With the MLB amateur draft set to kick off its three-day celebration on June 7, I though it would be a fun time to take a look back at some interesting names to remember from the ’09 draft.

Kyle Heckathorn | RHP | Milwaukee: The knock on Heckathorn coming out of college was that he had never dominated despite very good stuff. That has changed in pro ball. The right-hander has a power-pitcher’s frame at 6’6” and 225 lbs. He has a fastball that can reach the mid-90s, as well as a slider that can be plus at times, and a good change-up. He also has pretty good control for a power pitcher and gets a good number of ground balls. In college, he wasn’t very good at pitch selection but he’s been helped by working with pro catchers and coaches, who have really sharpened his understanding of his craft. One caution, though: He is succeeding in low-A ball, so it will be nice to see him at higher levels, perhaps later this year.

Ryan Wheeler | 1B | Arizona: How is this for debut numbers from 2009: .361/.462/.540 in 263 at-bats. Sure, Wheeler was an advanced college hitter beating up on younger pitchers, but he’s at it again in 2010… this time in high-A ball. The left-handed hitter is batting .310/.364/.434 in 226 at-bats in the powerful California League. Wheeler isn’t showing a ton of over-the-fence power right now, but he has good raw pop and he has 17 doubles on the year. A report by Baseball America likened his potential to that of the Reds’ Joey Votto.

Brad Boxberger | RHP | Cincinnati: I’m fairly certain you’re familiar with the Reds’ first draft pick from 2009… a guy by the name of Mike Leake? Well, Boxberger didn’t zoom right from college to the Majors, but he is already is double-A and is one of the fastest-moving draftees not named after a bodily function. The right-hander has given up 47 hits and just 17 walks in 49.1 innings of work. He’s also recorded 57 strikeouts and has a solid ground-ball rate, which has helped him give up just two homers this season. He has a little bit of work to do to improve against left-handed hitters but an improved curveball could give Boxberger the edge that he needs. He repertoire also features a low-90s fastball, plus slider, and a change-up.

Jonathan Broxton | Los Angeles Dodgers
The Comments: Broxton has offered a little bit of everything to this point: three wins, 13 saves, 1.11 ERA, and a strikeout rate of 12.95. Over the past week, he was worked hard and saved two games in as many tries over four games.

Heath Bell | San Diego Padres
The Comments: His trade value keeps going up but Bell is probably not going anywhere at this point. The closer has an excellent strikeout rate, a solid ERA and he’s third in the league in saves. He has just one save opportunity this past week and converted it.

Brian Wilson | San Francisco Giants
The Comments: Another closer with another hefty strikeout rate (13.30 K/9), Wilson has just one blown save this year. This past week, he converted his only opportunity.

Carlos Marmol | Chicago Cubs
The Comments: With 25.0 innings under his belt this season, Marmol already has 50 strikeouts (18.00 K/9) and the strikeout rate is not going anywhere. Marmol converted his only save opp this past week.

Billy Wagner | Atlanta Braves
The Comments: Wagner has posted some solid numbers this year and he finally has the saves total to show for it. The lefty recorded four saves this past week, which was more than Marmol, Wilson, and Bell combined.

Ryan Franklin | St. Louis Cardinals
The Comments: Franklin posted an 0.73 ERA in May, which was down from 3.60 in April. He hasn’t had many save opportunities lately, with his last coming on May 20. He’s worked two innings in each of his last three appearances. Franklin has walked just one batter all year.

Octavio Dotel | Pittsburgh Pirates
The Comments: Dotel’s xFIP of 3.83 suggests that he’s been a little unlucky with his 5.06 ERA. His strikeout rate is excellent at 12.66 K/9 and he added two saves this past week. He’s one of the best things about the Pirates right now; Bell is probably off the trading block but Dotel might be an interesting name come the end of July.

Leo Nunez | Florida Marlins
The Comments: The K/BB rate of 5.00 is certainly nice. His xFIP of 2.89 suggests that his success is well earned. He appeared in four games this past week and recorded three saves. He got touched up a bit in his last appearance and may have been over-worked a little bit.

Francisco Rodriguez | New York Mets
The Comments: Rodriguez went 1-for-2 in saves this past week but he racked up a good number of strikeouts with seven in four innings. If he can find the command of his curve, it would really help his cause.

