B.J. Ryan

Ryan's season ended after just five appearances with a torn elbow ligament that required Tommy John surgery in May. Early reports from his rehab work this winter have him back for spring training, but it remains to be seen how quickly he'll regain his effectiveness. He's an elite closer when healthy, so don't shy away from him on draft day. If you can get him at a discount, grab him.

Ryan had a dominating year as Toronto's closer. His strikeout rate dipped a bit, but it was still a sparkling 10.71 strikeouts per nine innings. He allowed just two earned runs through June 31, and gave up more than one run in an appearance just twice all year. It's silly to predict he'll post another 1.37 ERA, but he’ll be among the elite again in 2007.

Ryan became the highest-paid reliever in major league history when the Blue Jays gave him a five-year, $47 million deal prior to 2005. In many respects, the deal makes a lot of sense, as the 30-year-old dominated the American League to the tune of 222 strikeouts as compared to only 61 walks in 157 1/3 innings the last two seasons. On the flip side, Ryan has only been a closer for one season and will be making starter money until he's 34. Still, he should be one of the best relievers from a fantasy perspective in 2006, especially since the Blue Jays have expanded their payroll and beefed up their lineup in an effort to compete with the juggernauts at the top of the AL East. With the money the Jays have thrown at him, Ryan has complete job security, so don't be afraid to make him one of the top few closers selected in your draft this season.

Utter dominance is the only way to describe Ryan's .094 BAA for lefties. He was much more than a left-handed specialist, however, eventually taking over the closer’s role from a struggling Jorge Julio. Ryan will begin the 2005 season as the Orioles closer, though the big question is whether he can get right-handed batters out on a regular basis. If he can, he could be one of the top fantasy closers in the game due to his strikeout totals. If he can’t, Julio could easily force him back into a set-up role.

Ryan suffered through a stretch of ineffectiveness in May and June, but was brilliant the rest of the year. His good work after the All-Star break (.191 BAA, 1.08 ERA, 25 IP) will likely earn him the left-handed setup job over Buddy Groom.

Ryan finished 2002 at 2-1 with a 4.68 ERA and a save in 67 appearances. An awful first half gave way to a dominating second half (2.59 ERA in 31.1 IP and a .198 batting average allowed). Unfortunately that's been his pattern for the last three years. He won't be getting many save opportunities and needs to keep the long balls down.