Back with Part II of the Guru's Top 40 Closers (Part I|Part III)16. J.J Putz, ARI; 9 SV, 2.40 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 8.40 K/9: He's consistently average with only one blown save on the year. Putz seems entrenched in the role, so it's a nice comeback after missing most of last season.
17. Chris Perez, CLE; 10 SV, 3.18 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 5.82 K/9: For the record, I don't think this guy is that great. He seems to be having a hard time putting up clean innings in the month of May. Luckily, I don't see much competition here anytime soon, although Tony Sipp (who's next in line) is pitching pretty well.
18. John Axford, MIL; 9 SV, 4.67 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 5.82 K/9: Terrible start to the season, but he didn't loose his job, not even for a day. The Axe Man is pitching much better this month but is another guy riding on the coat tails of last season's success.
19. Jordan Walden, LAA; 7 SV, 3.26 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 9.78 K/9: A draft day sleeper, Walden got his shot sooner rather than later because of Fernando Rodney's struggles. I think this guy could keep the job all year, since Rodney is no longer even an option right now. Walden has been a tad shaky as of late, so if anyone other than him is going to get the save chances it is going to be Scott Downs.
20. Andrew Bailey, OAK; DL*(Has yet to take field): One of the better closers in the game, Bailey seems to be about a week away from pushing Brian Fuentes back into the eighth inning role. We won't be able to tell how he is going to perform at first, making Fuentes a must-own handcuff. At least until Bailey gets his feet wet.
21. ^Sergio Santos, CWS; 6 SV, 0.00 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 10.35 K/9: Big Serg is looking more and more like Ozzie's number one option and the numbers above do the talking. For now, there's no need to fix what isn't broken, as Santos is solidifying his hold on the role. While his leash gets longer by the day, it doesn't go on forever. Don't forget about "Matt Lefty" and Chris Sale, who are looming in the pen.
22. Kyle Farnsworth, TB; 8 SV, 1.26 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 5.02 K/9: This guy lives in an apartment building by my house (not kidding). That has nothing to do with his ability to close, but the fact that Farsnworth has simply run away with this job is quite amazing. He is holding off Jake McGee and DL'ed J.P Howell for 9th inning time, and if he keeps this up there is no reason he won't have the job all year.
23. Ryan Madsen, PHI; 6 SV, 0.56 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 10.69 K/9: Tough one here as Madsen, Contreras and Lidge all have claims on the role. I think Madsen keeps it when Jose comes back, but if Lidge ever returns (and that's a huge if), he will slide back into the 8th inning role.
24. Frank Fransisco, TOR; 4 SV, 3.60 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 10.80 K/9: Looks like he has gained the confidence of manager John Farrell and also appears to be fully healthy. With Jon Rauch pitching well, Frank is going to have to remain on his toes if he wants to keep getting the ball in the 9th.
25. Fernando Salas, STL; 4 SV, 1.02 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 8.15 K/9: Bold ranking here, but the third time has got to be a charm in St. Louis, right? Salas not only has to deal with the pressure of pitching in the 9th, but also must fight off the MANY arms here looking to close, including Mitchell Boggs, Ryan Franklin, Eduardo Sanchez and Miguel Bautista.
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