Francisco Cordero | Cincinnati Reds
The Comments: Surprise, surprise, a Dusty Baker pitcher is leading the closers in appearances… Cordero appeared in just two game this past week and nailed his only chance at a save. He failed to strike out a batter in either game, though.

Jose Contreras | Philadelphia Phillies
The Comments: Contreras made three appearances this past week and recorded a save in his only shot. He also gave up a run against Atlanta on June 2, which was the first time a player had scored against him since April 20. Brad Lidge is back now, so Contreras should see a decline in opportunities.

Manny Corpas | Colorado Rockies
The Comments: Like Contreras in Philly, Corpas may loss opportunities with the return of an injured pitcher in Franklin Morales. Corpas remains the favorite for the bulk of save chances, but Huston Street is also making good strides in his rehab, so monitor the situation closely.

Chad Qualls | Arizona Diamondbacks
The Comments: The 15.79 H/9 is an ugly number. Qualls made two appearances this past week and blew his only save opportunity.

Matt Capps | Washington Nationals
The Comments: Capps continues to lead the Majors in saves but he notched just one this past week and blew saves in consecutive games against Houston on June 1 and 3. He gave up five runs last week but his ERA is intact because they were all unearned.

Matt Lindstrom | Houston Astros
The Comments: Lindstrom is in a funk. The right-hander has blown three of his last four save opportunities, including two against Washington. He’s fighting his command right now and has walked five batters in his last four games.

John Axford | Milwaukee Brewers
The Comments: Axford has been a breath of fresh air with a strikeout rate of 13.03 K/9 and a hit rate of just 5.59 H/9. The rookie hurler is 3-for-3 in save opportunities on the year and he nailed both his opportunities this past week.

Joakim Soria | Kansas City Royals
The Comments: Tied for the third most saves in the AL, Soria continues to post a very good strikeout rate (12.19 K/9) and to struggle with the long-ball (21.1% HR/FB). He recorded five outs this past week and three came via the strikeout.

Andrew Bailey | Oakland Athletics
The Comments: He’s still fighting his command a bit – especially with the curveball – but Bailey is coming on strong now. The sophomore closer saved three games this past week in as many tries.

Rafael Soriano | Tampa Bay Rays
The Comments: You must call him Mr. Soriano now. The Rays made a great move in acquiring the veteran reliever this past off-season as he’s really secured the back-end of the bullpen. Now the league leader in saves, Mr. Soriano saved two games this past week despite struggling with his control.

Neftali Feliz | Texas Rangers
The Comments: Feliz hasn’t allowed an earned run in eight games. The young pitcher appeared in just one game this past week and earned the save. The time off was probably a good thing as he’s appeared in more games than any other closer in the AL. Interestingly, Feliz is an extreme fly-ball pitcher with a ground-ball rate below 23%.

Mariano Rivera | New York Yankees
The Comments: Rivera saved two games this past week and has allowed just one hit in his past five appearances. The veteran also hasn’t allowed a run during that time frame.

Jonathan Papelbon | Boston Red Sox
The Comments: Despite modest overall numbers, Papelbon continues to get the job done with 13 saves in 14 tries. He nailed both his attempts this past week but he was touched up against Oakland for a one run on a solo homer.

Jon Rauch | Minnesota Twins
The Comments: Rauch has a healthy number of saves but his ERA, WHIP and strikeout rate are nothing special. He saved three games this past week: two against Texas and one against Seattle.

Jose Valverde | Detroit Tigers
The Comments: Valverde continues to post a shiny ERA below 1.00 but, while he has been good, he’s also been lucky. The right-hander has enjoyed a BABIP-allowed of .157, as well as a LOB% of 96.6. He’s had just one save opportunity since May 12.

Bobby Jenks | Chicago White Sox
The Comments: Jenks recorded the save in his only opportunity last week. The right-hander has an ugly ERA that has been impacted by some bad luck. He’s given up runs in just one game over the past seven and he tends to give them up in bunches. Jenks was torched for three runs on May 26 and four runs on May 9.

David Aardsma | Seattle Mariners
The Comments: Aardsma went 1-for-2 in save opportunities over the past week and gave up three runs against the Angels on May 30. He hasn’t been overly sharp lately and has struck out just one batter since May 26.

