers - Joe Nathan
Toronto Blue Jays - Sergio Santos
Returners:
Arizona Diamondbacks - J.J. Putz
Atlanta Braves - Craig Kimbrel
Baltimore Orioles - Jim Johnson
Chicago Cubs - Carlos Marmol
Chicago White Sox - Matt Thornton
Cleveland Indians - Chris Perez
Detroit Tigers - Jose Valverde
Kansas City Royals - Joakim Soria
Los Angeles Angels - Jordan Walden
Los Angeles Dodgers - Javy Guerra
Milwaukee Brewers - John Axford
Minnesota Twins - Matt Capps
New York Mets - Frank Francisco
New York Yankees - Mariano Rivera
Pittsburgh Pirates - Joel Hanrahan
St. Louis Cardinals - Jason Motte
San Francisco Giants - Brian Wilason
Seattle Mariners - Brandon League
Tampa Bay Rays - Kyle Farnsworth
Washington Nationals - Drew Storen
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Sources:
*Ryan Christopher DeVault has participated in fantasy baseball leagues for many years, often winning through unorthodox strategy that leaves opponents befuddled. He seeks to provide his expertise to other owners that want to win their respective leagues.
