In deep leagues with inning caps middle relievers can play a role in your pitching landscape. They can get you some unexpected wins and saves. The elite ones can help lower your ERA & WHIP while adding to your strikeout total. Here are some relievers that can bolster your staff.
Jason Bulger, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Bulger racked up 68 Ks in 65-2/3 innings (9.3 K/9) last year with 6 wins, a save, a 3.56 ERA, and a 1.16 WHIP. He’s pitched well this spring posting a 1.29 ERA with 5 Ks in 7 innings.
Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals
Stephen Strausburg isn’t the only live young arm the Nationals possess. Clippard picked up 4 wins with 67 Ks (10 K/9) with a 2.69 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP in 60-1/3 innings last year. He has a 3.00 ERA this spring with 10 Ks in 9 innings.
Luke Gregerson, San Diego Padres
Gregerson had 93 Ks in 75 innings (11.2 K/9) last year with 2 wins, a save, a 3.24 ERA, and a 1.24 WHIP. He’s dominated this spring with a 2.00 ERA, 2 saves, and 10 Ks in 8-2/3 innings. If Heath Bell were to be hurt or traded, Gregerson could assume the closer role.
J.P. Howell, Tampa Bay Rays
Howell did it all last year with 7 wins, 17 saves, 79 Ks, a 2.84 ERA, and a 1.20 WHIP. Rafael Soriano was brought in to close, but Howell can step in if needed. His K/9 ratio that past two years were 10.7 and 9.3 respectively. He had 6 wins in 2008 to show last year’s number wasn’t fluky. Hold off on him until his shoulder issues are sorted out.
Fernando Rodney, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Rodney picked up 37 saves with the Tigers last year. If Brian Fuentes suffers from injury or ineffectiveness, Rodney is capable of stepping in. I’d probably hold off on grabbing him until either occur. His K/9 ratio (7.3) was down from the 10.9 and 9.6 he recorded in 2008 and 2007. Plus, he has a career WHIP of 1.42. He’s also struggled mightily this spring with a 12.47 ERA.
George Sherrill, Los Angeles DodgersSherrill was brilliant for the Dodgers last year after coming over from the Orioles. He posted a 0.65 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, .192 BAA with a win, a save, and 22 Ks in 27-2/3 innings. His career K/9 ratio is 9.2.
Robinson Tejada, Kansas City Royals
Tejada was a bright spot for the Royals last year with 4 wins, 87 Ks (10.6 K/9), a 3.54 ERA, and a 1.26 WHIP. He started six games last year, and could work his way into the rotation again. Gil Meche could start the season on the DL. Tejada could be an option, but Kyle Farnsworth is likely the replacement. Either way, Tejada has value. Tejada’s ERA (7.15) this spring isn’t pretty, but he does have 14 Ks in 11-1/3 innings.
Matt Thornton, Chicago White Sox
Thornton was highly impressive last year picking up 6 wins, 4 saves, 87 Ks, a 2.74 ERA, and a 1.08 WHIP in 72-1/3 innings. His K/9 ratio that past two years (10.8 and 10.3) have been outstanding. He’s dominated this spring with a 1.42 ERA and 9 Ks in 6-1/3 innings. If Bobby Jenks were to go down, Thornton would likely step in.
Michael Wuertz, Oakland A’s
Wuertz was a dominant force last year racking up 6 wins, 4 saves, 102 Ks, a 2.63 ERA, and a 0.95 WHIP in 78-2/3 innings. He’s a nice compliment to a pitcher like Mark Buehrle, who had just 105 Ks in 213-1/3 innings. He could miss the start of the season with shoulder issues, but should return quickly.
If you didn’t fill your outfield slots early, you can still find value later in the draft. Try these OFers on for size.
Rajai Davis, Nyjer Morgan, Juan Pierre, & Scott Podsednik
Jacoby Ellsbury, Carl Crawford, and Michael Bourne will garner most of the attention, as long as early draft selections, but his quartet should put up solid SB totals as well. None of them offer much pop, but are solid three category guys.
David DeJesus, Kansas City Royals
Perhaps it’s because he plays in K.C. (and isn’t named Greinke, Soria, or Butler), but DeJesus is not particularly high on people’s radars. I don’t know why. Check out what he’s done the past two years:
2008: .307-70-12-73-11
2009: .281-74-13-71-4
Franklin Gutierrez Seattle Mariners
Gutierrez took a big step last year hitting .283 with 85 runs, 18 HRs, 70 RBIs, and 16 SBs. Unfortunately he doesn’t get any bonus points for his amazing defense, but at 27 he should be primed for an even bigger season.