Brian Fuentes | Los Angeles Angels
The Comments: Fuentes recorded a win and a save for his owners but he got beat up a bit by Kansas City and gave up two runs on June 3. He has not gotten a batter to hit a ball on the ground (for a hit or an out) in five games.

Kerry Wood | Cleveland Indians
The Comments: Wood saved two games over the past seven days but he also gave up a run and a walk in each game. After being hurt for a good portion of the season, Wood might be rounding into shape, but that’s not saying a whole lot.

Closer by Committee | Baltimore Orioles
The Comments: Well, when you’ve lost eight games in a row there is not a big need for a closer. That’s a good thing, since the club has been snake-bitten with its back-end of the bullpen. All three relievers who have seen time there (Mike Gonzalez, Alfredo Simon, Jim Johnson) are hurt. It’s closer by committee right now.

Kevin Gregg | Toronto Blue Jays
The Comments: It was an ugly, ugly week for Gregg who has quickly gone from one of the best stories of the year to a pumpkin. Used four times this past week, the veteran reliever saved two games – while making it interesting – and blew another one. Actually, he didn’t just blow it… he exploded it with five sticks of dynamite (also known as walks). With four runs allowed in that game, his ERA has taken a huge hit. He’s walked 11 batters in his last seven games.

Neftali Feliz | Texas Rangers
The Comments: Feliz has had his ups and downs but he’s done very well in the role, as witnessed by his league-leading (with Rafael Soriano) 13 saves. He’s shown excellent control for his age but he may eventually get himself into trouble with a ground-ball rate at just 22%. Over the past seven days, Feliz has notched two saves in as many tries.

Joakim Soria | Kansas City Royals
The Comments: Soria’s strikeout (11.84 K/9) and walk (2.84 BB/9) rates remain good but he’s still getting burned by the long ball (23.5% HR/FB). He saved two games this past week.

Rafael Soriano | Tampa Bay Rays
The Comments: Soriano shares the league lead in saves with Neftali Feliz. Soriano, though, is doing it with a fair amount of luck involved. His xFIP is 4.28 and he’s benefiting from a 90% LOB rate, as well as a .222 BABIP-allowed.

Andrew Bailey | Oakland Athletics
The Comments: The ERA (0.96) and xFIP (4.18) certainly seem to suggest Bailey has not been quite as good as it might seem. His strikeout rate is also 4.50 K/9 off of his rookie mark, which is a massive drop. Even so, he’s holding his own in the closer’s role and saved three games this past week. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in five games.

Jose Valverde | Detroit Tigers
The Comments: It’s amazing what a .144 BABIP-allowed and 96% LOB rate will do for your ERA (0.46). Valverde has 11 saves but his K/BB rate is just 1.56. He’s received just one save opportunity since May 12.

Mariano Rivera | New York Yankees
The Comments: Rivera’s xFIP of 4.33 is significantly higher than it’s been over the past nine seasons. As well, his strikeout rate is about 2.00 K/9 off his career mark. He did save three games this past week but did it without a strikeout. The reliever has fanned just one batter in his past six appearances.

Jonathan Papelbon | Boston Red Sox
The Comments: Papelbon appeared in just one game this past week and recorded the save. The right-hander appears to have recovered from an early-season issue with his control.

David Aardsma | Seattle Mariners
The Comments: Aardsma continues to show improved control this season while maintaining a solid strikeout rate (10.13 K/9). He saved two games this past week and did not allow a hit or a walk.

Brian Fuentes | Los Angeles Angels
The Comments: The home run rate is ugly at 3.09 HR/9 and his ground-ball rate is a crazy-low 21.2%. He’s gone three games without having a ball hit on the ground – for either a hit or an out. Fuentes appeared in just one game this past week and recorded the save.

Jon Rauch | Minnesota Twins
The Comments: Rauch has hit a bit of a rough patch. The veteran right-hander pitched two innings this past week and gave up five hits, one walk and three runs. He blew his only save opportunity. Even so, he remains a good bet in the closer’s role.

??? | Baltimore Orioles
The Comments: With both Mike Gonzalez and Alfredo Simon suffering from injuries, the Orioles bullpen is in a bit of a mess right now. Oakland scored five runs against the O’s in the eighth inning of last night’s game, which pretty much underlines the issues in the bullpen. Cla Meredith was charged with the blown save. Will Ohman could also see a save opp or two.

