Closing time

Oh, to have the job of the closer. Think about how great and unfair this job is. Your peers pitch 10-15 innings per week. You pitch two. Because you are the closer. You can eat, drink, and probably even smoke in the bullpen. You are the closer. You are the couch potato of the staff. But that’s ok. You are the closer. Head cases, nut jobs and flakes are not only accepted in this role, but often encouraged. Because you, my friend, are the closer.

I am trying to imagine myself as a closer in a normal office environment. I would work one hour a day, at most. I would grow a gut, wear sweatpants, and eat and slurp during meetings. I would sit in the corner, distracted by anything, everything. And as I finally speak up, my colleagues would go hysterical. And whatever I say solves all the company’s problems. That is, if I avoid taking on Albert Pujols.

With my great admiration for closers, this may surprise you: I think closers are overrated. Especially in fantasy. Just not enough innings to make a difference. I realize they have a high propensity for strkeouts. But one inning at a time, compared to five, six or seven from a starter. So that really only leaves you with the save category they can impact in a big way. My advice to you – draft your closers late. Save your high picks for players who will produce on a more regular basis.

That said, you still need a closer. Here are some sleepers you can draft late, very late.

Joakim Soria – Don’t let the Royals brand dissuade you. Soria will produce. Obviously, you want your closers on winning teams. But losers get saves too. And not only will Soria earn you a fare amount of saves, he’ll get a ton of strikeouts.

Rafael Soriano – The Rays new closer is just one more example of good closers available in late rounds. Not a top prospect, but should get you 30+ saves this year. His WHIP and strikeouts should yield you nice numbers as well.

Chad Qualls – I said sleeper! Qualls is better than you think, despite the 11ish Spring Training ERA. I realize he also dislocated his kneecap last year. But he’s recovered, and the Diammondbacks will count on him heavily this year.

Papi-razzi

Look at the David Ortiz look-a-like working as a bouncer at a Houston bar. Naturally, I asked if he would draft himself in fantasy baseball this year. He didn’t play along with me. Maybe I’d lose my sense of humor too if my draft value had plummeted. Ironic that Big Papi is checking IDs when he’s accused of doctoring his birth certificate…

Have a question for Erin? E-mail her at erskelley@yahoo.com. Also, tune in to Erin's fantasy football advice on Sports Radio 610 every Friday morning during the football season.