Corey Hart, Milwaukee Brewers
Thanks to his poor .260-64-12-48-11 2009 line, Hart will come at a discount not normally associated with a guy that has gone 20-20 in two of the last three seasons. He’s struggled this spring, but once he finds his swing, he should be a nice option for five OF leagues.
Magglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers
Magglio’s power numbers took a major hit as he managed just 9 HRs with a .428 slugging percentage. He’s a career .312 hitter so in the very least you’ll get a boost in average. He had 24, 28, and 21 the previous three years, so even at 36 there should still be some power there.
Juan Rivera, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Rivera quietly turned in a .287-72-25-88-0 2009 season. With all the attention that Torii Hunter and Bobby Abreu receive, it’s easy to overlook Rivera. That would be a mistake. He has decent pop in his bat, and you shouldn’t have to suffer with a low batting average.
Nick Swisher, New York Yankees
He’s not going win any batting titles, but he’s averaged 85.2 runs, 26.2 HRs, and 79.6 RBIs over the past five seasons. His 1B/OF eligibility gives him extra value to fantasy owners.
Value Catchers
Value Corner Infielders
Value Middle Infielders
If you didn’t fill your middle infield slots early, you can still find value later in the draft. Try these MIs on for size.
Erick Aybar, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Aybar really blossomed last year hitting .312 for the surprising Angels. He should have plenty of opportunities to build on last season hitting leadoff for the Angels. He had 70 runs and 14 SBs, both of which should increase in 2010. His new spot in the order could make it difficult to match his 58 RBIs of last year, but he’s still a solid MI candidate.
Everth Cabrera, San Diego Padres
With 25 SBs in 438 plate appearances, I’m on Everth’s bandwagon. In a full season with the Padres, he could challenge for the league lead at his position (SS). Though his average left plenty to be desired (.255), he did manage to walk 46 times. Where he makes his living though is on the basepaths. In 2008 he had 73 in 121 games for Single-A Asheville.
Orlando Cabrera, Cincinnati Reds
His age (35) could scare some people off, but he’s been putting up some of his best numbers the past four years. During that stretch he’s scored at least 83 runs, had at least 171 hits, and hit at least .281. His RBI totals have been solid for a SS at 72, 86, 57, 77. His SBs have been on the decline, but he still managed to swipe 13 bags last year. Hitting in front of Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips should allow for a healthy run total.
Alcides Escobar, Milwaukee Brewers
Escobar is another SS that could rack up the SBs in 2010. He had 4 in his brief stint (38 games) with the Brew Crew last year after posting 42 in 109 games for Triple-A Nashville. He also his .304 last year with the Brewers, and .298 with Triple-A Nashville and .328 for Double-A Huntsville.He should post a solid average with a nice amount of runs and SBs.
J.J. Hardy & Orlando Hudson, Minnesota Twins
The Twins new double play combo should be productive in their solid lineup. Hudson will hit between Denard Span and Joe Mauer. Assuming he stays healthy, he should be able to score a fair share of runs. He won’t hit for power or steal a bunch of bases, but he should help with batting average as well. Hardy is a little more of a risk. He hit just .229 last year. He had lines of .277-89-26-80-2 and .283-78-24-74-2 the previous two years with the Brewers. If he can come close to those numbers, Hardy could be one of this year’s best values.
Jhonny Peralta & Placido Polanco, Cleveland Indians & Philadelphia Phillies
Both of the third basemen carry MI eligibility with Peralta at SS and Polanco at 2B. Neither are a sexy pick, but both should provide a solid number of runs, HRs, and RBIs. Their positional flexibility further adds to their value.
Scott Sizemore, Detroit Tigers
Sizemore hit a combined .308 with 88 runs, 39 doubles, 5 triples, 17 HRs, 66 RBIs, and 21 SBs for Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo. He’ll make his highly anticipated Major League debut with the Tigers this year. With his upside, he makes for a nice gamble at MI.
Ryan Theriot, Chicago Cubs
Theriot has averaged 23.7 SBs the past three years, which is a nice total for your MI. He’s also averaged 591 ABs, 83.5 runs, 174 hits, and 46 RBIs while hitting .294. He should have plenty of opportunities to help you in the runs, SBs, and BA categories.