Kevin Gregg | Toronto Blue Jays
The Comments: Gregg’s overall numbers have taken a hit recently; his strikeout and walk rates are basically mirroring his ’09 season with Chicago. The big difference continues to be the improved ground-ball rate and the related ability to keep the ball in the yard. He did not record a save this past week and Gregg has given up four runs in his last two appearances. During that span, he walked four and did not strike out a batter.

Bobby Jenks | Chicago White Sox
The Comments: The .450 BABIP-allowed and 5.82 BB/9 rate continue to play havoc with Jenks’ numbers. He gave up three runs in his last appearance against Cleveland but it was a non-save opportunity.

Kerry Wood | Cleveland Indians
The Comments: It’s been a rocky return from the DL for Wood but he finally recorded his first save of the year this past week against Cincinnati. His control may be improving, as he hasn’t walked a batter in three appearances. He could move up to the “Steady Performer” category with a respectable week.

Let’s have at it.

Jonathan Broxton | Los Angeles Dodgers
The Comments: Broxton has been on fire recently and saved three games this past week. He recorded 11 outs and more than half (six) were via the strikeout. His early season drought is officially over.

Heath Bell | San Diego Padres
The Comments: Bell is comfortably in third place in the National League with 13 saves. The right-hander has an outstanding strikeout rate at 12.00 K/9 and he’s succeeding despite a BABIP-allowed of .402 (thanks in part due to a LOB% of 90.6%).

Brian Wilson | San Francisco Giants
The Comments: If you thought Bell’s K-rate was nice, Wilson is fanning batters at a rate of 14.02 K/9. On the down side, his control has been off a bit and his walk rate sits at 4.15 BB/9. Wilson got in just one game this past week but whiffed all three of the batters that he faced.

Carlos Marmol | Chicago Cubs
The Comments: The closer with the most Ks in the Majors just keeps on striking out batters. Marmol has a 17.49 K/9 rate and he fanned 50% of the batters he faced this past week while also converting three save opportunities. He’s on a nice role.

Matt Lindstrom | Houston Astros
The Comments: Perhaps the biggest success story of the year, as far as NL closers are concerned, Lindstrom has come back from injury issues in ’09 to show excellent control (1.86 BB/9) in 2010, which has led to a solid ERA (1.40) and a respectable number of saves (10). He appeared in just one game this past week and converted the save; unfortunately, Houston has to have a lead for Lindstrom to have value…

Francisco Rodriguez | New York Mets
The Comments: Rodriguez is used to being one of the leaders in save opportunities, but he’s had just 10 this season (and converted eight). The former Angel has showed improved control this season but his strikeout rate remains lower than it was during his prime. He’s a good closer, but no longer elite.

Francisco Cordero | Cincinnati Reds
The Comments: For pure saves value, Cordero is one of the top targets in the Majors, but he’s not offering a good ERA, strikeout rate or WHIP. He received just one save opportunity during the past week.

Billy Wagner | Atlanta Braves
The Comments: Wagner just can’t buy a save opportunity. The veteran closer has been solid this season but he’s had just seven chances. In 17 games, Wagner has a strikeout rate of 14.29 K/9. Perhaps you can buy low on the Braves closer? More opportunities should eventually come his way.

Ryan Franklin | St. Louis Cardinals
The Comments: Like a number of closers, Franklin has struggled to find opportunities lately. The veteran had no chances this past week but at least he whiffed a few hitters in non-save situations.

Chad Qualls | Arizona Diamondbacks
The Comments: The ERA is still high but Qualls’ season might be on the up-swing. The right-hander saved two games this past week and did not give up a run. He has a solid strikeout rate at 10.34 K/9 and has shown good control. Now he just needs to keep the ball in the yard.

Octavio Dotel | Pittsburgh Pirates
The Comments: Dotel has already reached double-digits in saves for just the second time since he secured 36 games in ’04. The right-hander has been pitching very well lately and has given up just one run in his last 10 appearances. He just needs to improve his control a bit…

Leo Nunez | Florida Marlins
The Comments: Florida continues to hang in tight in the National League East and Nunez’ stability has been a big help. The right-hander, though, did not have a save opportunity this past week and he’s started to get hit much harder than he was in April. Monitor him closely.

