2010 Closer Profile: Heath Bell, Padres
By Todd Farino, www.thecloserreport.com
Team: San Diego Padres
Projections: 38-5-2.98-1.16-76 (SV-WIN-ERA-WHIP-K)
Average Draft Position: 101th pick
Recommended Draft Round: 10
Team Saves Projection: 43
Injury Risk/Stability: 10/10
Top 50 Rank: #11
Heath Bell is a stud closer. His rank is a reflection of the team he is on and not his ability to rack up saves. He could be trade bait around the end of the season and that is not good. Normally closers that get traded become setup men. His K/9 rate helps is value as well. Bell is a great #2 closer for your bullpen and could secure 40 saves and 80 strikeouts, while maintianing a low ERA. The True Guru Strategy: Bell isn't loved by fantasy managers. He's a great grab in the 11th round but his ADP dictates round ten. The only way I could advise going for Bell that early is if the other top 10 closers are gone. If was on a better team and had a WHIP below 1.00 I'd agree with round nine or ten.
