Top 5 Sleeper Closers

Manny Corpas broke out last season, taking over for lefty hurler Brian Fuentes as the Rockies' everyday closer around early July. From that point on, Corpas shined allowing only 6 runs in 34 games while finishing with a 2.08 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 19 saves. He continued that success throughout the postseason, pitching to a 0.87 ERA and 5 saves, which is a good sign for a young reliever. A tell all for Corpas was his ground ball to fly ball ratio which was nearly 2.5:1. That spells success for any reliever. A competitive National League West should also make for an abundance of save opportunities. One cause for concern, or humorous ironic note, might be that his ERA was actually lower at Coors Field than on the road last season. Corpas is battle tested and his success during a pressure packed end of the season playoff push, and a run to the World Series on the big stage leads to believe there's no reason why he won't build on those numbers.

One of my favorite sleepers, Carlos Marmol brings a world of talent to the table. With a sharp breaking sinker, a curve, and a blazing fastball that touched 97 mph at points last season, Marmol has the makings of a top 10 closer. All this kid needs is a chance. After a 2006 campaign which saw the one time starting pitching prospect flame out in that role, Marmol served as the Cubs' set-up man last year to closer imposter Ryan Dempster. Marmol piqued the interest of fantasy players everywhere last season with a 1.43 ERA and a mouthwatering 96 strikeouts in 69.1 innings, while even picking up a save along the way. At times last year it seemed unfair as Marmol overmatched hitters at the plate. Areas of concern can be his unpredictable lack of command and the fact that Lou Pinella will make him earn the spot by beating out Bobby Howry and starter-turned reliever Kerry Wood in the spring. Keep Marmol on your radar if it seems like Pinella is leaning towards him. But that's a big IF. Hey, after all, Joe Nathan and Mariano Rivera at one time were starting pitching prospects as well.

When Rafael Soriano succumbed to Tommy John Surgery, some thought he might never fulfill his potential that saw Baseball America dub him the Seattle Mariners' 2003 top minor league prospect. Now, the electric reliever is proving naysayers wrong, building on a successful comeback year in 2006, he came over to Atlanta in a set-up role last season. Soriano excelled, pitching to a dazzling 0.86 WHIP with 70 strikeouts in 72 innings, and lowering his batting average against from his pervious year to .181. His downsides would be the amount of home runs he gave up, which doubled from the previous season to 12 and the fact that he has never been a full time closer. However, with Atlanta disposing of last season's rent-a-closer Octavio Dotel and "Old Man River" Bob Wickman, they are handing over the reigns to Soriano. If he can limit the amount of homers, he will be fine as he rarely allows men on base. Atlanta is showing confidence in him; you should too, as they will give him every opportunity to close out games. Soriano provides a dominant WHIP, a solid number of K's, decent ERA, and has not even hit his ceiling. He has all the makings of a No.1 fantasy closer and may slip on draft day, right into your lap.

From 2002-2004 Eric Gagne was arguably the league's top fantasy closer (sorry Yankee fans). Two straight injury plagued seasons forced Gagne to fall from fantasy relevance. Following rehab, he signed a one year deal with the Texas Rangers and was enjoying a very nice comeback season last year as a closer posting a 2.16 ERA with 16 saves in 17 chances, making him a hot commodity during the July 31st trading deadline. That is, until he was traded to the Red Sox. Whether he was unable to adapt to his role of a set-up man, couldn't take the pressure of playing in Boston, or had indigestion from New England's famous clam chowdah, Gagne down right bombed in Beantown. I'm focusing on his half season with the Rangers as evidence he's making his comeback. This offseason the Brewers gave him a $10 million contract, full of games played milestone incentives, to be their everyday stopper. Between the Brewers being a contender and a plethora of strong set-up men to get him the ball (Solomon Torres, David Riske, and Derrick Turnbow), all Gagne needs to do is stay healthy and he will get plenty of save opportunities. Don't expect the strikeout numbers from his dominant years, but a sub 3 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 40 saves isn't out of the realm. He will be hungry to reach his bonuses, prove the Mitchell Report wrong, and once again reach elite closer status. Just don't let his goggles fog your judgment.

As a rookie last season, the 23 year old Joakim Soria was one of the lone bright spots on a young Kansas City Royals team. Soria proved a very nice pick up in both rotisserie and AL-only formats, with a 2.48 ERA, a sparkling 0.94 WHIP and 75 strikeouts in 69 innings. What might be most impressive was his .187 batting average against, which is a great sign for a rookie. Peripherals like this suggest this youngster is here to stay and like a fine wine will only get better with age. Billy Butler, Mark Teahen, John Buck, and Alex Gordon form a nice nucleus for a young team, which is only strengthened by a dominant closer. Soria is basically the Royals only capable reliever, and will retain sole command of the closers role. Discounting his number of saves, his ERA, WHIP and strikeouts could resemble a No. 1 fantasy closer. The Royals might be a dark horse candidate this year to make some noise in the AL Central and are following in the lead of their young reliever.