Matt Capps | Washington Nationals
The Comments: Capps continues to hold off Francisco Cordero for the MLB lead in saves but his numbers have been slipping lately. Perhaps he’s feeling pressure from the presence of Drew Storen? Capps went 1-for-2 in saves this past week and got touched up for two runs against Baltimore during his blown save on May 23.

Jose Contreras | Philadelphia Phillies
The Comments: Contreras failed to appear in a game this past week, which is a little puzzling. Lefty J.C. Romero notched a save this past week but Contreras remains the favorite for the late-game situations.

Manny Corpas | Colorado Rockies
The Comments: Corpas appeared in three games this past week and recorded two saves in as many opportunities. His strikeout rate is nothing to write home about (similar to his career rate) so keep that in mind. He does make a nice No. 2 or 3 closer in mixed leagues.

Trevor Hoffman | Milwaukee Brewers
The Comments: Hoffman is taking a little time away from the closer’s role but Carlos Villanueva hasn’t taken full advantage of the opportunity. Meanwhile, rookie John Axford was given a save opportunity and he succeeded despite giving up a run in the process. Late games could continue to be nail-biters in Milwaukee for the foreseeable future.

Today we’re looking at a couple of deep sleepers for keeper leagues that are intriguing but a little old for the leagues that they’re dominating.

Jerry Sands | 1B | Los Angeles (NL): Sands, 22, got off to a slow start to his pro career with two seasons in short-season ball. Last season, he split the year between short-season and low-A ball. Combined, he produced a triple-slash line of .306/.386/.590 in 288 at-bats but struggled to hit for average in low-A ball. Overall, he slugged 19 homers. Back in low-A to begin 2010, the right-handed hitter is batting .378/.456/.750 in 156 at-bats. He’s slugged 14 homers and driven in 34 batters in 43 games. At 6’4’’ 225 lbs, he’s even swiped eight bags in nine attempts. He’s creaming southpaws with a 1.275 OPS; his career OPS against left-handers is 1.122. Given his age and level of play, you definitely want to be cautiously optimistic over his output. Sands, though, could turn into a pretty intriguing prospect if he can continue to hit for both power and average at upper levels of the system.

Cody Overbeck | 3B | Philadelphia: A 2008 ninth round pick out of the University of Mississippi, the third baseman struggled in ’09 after he was pushed to high-A ball. He hit just .230/.282/.399 in 361 at-bats. His approach was clearly the issue as he posted a walk rate of 5.9 BB% and a strikeout rate of 29.1%. Left back in high-A for 2010, Overbeck has impressed the organization with the improvements that he’s made. He’s currently hitting .329/.393/.621 with 10 homers and 33 RBI in 43 games. Overbeck has been a real run producer for the club and is hitting .400 with runners in scoring position. He’s also made strides in both his walk and strikeout rates. Placido Polanco is not the long-term answer at third base for the big league club, so Overbeck could end up with a key role if he continues to develop.

Jonathan Broxton | Los Angeles Dodgers
The Comments: Broxton currently features a ridiculous K/BB rate of 12.00. With just one save to his credit on the year, as of May 7, Broxton has now reeled off a string of seven straight saves, including four in the past week. Any hope of acquiring him while his value was “low” is now gone.

Heath Bell | San Diego Padres
The Comments: Despite two blown saves on the year, Bell is third in the league with 11 late-game stops and his ERA currently sits at 1.00. His 11.50 K/9 rate is also significantly above his career strikeout rate. If San Diego keeps playing well, Bell could once again save 40 games.

Carlos Marmol | Chicago Cubs
The Comments: Batters are soon going to be awarded “I’d didn’t K against Marmol” pins for when they manage to either walk (5.23 BB/9) or make some sort of contact against him. The Cubs closer currently has a strikeout rate of 17.42 K/9, leaving his owners giddy. Unfortunately, he only has seven saves to his credit. Interestingly, when batters do make contact against Marmol, they tend to hit him hard (31.3 LD%).

Ryan Franklin | St. Louis Cardinals
The Comments: Franklin is the antithesis of Carlos Marmol. The veteran right-hander has a number of lousy rates but he’s been successful in 10 of 11 opportunities this season. The right-hander appeared in four games this past week and was 3-for-3 in saves. It’s amazing what can happen when you can throw strikes and get a head of batters.

