The Oakland Athletics dodged a major bullet this week when it was revealed that Andrew Bailey “only” suffered a strain to his elbow.  While that news is great, at this point we still have no clue exactly when Bailey will be able to return to the mound.  You have to think that he is going to miss the beginning of the season, especially with Brian Fuentes in place to step into the role.

How does this affect the rankings?  Let’s take a look:

  1. Heath Bell, San Diego Padres
  2. Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants
  3. Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals
  4. Neftali Feliz, Texas Rangers
  5. Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees
  6. Jonathan Papelbon, Boston Red Sox
  7. Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers
  8. Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets
  9. Carlos Marmol, Chicago Cubs
  10. Andrew Bailey, Oakland Athletics
  11. Joe Nathan, Minnesota Twins
  12. Huston Street, Colorado Rockies
  13. Jose Valverde, Detroit Tigers
  14. J.J. Putz, Arizona Diamondbacks
  15. Matt Thornton, Chicago White Sox

 

Thoughts

Obviously, these rankings still have another domino to fall as we wait on the Rangers’ decision regarding Neftali Feliz.  Without a suitable in-house replacement, it is still hard for me to believe that they are going to actually stick him in the rotation. 

At the same time, if that’s where they believe he belongs long-term, it makes sense to get the most out of him now.  Of course, considering the number of innings he worked in ’10, would it surprise anyone if he ended up back in the bullpen at some point due to an innings limit?  The situation is fluid, so keep a close eye on it, though the latest has Feliz closing for one more year.

Peter Gammons (via Twitter) yesterday reported that, “Ozzie says Thornton has first dibs on closer role.”  That’s very big news and while it is no guarantee that he holds the job all year, it does give him a boost in value.  He now sneaks onto the Top 15, but keep in mind that it is a tenuous hold at best.  At any time, Chris Sale could overtake him for the job.

The fact that Andrew Bailey’s injury isn’t serious keeps him in the Top 10—at least for now.  Obviously, you aren’t going to want to pay too handsomely for him—given the risk involved—but when right, he’s one of the elite.  Keep that in mind.

Not a believer in a Jonathan Broxton rebound?  Click here for why I think he will.

What are your thoughts on the rankings?  Who’s too high?  Who’s too low?

Make sure to check out our 2011 rankings:

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