Value Catchers
Value Corner Infielders
If you didn’t fill your corner infield slots early, you can still find value later in the draft. Try these CIs on for size.
Chris Davis, Texas Rangers
Davis went from awesome two years ago to awful in the beginning of last season, to adequate the last half. He’s tearing it up this spring, hitting .353 with 10 RBIs through 17 games. He strikes out a lot and is subject to slumps, but is a nice late round value power pick for your CI slot.
Chase Headley, San Diego Padres
With Kevin Kouzmanoff off to Oakland, Headley returns to 3B, a more natural position. While he didn’t blow anybody away last year, he did manage a respectable 12 HRs and 10 SBs in 543 ABs. He’s off to a decent start this spring with 13 RBIs in his first 15 games. Headley also has OF eligibility, which helps his value. He’s a good gamble towards the end of your draft.
Kevin Kouzmanoff, Oakland A’s
Speaking of Kouzmanoff, he’s a decent later option to fill your 3B or CI slot. Kouz struggled a bit with his average (.255), but still managed to drive in 88 runs. He’ll give you around 20 HRs and 85 RBIs. What’s not to like about that?
Ian Stewart, Colorado Rockies
Stewart clubbed 25 HRs in 425 ABs last year, but his .228 batting average kept it from being a successful fantasy year. As of 3/25 he was hitting .313 this spring. He hit .295 in 671 ABs for Triple-A Colorado Springs so he’s capable of at least putting up a respectable average. As you would imagine his BABIP was low (.275). If his luck improves, he could at least get to a .250, which at least doesn’t sting as bad.
Brandon Wood, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Wood has struggled in his brief taste at the MLB level, but the talent and potential are there. His last three years for Triple-A Salt have been .272-73-23-77-10, .296-82-31-84-6, and .293-65-22-72-1. Clearly the power potential is there. It’s just a matter if the 25-year old is ready to take the next step.
Value Catchers
Here’s a look at some relief pitchers that could take a step back in 2010.
David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners
Aardsma was brilliant last year racking up 38 saves with a 2.52 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Seattle was his fifth team in five seasons. He pretty much struggled every other year. I want to see another good year out of him before I’ll say he’s turned the corner.
Kevin Gregg, Toronto Blue Jays
Gregg had 23 saves last year for the Cubs. This year he’s fighting for the Blue Jays’ closer gig. If he doesn’t win it out of the gate, it’s unlikely he comes close to that number.
Trevor Hoffman, Milwaukee Brewers
Hoffman was born in 1967. I don’t know how much longer a 42-year old pitcher can post numbers of 37 saves, a 1.83 ERA, and a 0.91 WHIP. I’d still love him as a #2 closer, but he almost has to regress.
J.P. Howell, Tampa Bay Rays
Howell picked up 17 saves last year for the Rays. This year Rafael Soriano will be the Rays closer. Plus, Howell will miss the start of the year with a shoulder injury.
Brad Lidge, Philadelphia Phillies
Lidge will miss the start of the year because of injury. If Ryan Madson performs well filling in, it could put them in a closer by committee situation in the very least.
Fernando Rodney, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Rodney is a setup man for the Angels now so any hopes of matching the 37 saves he recorded last year will take ineffectiveness or an injury to Brian Fuentes.
Mike MacDougal, Free Agent
MacDougal was cut by the Marlins despite saving 20 of 21 opportunities last year for the Nationals. He’ll likely land somewhere, but won’t be in the running for the closing gig unless someone stumbles or gets hurt.
George Sherrill, Los Angeles Dodgers
Sherrill had 21 saves last year. 20 came with the Orioles when he held down the closer gig. As a setup man to Jonathan Broxton, he can only hope for an injury.
C.J. Wilson, Texas Rangers
Wilson picked up 14 saves last year while Frank Francisco was injured. Unless the injury bug hits again, it’s unlikely he’ll match that total.
Michael Wuertz, Oakland A’s
Wuertz set his bar extremely high by racking up 102 Ks last year. He’s always been a strikeout pitcher, but that number is staggering for a guy throwing just 78-2/3 innings.His 2.63 ERA was a career low, and his 0.95 WHIP is 0.30 points lower than his previous low.
Back to Earth Catchers
Back to Earth Corner Infielders
Back to Earth Middle Infielders
Back to Earth Outfielders
Back to Earth Starting Pitchers
These starting pitchers could have a hard time matching their 2009 production.
