Top 5 Keeper Relief Pitchers - Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide 2009

The closer is a relatively new position in the game, having only risen in popularity in the 1970's. During that time, the "closer" would end potential threats late in the game, and more recently, would only come in for the ninth inning. A good closer must not only have the right "stuff," he must also have the right mental makeup.

Finding the right closer for your keeper fantasy league team is often easier than picking position players, because the top pitchers tend to be more consistent and reliable season after season.

The top five keeper fantasy league baseball relief pitchers for 2009 are:

1. Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox

2. Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins

3. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

4. Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets

5. Brad Lidge, Philadelphia Phillies

#1 Keeper Relief Pitcher - Jonathan Papelbon - Fantasy Baseball 2009

Jonathan Papelbon of the Boston Red Sox burst onto the scene in 2006 and quickly established himself as the best closer in baseball. There's no reason to suggest otherwise; if you are a keeper fantasy league team owner, having Jonathan Papelbon on your team will keep you set for years. In 2008, he tallied 41 saves with a 2.34 ERA. Numbers like that are par for the course for Papelbon.

#2 Keeper Relief Pitcher - Joe Nathan - Fantasy Baseball 2009

If Jonathan Papelbon is the best closer in baseball, Joe Nathan of the Minnesota Twins is a very close second. Nathan has posted similar numbers, and some may argue he is better, considering Boston's talent makes them a superior team. Either way, Joe Nathan is a keeper in the best sense. He's had no fewer than 36 saves in a season over the past four years, and that should continue for some time to come. Last year, he posted a stingy 1.33 ERA. Few other pitchers can come close.

#3 Keeper Relief Pitcher - Mariano Rivera - Fantasy Baseball 2009

Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees is the ageless wonder. On his bad days, he is overpowering. On his good days, he is untouchable. During the Yankees World Series appearances, Rivera provided highlights that rival any in team history. In 2008, he was his usual self, saving 39 games with an ERA of 1.40. Even though Mariano Rivera turns 40 this year, when his stuff is still this overpowering, there should be no reason to let him go anytime soon.

#4 Keeper Relief Pitcher - Francisco Rodriguez - Fantasy Baseball 2009

Francisco Rodriguez, or K-Rod as he is better known, brings his superhuman arm from the Los Angeles Angels to the New York Mets in 2009. He will hopefully stem the well-publicized meltdowns the Mets have had during the pennant drive the last couple of seasons. In 2008, he posted a 2.24 ERA and saved an incredible 62 games for an out of control Angels team. In 2009, the Mets would be happy if Francisco Rodriguez saved something in the 45 game range.

#5 Keeper Relief Pitcher - Brad Lidge - Fantasy Baseball 2009

Brad Lidge joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008 after many thought his career was in decline in Houston. He proved them wrong by saving 41 games. At 33, he may be a risk for the long term, but for a keeper fantasy league owner willing to take a chance, he could pay off.

Other closers worth taking a look at are Frank Francisco of the Texas Rangers (he has shown the potential to be great), Joakim Soria of the Kansas City Royals (on a better team he would easily be in the top five), and Kerry Wood of the Cleveland Indians (the comeback continues).

Sources: MLB.com, ESPN.com