K-Rod is back.

OK, he's probably not back to being the pitcher who averaged 42 saves from 2005 to 2010 and struck out a combined 496 batters in 401 1/3 innings in that span.

But Francisco Rodriguez has returned to the closer's role.

Tuesday, the Brewers replaced John Axford with Rodriguez in the ninth-inning role, a day after the former blew his sixth save since May 11.

Since that date, Axford is 10-for-16 in save chances and has a 5.27 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. Before that blown save, he had converted 49 consecutive save opportunities and was coming off a fantastic 2011 season in which he was 46-for-48 in saves, had a 1.95 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 86 strikeouts in 73 2/3 innings.

Prior to Tuesday, Rodriguez was available in more than 97 percent of the leagues on ESPN.com. If he's available in a category league in which you compete, you should acquire him even if you don't need a closer. (Think trade bait.)

Rodriguez has been pretty ordinary in a setup role this season for Milwaukee. He has a 3.67 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 39 Ks in 41 2/3 innings.

He was very effective last season, though, posting a 2.64 ERA and 79 Ks in 71 2/3 innings with the Mets and Brewers.

If you're worried about using a roster spot on Rodriguez and then watching as Axford gets his former job back in two weeks, don't.

There are rumors Rodriguez will be traded to a closer-needy team before the July 31 deadline. One rumor that gained steam recently was a Rodriguez reunion with the Mets. (And what fun that could be.)

And what better way to raise his trade value than to have him save a handful of games in the next two weeks?

If Rodriguez is traded, you might also get lucky and have him go to a team such as the Mets, who have had 22 saves in their 46 victories and have Frank Francisco and his 4.97 ERA on the disabled list.

Don't draft a wide receiver first overall.

Don't take a pitcher first overall.

Don't let the amusing Joe Mauer commercials fool you into believing he is still a top-three catcher.

We all have our rules in fantasy.

Another of mine: Don't take a closer early.

It's an argument for another day, but the basic premise is there is value at the position in the middle to late rounds, and avoiding the inevitable closer run in your draft allows you to stock up at other (much more important) positions.

Braves pitcher Craig Kimbrel is a rare player who will make me question that philosophy.

In his career, he has struck out 167 batters in 97 2/3 innings -- a ridiculous average of 15.4 Ks per nine innings. In 2011, his first full big-league season, Kimbrel set a rookie record with 46 saves, and posted a 2.10 ERA and 127 Ks in 77 innings.

He's a stud. But he's a closer, which means you shouldn't take him in the first five rounds of a 12-team league. In points-based leagues, which minimize closers more than rotisserie formats, Kimbrel should go even lower.

On to our final set of position rankings. We'll finish the early rankings rush later this week with our top 100 overall.

Note: All players are ranked at the positions at which they are expected to spend the most time in 2012, not all positions at which they are eligible. ... Stats are from 2011.

Rank, player, team IP, W-L, ERA, K, SV-Opp
1. Craig Kimbrel, Braves 77, 4-3, 2.10, 127, 46-54
2. Jonathan Papelbon, Phillies 64.1, 4-1, 2.94, 87, 31-34
3. John Axford, Brewers 73.2, 2-2, 1.95, 86, 46-48
4. Mariano Rivera, Yankees 61.1, 1-2, 1.91, 60, 44-49
5. Drew Storen, Nationals 75.1, 6-3, 2.75, 74, 43-48
6. Brian Wilson, Giants 55, 6-4, 3.11, 54, 36-41
7. Heath Bell, Marlins 62.2, 3-4, 2.44, 51, 43-48
8. J.J. Putz, Diamondbacks 58, 2-2, 2.17, 61, 45-49
9. Jose Valverde, Tigers 72.1, 2-4, 2.24, 69, 49-49
10. Joakim Soria, Royals 60.1, 5-5, 4.03, 60, 28-35
11. Ryan Madson, Reds 60.2, 4-2, 2.37, 62, 32-34
12. Joel Hanrahan, Pirates 68.2, 1-4, 1.83, 61, 40-44
13. Andrew Bailey, Red Sox 41.2, 0-4, 3.24, 41, 24-26
14. Jason Motte, Cardinals 68, 5-2, 2.25, 63, 9-13
15. Sergio Santos, Blue Jays 63.1, 4-5, 3.55, 92, 30-36
16. Carlos Marmol, Cubs 74, 2-6, 4.01, 99, 34-44
17. Jordan Walden, Angels 60.1, 5-5, 2.98, 26, 67, 32-42
18. Joe Nathan, Rangers 44.2, 2-1, 4.84, 43, 14-17
19. Chris Perez, Indians 59.2, 4-7, 3.32, 39, 36-40
20. Huston Street, Padres 58.1, 1-4, 3.86, 55, 29-33

Last three out: Brandon League, Mariners; Kyle Farnsworth, Rays; Javy Guerra, Dodgers.

Eligibility notes: As we noted in the rankings of the starting pitchers, Texas' Neftali Feliz and Tampa Bay's Matt Moore will begin the year in the rotation of their respective teams. If you are in a deep league and must play multiple relievers, start them as relievers if possible.

Key stats: Expect Papelbon to have a monster first season in Philly. Prior to 2011, he had averaged 37.6 saves in his previous five seasons. Last year, his save total dropped to 31, but he struck out 87 in 64 1/3 innings and blew only three save chances. As a team, the Phillies have averaged 44.5 saves per year since 2008.

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