how early should i draft k-rod

[ratking20]

head to head standard points save=10, blown save -2, win =7, loss=-5

start 5 starting pitchers and 1 closer........... where should k-rod be drafted??? 10 team league

[GOGOGADGETFLOW]

I would draft Papelbon, Lidge and Nathan over K-Rod... i would see him getting drafted in the 6-7 round but i wouldn't go after him.

[chargerss24]

K-Rod won't get 60+ again. Probably won't even get 50. That said, you can get a 40+ saves guy much later than K-Rod. Let someone else overdraft K-Rod.

[baseball78]

Papelbon and Nathan are the top 2 closers who will go first. After that, I wouldn't overpay for someone like K-Rod, he'll probably go in the 7th round. I agree with the other guy who said you can get better value closers later than K-Rod.

[Tenacious D-Store]

I usually jump in to the Closers around Matt Capps or Brian Wilson. Look for bargain guys, let everyone else reach and get tangled up in a closer run while you're still drafting stud hitters. It's tough to resist the temptation, but they'll still be there when you're ready. They'll be plenty of pop up closers this season as well if you end the draft with only 2 closers too. Don't sweat it. Spend a late pick on someone like Jason Motte (who could close in STL), Jensen Lewis (Wood is hurting already) or Tony Pena (who just wants to close so bad he can taste it).

[NRobinson]

I usually jump in to the Closers around Matt Capps or Brian Wilson. Look for bargain guys, let everyone else reach and get tangled up in a closer run while you're still drafting stud hitters. It's tough to resist the temptation, but they'll still be there when you're ready. They'll be plenty of pop up closers this season as well if you end the draft with only 2 closers too. Don't sweat it. Spend a late pick on someone like Jason Motte (who could close in STL), Jensen Lewis (Wood is hurting already) or Tony Pena (who just wants to close so bad he can taste it).

Couldn't agree more. I wait til later in all my drafts to start drafting closers. In fact the same goes for pitchers in general. You can ALWAYS find quality pitchers on the wire especially with closers. I am sure people have lists of pitchers who ended up closing last year in the majors that didn't start the year with the job. I hate closers, and if someone wants to reach and draft K-Rod, or some other closer early I gladly accept. It means there's more quality hitters on the board and it's almost impossible to find a big bat on the wire during the regular season. Guys I've grabbed late in drafts include: Heath Bell (SD), Chad Qualls (Ari), Frank Francisco (Tex), Matt Lindstrom (Flo), Chris Perez (StL), Joey Devine (Oak), Troy Percival (TB)/Grant Balfour(TB), Brandon Lyon (Det)... So to think you have to waste an early pick on a closer who by the way really only help in one category; saves is silly. Grab a big bat and you won't regret it as you'll be able to pick up closers (saves) as the big names get hurt, or lose their jobs during the season. That's my take on drafting closers.