Joe Blanton, Philadelphia Phillies
Blanton’s numbers are misleading. He had a solid ERA of 4.05, but gave up 30 HRs. If he’s giving up that many long balls, his peripherals will likely rise. Also, his strikeout total of 163 isn’t on par with he he’s done for the rest of his career.
Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta Braves
Jurrjens is a victim of setting the bar too high for himself last year. His ERA was a staggering 2.60. Only five pitchers had an ERA of 2.60 or lower last year, and only two (with 200+ IP) in 2008. He’s also behind in his preparation for the season due to a sore shoulder that kept him out of the start of spring training.
Kevin Millwood, Baltimore Orioles
Millwood went from an emerging Texas team to a struggling Baltimore team that will have to face the Yankees and the Red Sox repeatedly. His ERA had been 4.50+ the previous three years. Plus, he’s not much help in the strikeout or WHIP department.
Joel Pineiro, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
Pineiro had 15 wins last year. It was only the second time, and the first since 2003, that he had at lest 15 wins. His ERA (3.49) was nearly a point lower than his career average, and his WHIP (1.14) was significantly higher than his career average (1.34). While he landed in a good spot with the Angels, I think a regression is in order.
Javier Vazquez, New York Yankees
I like Vazquez, but his return to the Bronx will certainly have a negative impact on his ERA & WHIP, which were 2.87 and 1.03 respectively for Atlanta last year. Pitching in Yankee Stadium could bring his home runs allowed total back to the 30s.
Randy Wolf, Milwaukee Brewers
Wolf had a solid year for the Dodgers, posting a 11-7 record with a 3.23 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. Miller Park is a tougher place to pitch. Plus, Wolf typically has an ERA of 4.00+ and a WHIP of 1.30+.
Back to Earth Catchers
Back to Earth Corner Infielders
Back to Earth Middle Infielders
Back to Earth Outfielders
Here are some outfielders who could struggle to match their 2009 production.
Jason Bay, New York Mets
Things are already starting off poorly for the Mets with Beltran and Reyes out. Bays will be solid, but don’t expect him to lead all outfielders in RBIs like last year. Their lineup isn’t as good. Plus, Citifield proved to be a difficult place to hit HRs last year.
Marlon Byrd, Chicago Cubs
He had a nice season with the Rangers, but he’s a 32 year old coming off his first 500 AB season. His 20 HRs are double his previous career high. Kind of reminds me of Gary Matthews, Jr.
Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers
I’m not willing to write off Cruz, but he seemingly came out of nowhere to light the league up with 33 HRs and 20 SBs. While I think he’ll have a good year, only eight players reached the 30-20 mark last year. Only Hanley Ramirez and Grady Sizemore reached the mark in 2008.
Michael Cuddyer, Minnesota Twins
It’s not that I don’t expect Cuddy to have a solid year, but the 32 HRs he clubbed last year were eight more than his previous career high. In fact, it was only the second time he hit at least 17 HRs in his nine-year career.
Johnny Damon, Detroit Tigers
Damon hit 17 of his 24 HRs in Yankee Stadium. Now that he’s no longer playing in that launching pad, his HRs should plummet. He’s also not in as potent of an offense so look for his runs to decrease as well.
Raul Ibanez, Philadelphia Phillies
Ibanez was running away with the MVP award before a second-half slump. He’ll be 38 this summer. I can’t imagine he continues to play at such a high level.
Jason Kubel, Minnesota Twins
It may come down to opportunities with Kubel. The Twins are crowded in the outfield with Denard Span, Cuddy, Delmon Young, and Kubel. He’ll also have Jim Thome pushing for some ABs. Not to mention Joe Mauer could get some rest at DH.
Back to Earth Catchers
Back to Earth Corner Infielders
Back to Earth Middle Infielders
Here’s a look at some middle infielders who could should see a regression in 2010.
Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay Rays
Bartlett had nothing on his resume that would have hinted at the .320-90-14-66-30 line he produced last year. While I would still take him as a starting shortstop, I won’t likely end up with him if people are drafting him based on last year’s numbers. I think the main numbers that will be in decline are the average and the SBs.
Asdrubal Cabrera, Cleveland Indians
I’m not sure the average or the speed are believable. Cabrera hit .308 last year with 17 SBs. In his previous 511 at bats he hit .266. In 1632 minor league at bats he hit .287. In fact, .287 is his career average for both the majors and the minors.