Matt Capps | Washington Nationals
The Comments: Despite the recent promotion of future closer Drew Storen, incumbent Capps is showing no signs of slowing down. The veteran reliever continues to lead the Majors in saves with 15 and he has yet to blow an opportunity. Three of his five earned runs allowed on the season have come in non-save opportunities.

Matt Lindstrom | Houston Astros
The Comments: With six losses in the last seven games, there wasn’t a whole lot for Lindstrom to do this past week. He appeared in just one game (a non-save opportunity) but he struck out one and did not allow a run in one inning.

Leo Nunez | Florida Marlins
The Comments: Nunez gave up a run in each of his two appearances this past week but he saved both games. Despite allowing four hits this past week, he’s still give up just nine base knocks in 17.1 innings on the year.

Brian Wilson | San Francisco Giants
The Comments: Wilson’s ERA has been a little high this year, but he has 10 saves in 11 tries, as well as a strikeout rate of 13.22 K/9. He saved three games this past week but gave up six hits and three walks in doing so.

Francisco Rodriguez | New York Mets
The Comments: With just 12 hits allowed in 20.2 innings, Rodriguez’ WHIP has taken a bit of a hit due to his 10 walks allowed. The right-hander sports a 2.18 ERA but the 4.50 FIP suggests he’s had some luck.

Francisco Cordero | Cincinnati Reds
The Comments: Cordero is second in the Majors in saves with 13, but he’s been far from dominant. The veteran closer has three blown saves, three losses, and a 3.60 ERA. He also has a 1.55 WHIP. Cordero went 2-for-3 in save opportunities this past week.

Billy Wagner | Atlanta Braves
The Comments: Wagner now has as many wins as saves (four) after picking up a shocking three wins this past week. Unfortunately, he’s still not having any save opportunities come his way and (on May 19) he blew his first opportunity since May 8.

Octavio Dotel | Pittsburgh Pirates
The Comments: Ever since his wife gave birth, Dotel has been a much improved player (coincidence or not). The right-hander has given up just one run in his last eight appearances and he saved three games this past week. If he keeps this up, his ERA is going to start looking a lot like his xFIP of 3.97.

Chad Qualls | Arizona Diamondbacks
The Comments: There was a whole lot of shakin’ going on in the bullpen this past week for Arizona but Qualls remains as the club’s closer. He’s got an impressive 10.05 K/9 rate and his xFIP is just 3.17, but he’s been hurt by the base knock (23 in 14.1 innings). He went 1-for-2 in save opportunities this past week.

Jose Contreras | Philadelphia Phillies
The Comments: With both Brad Lidge and Ryan Madson on the DL, and the club unwilling to trust promising rookie Scott Mathieson with such an important role, the club is now leaning on converted starter Jose Contreras. He’s gone 2-for-2 in save opportunities this season and currently has a 12.56 K/9 rate. Contreras is a great pick up in all formats.

Manny Corpas | Colorado Rockies
The Comments: Corpas has taken over the closer’s role for now, but he’s been far from dominant this season. His strikeout rate is at 5.98 K/9 and his xFIP is 4.70. Although his fastball has been working well for him overall, his average fastball velocity is down to about 89 mph, which is more than 3 mph slower than it was in ’06.

Carlos Villanueva and Trevor Hoffman | Milwaukee Brewers
The Comments: Hey, perhaps the Brewers front office reads these reports. One week after suggesting Carlos Villanueva should be placed in the (at least temporary) closer’s role, he was given his first save opportunity of the year – and was successful. Hoffman, on the other hand, appeared in two games this past week and blew his only save opp. Monitor the situation in Milwaukee and jump on Villanueva if he’s announced as closer.

Joakim Soria | Kansas City Royals
The Comments: Soria is tied for third in the league in saves and has one of the best strikeout rates amongst closers in the AL. His numbers have been skewed by his problems with the long ball. He was successful in both his save opportunities this week.

Rafael Soriano | Tampa Bay Rays
The Comments: Soriano continues to be a strong contributor to a powerful team. The closer is a perfect 11-for-11 in saves on the year and he made four appearances this past week and was 2-for-2 in saves.

