Grade A
David Aardsma, Mariners
Aardsma should be considered in the same class as the elite closers. With this being said, we need to see how he reacts after he gives up some runs and blows a save. Aardsma had two saves during the week and still has yet to give up a run. He deserves the top spot.
Matt Lindstrom, Astros
Houston was finally able to win some games and let Lindstrom get some chances. The Astros closer was perfect in four chances and struck out six. He won’t be here long if he keeps giving up so many hits, though (five).
Francisco Rodney, Angels
While All-Star Brian Fuentes was on the DL, Rodney filled in beautifully. Going a perfect 4-for-4 in save chances with adding four K’s will get you an A in my book any week.
Matt Capps, Nationals
Capps is in the A group for the second week in a row. The Nationals gave him four save chances, and he took advantage of every one. Capps added five strikeouts while having a 2.08 ERA. Capps is a perfect 7-for-7 so far this year with a 1.08 ERA.
Grade B
Mariano Rivera, Yankees
If he had gotten one more save (2-for-2) or win, he would certainly be an A again. Only two save opportunities hurt Mo. He should get more chances in weeks to come and continue showing why he is still the best.
Jose Valverde, Tigers
A perfect 2-for-2 for the week while giving up zero runs. Valverde looks strong thus far and should be able to prove why he is a viable closer for the Tigers. The offseason acquisition is paying off so far, having a 1.50 ERA and 1.00 WHIP this season.
Rafael Soriano, Rays
Two saves in two days against division foes is enough for me to have Soriano here. The Rays closer was near perfect against the Red Sox, giving up just one hit. Soriano looks to be settled in and should have a very good season. One win and four saves to date.
Joakim Soria, Royals
The Royals are playing better than expected, whereas Soria is playing as expected. Soria will benefit from the Royals' success, as shown by this past week's effort (2-for-2, three K’s, no hits or runs). Joakim could be on his way to a career year if he can maintain his staggering 1.50 ERA and 0.67 WHIP.
Grade C
Heath Bell, Padres
Although he did pick up a win and two saves, he blew one save and had a 4.50 ERA for the week. I don’t like rewarding closers who blow saves, but Bell was very close to being a B. He gave up five hits and two runs while walking one batter. Bell should remain solid all year, as he currently has a 3.00 ERA on the season.
Jon Rauch, Twins
Rauch didn’t do anything wrong this week to receive a C; he just simply didn’t have the chances. Rauch is still a perfect 6-for-6 on the season but only recorded one save this past week. He gave up one hit and one walk in the save against the Royals.
Chris Perez, Indians
Perez had a solid week, pitching 1.2 innings and closing the door in both of his chances against the White Sox. Perez will need to get the ball more while lowering his 5.79 ERA to move up this list.
Grade D
Octavio Dotel, Pirates
Dotel blew his first save chance of the week but was able to pick up the victory against the Reds. Dotel finished the week 1-for-2 in save chances while ending the week with 9.00 ERA. Dotel has a 1.00 WHIP for the year currently, so don’t worry just yet.
Trevor Hoffman, Brewers
The Brew Crew closer has been unimpressive this season. During the week Hoffman was able to get the save in his only chance but still gave up a run and two hits. He has a 12.60 ERA and 2.00 WHIP. I am not sure if the Brewers are thinking of using another guy for their closer, but if you are using him as yours you should start looking for other options.
Kevin Gregg, Blue Jays
Gregg looks to have solidified himself as the Jays closer, but that doesn’t mean he will be a valuable fantasy closer. Gregg recorded just one save during the week in his only chance but did give up a run and two hits in a relief appearance against the Angels. Gregg does have a 1.42 ERA and 0.63 WHIP so far, but I look for both of these numbers to soar in the upcoming weeks. Be careful!
Grade F
Francisco Cordero, Reds
Cordero gave up two earned runs and three walks to the Pirates while blowing a save and taking the loss early in the week. Cordero did pitch a perfect ninth against the Dodgers to close the week out, but a 10.80 ERA is just not good enough to put him any higher.
Chad Qualls, Diamondbacks
Qualls was simply terrible this past week. A blown save, a loss, six earned runs, and an eye-popping 16.20 ERA are what the D-Backs closer produced. He did record one save, but Arizona cannot be confident having Qualls as their closer. To date he has a 10.80 ERA and 2.40 WHIP. If Qualls is your closer, begin monitoring other guys in the pen who could soon take his job.
Ryan Madson, Phillies
Congratulations, Philly fans, you have a new closer. Madson will keep his job when Brad Lidge comes back even thought he posted a 12.50 ERA this past week while going 1-for-2 in save opportunities. While manager Charlie Manuel gave Madson the closer's job for now, be careful using him—he has a 7.71 ERA and 1.67 WHIP to date.
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