Let’s look at the Closers!

Make what you want out of my opinions. Here they are….

Papelbon, Jonathan No rotation v. closer talk this spring. He’s the man in Boston and the best in the game at his role.
Putz, J.J. Last 2 years: 186:26 K:BB. Has argument for #1 on this list.
Rodriguez, Francisco In line for huge pay day in this, his walk year. Remarkably healthy and consistent.
Nathan, Joe An elite closer in a walk year. He could be traded by July. K/I dropped from 1.40 to 1.07 in ‘07.
Wagner, Billy Mixing in the change and curve more this year could prolong his career another couple years.
Rivera, Mariano 2.26 ERA from May on. Rebound in K/I last year (0.73 to 1.04) = late-career resurgence?
Saito, Takashi Lingering calf issue is a concern as is age, but he’s still a top 10 closer even with a 10% drop-off.
Valverde, Jose Skills finally translated last year, but can he repeat? Shaky rotation could be an issue.
Street, Huston K/I jumped to 1.26 in ‘07 and even on the A’s, 35+ saves is possible. Could be traded.
Corpas, Manuel New 4 year deal. K rate is a little low and .260 BABIP should at least push ERA into 2.80 range.
Jenks, Bobby K rate fell off the map, but more than halved his BB rate as well. 81 saves over last 2 yrs.
Cordero, Francisco All other numbers last year were eye-popping, so why not road ERA also?: 6.55. Trouble?
Lidge, Brad Despite struggles since the Pujols HR, K-rate has remained strong, but can he handle Philly?
Soriano, Rafael Elbow soreness appears minor. Top 5 closer stuff, but can he avoid DL all year?
Capps, Matt K/I is nothing special, but he’s among the better values at the closer position.
Hoffman, Trevor Declining K/I, 40 years old, “minor” elbow surgery. This could finally be the HOFer’s curtain call.
Soria, Joakim A bit lucky on FB and BABIP, but performance was real. Improved command over 2nd half.
Isringhausen, Jason Bounced back very well from hip injury though 2nd half regression should lead to modest 08 forecast.
Borowski, Joe Could save 40+ again or lose his job by May. That much of a downside here.
Cordero, Chad Not much more than average since 2005. Why would the Nats pay $7 million for a closer?
Gagne, Eric Probably good for at least one DL stint, but he was solid as the closer in Texas, so take a flier.
Jones, Todd One of these years that K rate and age will catch up to him. Buy low, sell high.
Gregg, Kevin At $2.5 million, he’s the highest paid Marlin (sadly). A trade seems likely to push him to set-up job.
Wilson, Brian Trouble vs. LH hitters was a concern, but you have to like the 2nd half improvement in command.
Percival, Troy Count on that 1.79 ERA doubling. Great story last year, but he’s 38 with aches/pains.
Ryan, B.J. I wouldn’t trust Ryan being ready by Opening Day and effectiveness might not return until July.
Sherrill, George By far the best RP in BAL, but don’t be surprised to see him dealt come July.
Wilson, C.J. First in line, but still struggles with RH hitters (.275) at times. Needs to improve command.
Lyon, Brandon Gets first crack at the closer job, but his stuff would rank third among ARI RPs.
Marmol, Carlos Cubs closer job could go to any of the 3 candidates. Howry’s consistency could get him the nod, but Marmol has the classic high K/I ratio.