In preparation for our early mock draft, we go position-by-position with some preliminary rankings for Draft Day 2009. Our relief pitcher rankings are based on position eligibility for next season, which requires 10 relief appearances to be eligible. If a pitcher did not appear 10 times in relief or five times as a starter, his primary position will be determined from his minor league games or his previous season's position.

Initial relief pitcher rankings for 2009
RK Player TM The thinking is as follows …
1 Francisco Rodriguez LAA Record-breaker will become the richest closer in baseball history. Money talks.
2 Jonathan Papelbon BOS He has had some setbacks this season, but it is tough to move him down any.
3 Mariano Rivera NYY Veteran remains as dominant as ever and Yankees should improve next season.
4 Joe Nathan MIN Surprising Twins struggled with their bridge, but Nathan was great all year.
5 Joba Chamberlain NYY He has more value as a starter, so hopefully they don't open with him in relief.
6 Bobby Jenks CHW The big man didn't have as good of a second half this year, but he remains elite.
7 Brad Lidge PHI The only perfect full-time closer (at least until the final weekend). Earned a contract.
8 Kerry Wood CHC He finally proved healthy and looks like he could have a nice career as a closer.
9 Joakim Soria KC One of the nastiest relievers around. We would like him much more on a contender.
10 Brandon Morrow SEA We rank him five spots below Joba, but his stuff is even better in Great Northwest.
11 B.J. Ryan TOR Tommy John survivor has proven to be healthy and productive all over again.
12 Jose Valverde HOU NL saves leader tends to be shaky at times, but how many closers aren't really?
13 Francisco Cordero CIN He might not be worth the contract he got, but at least they stick with him due to it.
14 J.J. Putz SEA This year's proof you cannot trust heavily in closers; Putz fell real hard in a year.
15 Jonathan Broxton LAD Better than this ranking, but you have to be proven before being trusted in Fantasy.
16 Brian Fuentes COL Comeback season can make him real rich this winter. He likely only signs to close.
17 Mike Gonzalez ATL His Tommy John return was not as impressive as Ryan's but there is potential here.
18 Huston Street OAK The A's stopped trusting him and have suitable replacements, so he could be dealt.
19 Brad Ziegler OAK Deceptive delivery makes up for his so-so arm; he needs to win the job, though.
20 Jose Arredondo LAA Angels system has developed a potential gem here, especially if K-Rod leaves.
21 Brian Wilson SF It is easier to rank a 40-save closer this low with his high ERA and WHIP.
22 Chad Qualls ARI He was great down the stretch, but he likely will have to compete to close in spring.
23 Chris Ray BAL Another Tommy John closer returnee. The O's will now win consistently, though.
24 Trevor Hoffman SD His stats belie his age, but he should continue to be a steady option on the low end.
25 Kevin Gregg FLA Injury-plagued second half has to make you cautious, but he can be a sleeper still.
26 Scot Shields LAA If Arredondo doesn't assume the closer's role, Shields certainly can be a great pick.
27 Troy Percival TB Age and injury risk are the reasons he is down this low, so watch him this winter.
28 Joey Devine OAK Breakthrough will put him in the closer mix, but Street and Ziegler get first cracks.
29 Matt Capps PIT The Pirates notoriously don't give a whole lot of save chances, but Capps is good.
30 Salomon Torres MIL Move him up the list if the Brewers slot him as a closer next season, too.
31 Chris Perez STL Rookie will have competition for his spot, especially if Jason Iringhausen is healthy.
32 Frank Francisco TEX Solid season should get him a legit look as the long-term closer now.
33 Dan Wheeler TB Another one in the mix with the Rays, especially if Percival cannot get healthy.
34 Grant Balfour TB He had better numbers than others with the Rays, but can they trust him this soon?
35 Ryan Franklin STL The Cardinals didn't trust him when Izzy went down, but they probably should have.
36 Takashi Saito LAD Age and injury risk make it likely Broxton holds the closer's role permanently.
37 Jensen Lewis CLE He leads the Indians latest bullpen-by-committee, but will he stay ahead?
38 George Sherrill BAL He is a nice fallback option to have if Ray cannot prove healthy next spring.
39 C.J. Wilson TEX Francisco is a better option for them, but Wilson might get a look first next spring.
40 Manny Corpas COL If Fuentes leaves via free agency, Corpas as a great chance to enjoy a rebound.

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