Individual Player Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide 2009: Mariano Rivera

Another year, another season of Major League Baseball. With a new year of baseball quickly approaching the beginning of another season of fantasy baseball is also present. As players prepare for another year of managing their respective players, there is plenty of insight (more than fantasy football) to be done for draft day. In this fantasy preview, a quick outlook on New York Yankees' closer Mariano Rivera will be given.

If there is any position most underrated in fantasy baseball, its the closer spot. It's going to have an impact on every major pitching category, yet many players find themselves scrambling along the waiver wire desperately searching for a replacement for someone who lost the spot, or a middle reliever who won't get the saves. So as unimportant as the closer role may seem, it can make or break your pitching staff. There may thirty closers in the league come opening day, but only about ten of them can be reliable and trustworthy over the course of a season. "Mo" Rivera is one of them.

Coming off an excellent 2008 season, Mariano Rivera is easily one of the top closers in the game. Age will not stop this guy and if everything goes right in the Bronx, then another good season can be expected. Last season may have been his greatest seasons in the Majors. With 39 saves, including converting his first 23 saves of the season, Rivera came through when it mattered. With his lowest ERA in years (1.40) and more than a strikeout per inning, he added to the inconsistent Yankee pitching staff by providing stability at the back end of the bullpen.

So what is expected this season? Even more, assuming health doesn't slow him down. With the additions of CC Sabathia, A.J Burnett, and Joba Chamberlain becoming a full time starter, even more save opportunities can be expected with Rivera. Dominance is often associated with Mariano and more of it can be expected this season.

There are a few setbacks to watch out for. Arm troubles led to minor arm surgery in the offseason, but that shouldn't have too much of an impact on his game. Mariano did struggle in non-save opportunities and came down with a loss five times last season, but he also held the fort for a total of six wins. So unless the occasional loss bothers you (and it happens to every closer) I would ignore this and take Rivera's numbers as your number one closer.

For a projection, expect over 40 saves, a sub-2.00 ERA, and over 80 K's from the closer spot. Don't miss out on one of the top closers in the league, or you may find yourselves scouring the free agent list for a replacement. And you don't want that when you could've had a guy like Rivera. Wait until the 6-9th round and you won't regret it.