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.
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| 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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