Jose Valverde | Detroit Tigers
The Comments: Valverde has actually allowed more walks (nine) than hits (seven) on the season and is 11-for-12 in saves. His low strikeout rate (6.27 K/9) diminishes his value a bit. He converted his only save opportunity this past week.

Neftali Feliz | Texas Rangers
The Comments: Manager Ron Washington is certainly not worried about wearing Feliz out. The young closer has appeared in more games and pitched more innings than any other AL closer. He appeared in three games this past week and saved two games against Los Angeles. Feliz recorded three strikeouts and did not walk or allow a hit to a batter.

Jon Rauch | Minnesota Twins
The Comments: Rauch continues to chug along with 10 saves in 11 tries, as well as just two walks in 16.0 innings. He recorded just one save this past week but held his own against both the Yankees and Red Sox lineups.

Andrew Bailey | Oakland Athletics
The Comments: His ERA continues to be impressive at 1.15 and Bailey has yet to allow a homer, but the strikeouts and save opportunities continue to elude the sophomore closer. He blew his only save opportunity this week.

Mariano Rivera | New York Yankees
The Comments: It’s been a rough week for Rivera. He blew a start against Minnesota and gave up four runs in 2.1 innings on the week.

Jonathan Papelbon | Boston Red Sox
The Comments: It’s been a rough week for Papelbon, too. The right-hander gave up five runs in 4.0 innings with all the damage coming against the Yankees.

Kevin Gregg | Toronto Blue Jays
The Comments: Gregg continues to lead the AL in saves but his command has slipped lately. He still has a good strikeout rate at 10.24 K/9 but he’s looked shaky in many of his recent appearances. He blew his last save opportunity and took the loss against Seattle by allowing three runs in the ninth inning.

David Aardsma | Seattle Mariners
The Comments: Aardsma appeared in just two games this past week and picked up the save in his only opportunity. The right-hander also recorded strikeouts on four of the six outs he recorded.

Alfredo Simon | Baltimore Orioles
The Comments: Despite questionable control (6.30 BB/9), Simon has saved five games on the year. The converted starter blew his first save of the year – and took the loss – this past week against Cleveland. He also gave up his first earned runs on the year with four in one game against the Indians.

Fernando Rodney and Brian Fuentes | Los Angeles Angels
The Comments: Fuentes saved two games this past week but recorded just one strikeout in three appearances. Rodney did not receive a save opportunity and he appeared in just two games for a total of two-thirds of an inning.

Bobby Jenks | Chicago White Sox
The Comments: Embattled closer Jenks continues to have an impressive strikeout rate at 12.21 K/9 but his ERA sits at 5.79 and he’s given up 21 hits in 14.0 innings. He has a 2.88 xFIP. Hard-throwing Matt Thornton converted a save against Kansas City on May 15, so be wary of that.

Kerry Wood | Cleveland Indians
The Comments: Wood has not looked good in his return from the DL. He has five walks and seven hits allowed in 3.1 innings. Wood has blown his only save opportunity since returning and he allowed five earned runs against KC on May 19. Trusted with a save opportunity on May 17, former fill-in closer Chris Perez blew the opportunity.

Be sure to check back later today as Eno Sarris, Zach Sanders, and Brian Joura will be hosting a fantasy chat at 3:30 p.m. eastern. We’ve had some great questions over the past few chats so keep them coming!

Matt Capps | Washington Nationals
The Comments: Capps continues to lead the world in saves with 14 in as many tries and is one of the main reasons why the club remains in the playoff hunt. The right-hander has struck out 18 batters in 19.1 innings. He hasn’t walked a batter in 10 games and was 3-for-3 in saves this past week.

Jonathan Broxton | Los Angeles Dodgers
The Comments: The Bull’s save opportunities took a little while to come around with the club’s disappointing play but he remained strong and has been rewarded; Broxton saved four games this past week. On the year, he has struck out 23 batters in 13.2 innings while issuing just two free passes. His 1.32 ERA is also pretty nifty.

Heath Bell | San Diego Padres
The Comments: The Padres organization is probably quite happy with its decision to keep Bell. The closer has saved 10 games and the club is in first place in the NL West. Bell is also showing an increased strikeout rate at 11.25 K/9, as well as an improved ground-ball rate (56.4%). He went 3-for-4 in saves opportunities this week.