In his 511 ABs Cabrera had 4 SBs. He had just 52 SBs in his 1632 minor league at bats. That’s 127.8 and 31.4 ABs/SB compared to last year’s 30.8. I would expect him to steal about 12-15 bases.
Aaron Hill, Toronto Blue Jays
It’s not that I think Hill will have a bad season, but I just don’t think he can live up to the standard he set last year. Hill’s 36 HRs in 682 at bats were eight more than he hit in his first 1720 at bats. He had a solid season in 2007 in which he hit 17 HRs with 78 RBIs. I think he’ll end up in between 2007′s 17 & 75 and last year’s 36 & 108.
Adam Kennedy, Washington Nationals
Once Ian Desmond is ready, he’ll man the shortstop position with Cristian Guzman sliding over to second base. Kennedy will assume the utility player role. With limited ABs, it will hard to reach the .289-65-11-63-20 line he produced last year, specifically the 20 SBs.
Felipe Lopez, St. Louis Cardinals
Lopez had 187 hits and 88 runs for the Brewers and Diamondbacks last year. I’m not positive he’ll get enough ABs with St. Louis to reach those totals. Since he doesn’t provide much power or speed, his value is extremely limited.
Marco Scutaro, Boston Red Sox
Usually signing with the Red Sox should be a positive influence on someone’s fantasy value. This may be the exception. The Sox have been playing roulette at the position since the Nomar era. At 34, I’m not sure Scutaro is the answer. His 100 runs last year were 26 more than his previous career high. His 14 SBs were, and his 12 HRs were nearly, double his previous career high. I see a regression in 2010.
Miguel Tejada, Baltimore Orioles
Tejada returns to Baltimore. This time to play third base. Aside from adjusting to a new position, age could start catching up with him.I can’t imagine another .313-83-14-86-5 season from Miggy at 36.
Back to Earth Catchers
Back to Earth Corner Infielders
Here’s a look at some corner infielders who will have difficulty matching their 2009 numbers.
Casey Blake, Los Angeles Dodgers
Blake will be 37 in August. I’m just not sure how long he can continue to produce. Last year he had a line of .280-84-18-79-3. I just don’t seem him reaching those marks.
Russell Branyan, Cleveland Indians
Branyan clubbed 31 HRs for the Mariners last year. This year he’ll likely be competing for at bats with Matt LaPorta and Travis Hafner.
Chone Figgins, Seattle Mariners
The problem I have with Figgins is where he signed. In Seattle he’s likely going to hit second in the order. With Ichiro on base in front of him, the stolen base opportunities will be fewer. Plus, Seattle has fewer bats than the Angels did, meaning his run total would be hard to replicate.
Todd Helton, Colorado Rockies
He’ll turn 37 in August. His back could flare up at any time. I just don’t see how he musters up a .325-79-15-86-0 line again.
Derrek Lee, Chicago Cubs
I think Lee could be solid this year, but, at 34, a repeat seems unlikely. His 35 HRs were the most since 2005 and his 111 RBIs set a career high.
Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox
He was nearly traded by the Sox. Unless he finds a new suitor, it’s going to be hard to get ABs from Youk or Beltre.
Mark Reynolds, Arizona Diamondbacks
I still think he’s a high-end starter, especially if you’re using him at 3B. I just have a hard time believing that he’ll be able to match either the HRs (44) or the SBs (24). I think more likely totals are 35 HRs and 15 SBs. I know those are great numbers, but that is a 20% cut in HRs and a 38% cut in SBs.
Back to Earth Catchers
Here’s a look at some catchers who could struggle to match their 2009 production.
Rod Barajas, New York Mets
Going to the Mets is likely to sap the power numbers (19 HRs & 71 RBIs) he had with Toronto last year.
Bengie Molina, San Francisco Giants
It’s not that I’m completely down on the soon-to-be 36-year old catcher, but his age is a factor. Not to mention Buster Posey, who’s waiting in the wings. Molina had 20 HRs and 80 RBIs last year. I expect both numbers to decline in 2010.
Miguel Olivo, Colorado Rockies
Olivo clubbed 23 HRs last year with 65 RBIs. That was in 390 ABs with the Royals. He won’t match any of those numbers serving as a backup to Chris Iannetta in Colorado.
Jason Varitek, Boston Red Sox
Not that his 14 HRs and 51 RBIs were great, but it’s virtually impossible he comes anywhere near those totals with Victor Martinez handling most of the catcher duties.
