Fantasy Baseball: Top 5 Closers in the American League

May 1, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins relief pitcher Glen Perkins (15) celebrates with catcher Kurt Suzuki (8) after beating the Chicago White Sox at Target Field. The Twins won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Serious fantasy sports players would probably compare relief pitchers in fantasy baseball to defenses in fantasy football.

Both positions are often overlooked but are extremely important to one’s success.

It is also easier to find value at those positions on the waiver wire, which is certainly true this season.

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MCB’s fantasy baseball column this week ranks the top closers in the American League through the first month and a half of the season. Two of these closers did not have that role on Opening Day and the other started the season on the disabled list.

Not only does that show fantasy owners that great closers can be found on the waiver wire, but also that winning in fantasy baseball goes beyond drafting well.

Here are MCB’s top five fantasy baseball closers in the American League.