No, I am not talking about the singular version of the delicious alcoholic beverage that perfectly tops off a cup of coffee. I am, however, talking about Andrew Bailey who is set to be a top closer option in all leagues, who is considered by other sites, to be a RP2 or a low end RP1.

What am I missing here? How can Andrew Bailey not be considered as a top tier option in Fantasy Baseball?

I get that there are injury concerns here and that pitching in Oakland is far different than Fenway, but receiving save chances at a regular rate has to account for something. Let’s face it, Daniel Bard is not ready to be a closer yet, (which was evident in some blown saves last year) and Mark Melancon is far from a sure thing. The only picture we have of Melancon involves his efforts last year while pitching in what could honestly be considered AAA with the lowly Astros.

Below I will state my case for Mr. Andrew Bailey, and you can choose to take my advice and get a nice caffeine/liquor buzz going, or you can pass, and sip your hot chocolate laced with a touch of bland.

   My projections seem a little high? Well how about we take a look at Boston’s old closer, which blew the season last year against a team who had nothing to play for. Yet Papelbon still received a huge deal with a team who apparently loves his ridiculous goofy mean stare.

Take into account that Jonathan Papelbon missed some time, and the 2011 number should be a little bit higher. While Papelbon’s strikeout rate is higher, he has also pitched 3 more seasons than Andrew Bailey.  Unfortunately, as a closer’s age creeps upward, his value normally sprints in the opposite direction. If, and it is a big if, Bailey can stay healthy and get 40 or more save opportunities, there is no reason to believe he won’t be as valuable or more than Bean Town’s old closer.

When I select closer during the draft, I employ a high-risk strategy. In basic 10 or 12 team mixed roto leagues, I prefer selecting high ceiling players like Andrew Bailey rather than a run of the mill closer with a more proven situation (if there is such a thing in the majors)

So, yes bartender, I will take another. This time load up my glass with the creamy goodness and send me on my way to destroying my competition.