It's Memorial Day and time to evaluate your relievers. I told you before the season started not to pay for saves. As you read through this, look back and see how many of these closers were drafted high in your leagues. There isn't that many.


May 19th Relief Ranks
1. Craig Kimbrel ATL (1)
2. Jonathan Papelbon PHI (2)
3. Kenley Jansen LAD (3)
4. Aroldis Chapman CIN (19)
5. Jason Motte STL (5)
6. Joe Nathan TEX (7)

Chapman makes the monster jump into my top 5. He's worthy, I just hope the pressure of being a "closer" doesn't get to him.

7. John Axford MIL (4)
8. Jim Johnson BAL (8)
9. Fernando Rodney TB (9)
10. Joel Hanrahan PIT (10)
11. Rafeal Betancourt COL (6)

I predicted that Axford would shave his famous facial hair before the season began in my 50 crazy predictions article (found under the MLB section of the homepage) but I did not project him to struggle like this.

12. Jose Valverde DET (11)
13. Chris Perez CLE (12)
14. Santaigo Casilla SF (13)
15. Brett Myers HOU (14)
16. Addison Reed CHW (22)
17. Tyler Clippard WSH (NR)

A message to Clippard, Reed and Chapman: The fact that you have been named the closer helps your value. Now it's up to you to prove that you deserve it.

18. J.J. Putz ARI (15)
19. Scott Downs LAA (28)
20. Jonathan Broxton KC (20)
21. Rafael Soriano NYY (21)
22. Alfredo Aceves BOS (26)
23. Heath Bell MIA (24)
24. Brandon League SEA (17)

League has lost his job but will most likely get it back within a few weeks. He has no trade value as a middle reliever. 

25. Matt Capps MIN (25)
26. David Robertson NYY (NR)
27. Sergio Santos TOR (27)
28. Mike Adams TEX (29)
29. Huston Street SD (30)
30. Frank Francisco NYM (23)

Street, Robertson and Santos are still rehabbing. Street may return in two weeks but Santos has yet to throw off a mound. Robertson may return in mid June. When they come back these three stoppers will be valuable as we approach the mid point of the season. Keep in mind, now is the time to fix your rosters. If your looking for saves their worth a pick up and hold.

If you want to discuss my rankings find me on twitter @Awies28

Alex Wiesner