Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers (Image: Zuma Press)

1) Jonathan Broxton, Los Angeles Dodgers
Some Dodgers fans thought the closer spot in the bullpen could be shaky in 2009. Guess again. Broxton has eight saves, an era of 0.56, a WHIP of 0.38 and 27 strikeouts in 16 innings.

2) Frank Francisco, Texas Rangers
The Rangers gave Francisco the closers job. So far, so great. He hasn’t given up a run yet and has nine saves and a win.

3) Heath Bell, San Diego Padres
Another closer who has yet to give up a run, Heath Bell has been a huge hit for the Padres and big reason why they are doing better than most experts predicted.

4) Francisco Rodriguez, New York Mets
The Mets went into the offseason trying to strengthen their bullpen. To do that, they signed Rodriguez away from the Angels. His nine saves and 1.08 ERA point to a very good signing.

5) Ryan Franklin, St. Louis Cardinals
Franklin is doing a fine work as the Cardinals closer. He has nine saves, an ERA of 1.23 and a WHIP of 0.68.

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1) Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Only in his second year, Evan Longoria is quickly making a case for being the best third baseman in all of fantasy baseball. He already has 34 RBI, 21 runs and eight homers on the season.

2) Michael Young, Texas Rangers
Prior to the season, Michael Young didn’t sound too happy about moving over to third base. Now that he’s playing at the hot corner, his bat is also hotter than expected.

3) Brandon Inge, Detroit Tigers
Inge plays all over the field for the Tigers — from third base to the outfield to catcher. Not only has he been useful in the field, he’s been a monster at the plate this year, too.

4) Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals
Earlier in the season, the Nationals gave Zimmerman a hefty contract extension. With his play so far this year, he’s showing why he is the best thing going for Washington.

5) Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox
Some scouts thought Lowell could fall off this year but 2009 has started off well for the veteran third baseman. His 26 RBIs at the position only trail Longoria.

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Raul Ibanez, Philadelphia Philles
The World Series champions added Ibanez over the offseason to get another big bat in their lineup. So far, he’s been a great addition. He already has 20 runs, 19 RBIs and seven homers.

Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles
Markakis has been one of the hottest prospects in baseball for years and he is showing why this season. He’s hitting .379 with 25 runs, 24 RBIs and three homers. With solid bats around him in Baltimore, he should continue to produce.

Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles
Markakis’ Orioles teammate is having a very good season. He was a sleeper heading into the season and he’s showing his potential. He has a .432 on-base percentage to go with 26 runs, 18 RBI, four homers and two stolen bases.

Torii Hunter, Los Angeles Angels
Last season’s big free agent signing, Hunter has helped keep the Angels together this season. He’s stepped into a leadership position on and off the field. Hunter has 20 runs, eight RBI and 16 runs.

Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs
Although his .272 batting average isn’t spectacular, he has 22 runs, 14 RBI, seven homers and four stolen bases. As always, the sky is the limit for Soriano.

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5) Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay Rays
Although his batting average is lower than preferred (.256), Carlos Pena is off to an otherwise fantastic start for the Rays. He already has nine homers in his first 22 games, while also driving in 24 RBIs, scoring 14 runs and walking 11 times.

4) Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox
Kevin Youkilis was an MVP candidate last season. This season, he’s hitting even better. Through 21 games, the slugger is hitting .395 with five homers, 15 RBI, 20 runs and 14 walks. His on-base percentage is at an astronomical .505.

3) Jorge Cantu, Florida Marlins
Jorge Cantu has long been considered a solid prospect but he has really started off well this season. He’s hitting .365 with seven homers, 22 RBI and 15 runs. He’s on pace to shatter is already good numbers from 2008.

2) Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego Padres
Some scouts wondered if Adrian Gonzalez could keep up his great hitting ways despite playing in a pitcher-friendly ballpark and for a bad team. So far this season, he’s proving all doubters wrong. Gonzalez is hitting .333 with nine homers, 20 RBI, 19 runs and an on-base percentage of .438.

1) Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
So far, Albert Pujols has been the most valuable hitter in all of fantasy baseball. The Cardinals first baseman tops our rankings by batting .337 with eight homers, 28 RBI, 22 runs and even four stolen bases. He has to be considered the early favorite for National League MVP.

Albert Pujols of the Cardinals (Image: Newscom)

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