Brian Wilson | San Francisco Giants
The Comments: Wilson has blown just one save this season in eight opportunities. He has a yet to allow a homer and his ground-ball rate is strong at 64.5%. The right-hander also has a 12.83 K/9 rate. He had just one save opportunity this past week and he was successful.

Carlos Marmol | Chicago Cubs
The Comments: Dominance, meet Marmol. The right-hander currently has a 1.13 ERA and he’s struck out 33 batters in 16.0 innings (good for an 18.56 K/9). Unfortunately, he doesn’t always find the plate, as witnessed by his 5.63 BB/9 rate. Marmol has converted five of his six save opportunities on the year and went 1-for-1 this past week.

Francisco Cordero | Cincinnati Reds
The Comments: Cordero is second in the NL with 11 saves despite one of the higher ERAs at 2.95. The veteran has battled his control with nine walks in 18.1 innings and his strikeout rate has been modest for a closer at 7.36 K/9. He converted both his save opportunities this past week.

Billy Wagner | Atlanta Braves
The Comments: Save opportunities have been few and far between for Wagner, but he’s 4-for-5 on the year and has a nice ERA at 2.08 and two wins. He’s given up just eight hits in 13.0 innings, while striking out 20 batters. Is the 0.3 WAR to this point worth the lost first round draft pick?

Matt Lindstrom | Houston Astros
The Comments: Lindstrom continues to be oddly reliable. The 30-year-old closer has shown significantly-improved control this season, which is a strong reason why he’s had more success. His walk rate of 2.08 is down from 4.56 BB/9 in ’09. His ground-ball rate is up more than 10% over his career norm.

Leo Nunez | Florida Marlins
The Comments: Along with Matt Lindstrom, Nunez is one of the more surprising success stories in ’10… to this point. The right-hander has a significantly-improved strikeout rate at 9.98 K/9 and his ERA sits at just 0.59. He’s 7-for-9 in saves and he went 3-for-3 this past week.

Francisco Rodriguez | New York Mets
The Comments: Rodriguez has converted a mere five saves this year but he’s given up just 11 hits in 17.2 innings of work. The Mets closer has a solid strikeout rate at 10.19 K/9. He appeared in four games this past week and went 1-for-2 in save opps and took a loss.

Ryan Franklin | St. Louis Cardinals
The Comments: Franklin and dynamic will never be used in the same sentence but he just keeps getting the job done with eight saves in nine tries. His ERA is high (for a closer) at 2.93 and strikeout rate is just 4.70 K/9 so he’s really not offering fantasy owners anything but saves.

Octavio Dotel | Pittsburgh Pirates
The Comments: My buddy Brian is probably the world’s biggest (only?) Dotel supporter so I’m trying to be as nice as I can to a closer with a 6.91 ERA. The strikeout rate is solid at 12.56 K/9 and the xFIP of 4.19 suggests he’s been a tad unlucky… but the walk rate remains poor at 5.02 BB/9 and he’s just giving up too many base runners in general.

Trevor Hoffman | Milwaukee Brewers
The Comments: The stat says it all: 5-for-9 in save opportunities. Hoffman has had a brutal season and his ERA currently sits at 12.00. He was 1-for-1 in save opportunities this past week but he was torched in his other appearance (three runs in 1.0 inning). The club should give Carlos Villanueva a shot.

Chad Qualls | Arizona Diamondbacks
The Comments: Things just aren’t getting any better for Qualls, who made three appearances this past week and blew his only save opportunity. On the week, he gave up six runs (just two earned) in 2.0 innings. Unfortunately, no other reliever is really stepping up their game to compensate for Qualls’ ineffectiveness.

Brad Lidge | Philadelphia Phillies
The Comments: Health concerns continue to dog Lidge but his job is fairly safe for now considering Ryan Madson’s health woes. Keep an eye on Scott Mathieson, though. The hard-thrower is pitching very well in triple-A.

Manny Corpas/Rafael Betancourt | Colorado Rockies
The Comments: Young closer Franklin Morales is on the DL with shoulder weakness; he joins veteran closer Huston Street on the shelf. That leaves the job to Corpas and maybe Betancourt. The closer situation in Colorado is no sure thing right now but Street has been throwing well on a rehab assignment.