As we've written in the past, we recommend not following along when the inevitable closer run occurs on draft day.
If need be, punt. You'll find much better value at other positions.
One player who can make us rethink that strategy, however, is the Braves' Craig Kimbrel.
He set a rookie saves record with 46 in 2011. Better yet, he has 167 strikeouts in 97 2/3 career innings.
His 127 strikeouts last season were 10 more than American League Rookie of the Year Jeremy Hellickson - a starter who threw 189 innings.
Kimbrel's ERA was 2.10 in 2011, and it's 1.75 in his brief career.
Yes, I'd still punt, but he is the rare reliever who is difficult to argue against in the fifth or sixth round.
(Note: Players are listed only at the position at which they are expected to spend the most time in 2012, not every position at which they are eligible.)
1. Craig Kimbrel, Braves: His only negative number in 2011 was his eight blown saves.
2. Jonathan Papelbon, Phillies: He saved 31 games and struck out 87 - stats that should only get better in the NL.
3. John Axford, Brewers: Axford was 46-for-48 in save opportunities, struck out 86, had a 1.95 ERA and, more importantly, a great mustache.
4. Mariano Rivera, Yankees: The 42-year-old has had an ERA above 2.00 once since 2003.
5. Drew Storen, Nationals: He saved 43 games, fanned 74 and had a 2.75 ERA in his second season.
6. Brian Wilson, Giants: One of our favorites is recovering from a strained elbow that resulted in a 3.11 ERA and only 57 appearances.
7. Heath Bell, Marlins: The Marlins' expensive offseason included three years and $27 million for Bell, who is 132-for-146 in save chances since 2009.
8. J.J. Putz, Diamondbacks: He was a late-round gem in 2011 (45 saves, 2.17 ERA, 61 Ks).
9. Jose Valverde, Tigers: Just don't expect him to be perfect in 49 save opportunities again.
10. Joel Hanrahan, Pirates: Another late-round find, Hanrahan tallied 40 saves, a 1.83 ERA and 61 Ks a year ago.
11. Andrew Bailey, Red Sox: Boston's answer to Papelbon's exit is a talented but injury-prone (a combined 89 appearances the last two seasons) former Athletic.
12. Jason Motte, Cardinals: He was 5-for-5 in save chances and had a 2.19 ERA in the postseason.
13. Sergio Santos, Blue Jays: The White Sox curiously traded a closer who had 92 Ks in 63 1/3 innings in 2011.
14. Carlos Marmol, Cubs: He blew 10 saves and had a 4.01 ERA, but he's a K machine (99 in 74 innings).
15. Jordan Walden, Angels: If he's as shaky as he was at times as a rookie in 2011 (10 blown saves), Walden won't hold on to his job past June.
16. Joe Nathan, Rangers: With Neftali Feliz giving it a try as a starting pitcher, the Rangers brought in this former Twins stud who was mediocre in his return from Tommy John surgery in 2011.
17. Chris Perez, Indians: Perez's strikeouts slipped from 61 in 2010 to 39 last season, but he blew only four of his 40 save chances.
18. Huston Street, Padres: Street goes from baseball's most hitter-friendly park (Coors Field) to its best venue for pitchers.
19. Kyle Farnsworth, Rays: He blew six of his 31 save chances last season, but he had a 2.18 ERA and 51 Ks in 57 2/3 innings.
20. Jonathan Broxton, Royals: Hefty former Dodgers closer will likely get the first shot to replace Joakim Soria (elbow) in Kansas City.
Eligibility notes
If you can draft the Rangers' Feliz and the Rays' Matt Moore as a reliever in a league in which you're forced to start a few relief pitchers, do so. Both will be starters, and both will be much more valuable than a setup man - and likely will be better than a No. 2 closer.
Others to watch
Brandon League, Mariners: He saved 37 games and had a 2.79 ERA in 2011.
Javy Guerra, Dodgers: He was 21-for-23 in save opportunities and posted a 2.31 ERA as a rookie.
More 2012 fantasy rankings:
Top 20 catchers: In a weak and banged-up crop of catchers, Indians youngster Carlos Santana could be poised for a breakout third season.
Top 20 first basemen: Albert Pujols should find American League pitching to his liking.
Top 20 second basemen: Robinson Cano is the top choice at a surprisingly deep position.
Top 20 shortstops: It's Troy Tulowitzki's time to be the top shortstop, assuming you can shrug off the injury risks.
Top 20 third basemen: The top two choices -- Miguel Cabrera and Hanley Ramirez -- didn't even play that position last season.
Top 10 designated hitters: Michael Young might be able to help your team at several positions, but he's a default DH.
Top 60 outfielders: With Ryan Braun's suspension avoided, he's the best on the board, just over Jose Bautista.
Top 80 starting pitchers: Where do big-potential starters such as Stephen Strasburg and Yu Darvish fit in?
Top 100 overall: Plus links to other draft tips.
