Cuban Defectors That Will Have Most Fantasy Impact In 2015

Cuba lost some of its top players as they signed blockbuster deals to come over and play in the MLB. Each team hopes their guy follows in the footsteps of last year’s Cuban defector Jose Abreu, who hit 36 home runs, 107 RBI and a .317 batting average, winning the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2014. There... Read More

Pitch Framing Metrics: Impact On Fantasy Baseball Pitchers

I’m obsessed with Chuck Shaw wine from Trader Joe's. It’s a $3 bottle of hooch that smells like paint thinner mixed with alcohol. It stings the nostrils. But after a glass or two, it’s the best damn bottle of wine you can get for under $5. I happened to be drinking some of this wine... Read More

MLB Podcast on RotoBaller Radio: Closers & Catchers To Target Late

Preseason Analysis: Closer & Catcher Draft Strategy RotoBaller is very excited about the launch of our very own radio station. You can now find our new shows on BlogTalkRadio live or on demand, and on iTunes under podcasts. Every Wednesday night at 9:30 PM EST, RotoBaller co-founder Real Talk Raph and co-host Anthony Aniano of DraftSmashers Radio will be... Read More

Craig Kimbrel (RP, ATL) - 2015 Fantasy Baseball Rankings Analysis

CURRENT ADP: 50 RANKINGS STATUS: Fairly Valued ANALYSS: Craig Kimbrel has been the king of the fantasy closers since his first full season in the role in 2011, but somehow he has lost that distinction to Cincinnati's Aroldis Chapman heading into 2015. Nothing against Chapman, but Kimbrel should still be the first closer off the board on draft... Read More

Save Prospecting: Top Five Non-Closing AL Relief Pitchers

Last week I looked at the top five non-closer NL relief pitcher options. Today we take a look at the top AL relief pitchers currently not occupying closer roles.   Top Five Non-Closing AL Relievers Wade Davis - RHP, Kansas City Royals If we are talking about American League bullpens, you have to start the... Read More

Three Closers (RPs) Who Will Underperform Their 2015 ADP

Don't Pay For These Saves You hear it every year: Don't pay for saves. A simple, effective strategy if you're an active and intelligent owner. Which, if you're reading this, you are. And handsome to boot! Have you lost weight? Sometimes, though, that strategy can be a bit of a boondoggle. I changed closers more... Read More

MLB Closer Breakdown: AL West Edition - 2015 Fantasy Baseball

  Los Angeles Angels The Angels received Huston Street in a six-player trade in July of last year, and they were not disappointed. He converted 23 of his 24 save chances with the Padres, and would go on to save 17 more games for the Halos in an All-Star caliber season. The 41 saves were... Read More

Save Prospecting: Top Five Non-Closing NL Relief Pitchers

  Every year in fantasy baseball leagues about one third of all the opening day closers lose their jobs due to injury or poor performance. It's just the nature of the game. Below are five NL relievers to watch closely in 2015 who could have significant fantasy baseball value if the closer on their team were to... Read More

2015 Dynasty / Keeper Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Relief Pitchers

The Final Chapter I considered skipping out on this article because of how volatile the closer position is in fantasy baseball. At the end of the day though, every fantasy team needs closers, dynasty and redraft leagues. Closers are the only relief pitchers we really value in the fantasy baseball community unless you play in a... Read More

MLB Closer Breakdown: AL Central Edition - 2015 Fantasy Baseball

Detroit Tigers The Tigers closer situation is fairly settled, though not exactly awe-inspiring. Joe Nathan is currently set to lock down the ninth inning, with Joakim Soria and Al Alburquerque backing him up. The 40-year-old Nathan is a far cry from the perennial All Star that used to close for the Twins in the 2000s, and... Read More

MLB Closer Breakdown: AL East Edition - 2015 Fantasy Baseball

  New York Yankees This is going to be one of the most closely monitored closer competitions in the spring of 2015. The Yankees are currently examining two gigantic (literally) options for the closer spot, in the forms of lefty Andrew Miller and righty Dellin Betances, both of whom throw absolute smoke. Both did plenty... Read More

Tony Cingrani (SP, CIN) - 2015 Fantasy Baseball Rankings Analysis

CURRENT ADP: 325 RANKINGS STATUS: Undervalued ANALYSIS: An injury to the shoulder and a breakout campaign by Alfredo Simon limited the production of Tony Cingrani in 2014. He was unable to match his rookie season success in which he logged 104.2 innings with a 2.94 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 120 strikeouts (an incredible 10.4 K/9)... Read More

Video: Analyzing the Top 3 Closers (RP) That Will Outperform Their ADP

The 2015 fantasy baseball season is fast approaching RotoBallers. We are here to provide you with the most current and in-depth analysis every single day leading up to the busy draft season, and the start of the 2015 MLB season. Several times per week, RotoBaller co-founder Real Talk Raph will review the key player news and... Read More

Milwaukee Brewers Re-Sign Francisco Rodriguez

First reported by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez and the Milwaukee Brewers have come to an agreement on a two-year, $13 million deal. The Brewers will also have a club option for the 2017 season. K-Rod has agreement with brewers 2-yr deal — Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) February 26, 2015 The Brewers... Read More

Detroit Tigers Re-Sign Joba Chamberlain

With pitchers and catchers reporting to camp, the Detroit Tigers will have relief pitcher Joba Chamberlain reporting to camp soon after coming to an agreement on a one-year deal. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports that Chamberlain was spotted at Tigers' Spring Training camp. Joba Chamberlain spotted in #Tigers’ camp. In agreement with club on... Read More

2015 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Relievers (RP) - February Update

Last month, we brought you RotoBaller's preliminary relievers fantasy baseball rankings. The February update is here. We'll be releasing all the other positional rankings updates this week, with analysis from all the RotoBaller writers on their favorite risers and fallers at each MLB position. Make sure to also check out our MLB Fantasy Baseball Rankings blog, along with all of RotoBaller's reliever... Read More

Soothsaying, Particle Acceleration, and R.O.I.D.S

What Happens When Javier Baez and Archie Bradley Collide? The final cycle of Fantasy Baseball ROIDS, your quasi-scientific guide to drafting players that will consistently outperform their ADP, has arrived. Previously, we've talked about Ranking anomalies, new Opportunities, the impact of International players and the conspiracy of a Dark Horse in the draft. Sometimes, I... Read More

Jansen Undergoes Foot Surgery, Out 8-12 Weeks

The Dodgers announced Tuesday closer Kenley Jansen will be out at least 8-12 weeks after undergoing surgery on his left foot. The announcement, via Jon Weisman states: “This morning at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, Dodger pitcher Kenley Jansen underwent surgery to remove a growth from a bone in his left foot. This was discovered when Kenley... Read More

Royals, Herrera Finalizing a Two-Year Deal

Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star is reporting that the Kansas City Royals and relief pitcher Kelvin Herrera are finalizing a two-year deal worth $4.15 million to avoid arbitration. Heard the Royals are finalizing a two-year, $4.15 million deal to avoid arbitration with Kelvin Herrera. — Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) February 12, 2015 Herrera, 25,... Read More

Carlos Rodon (SP/RP, CWS) - 2015 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper

BALLER MOVE: Target Late in Keeper Leagues ANALYSIS: At some point this season, Carlos Rodon will be a member of the Chicago White Sox. He features a low-to-mid 90’s fastball and a devastating, late-breaking slider. In three seasons at North Carolina State University, Rodon compiled a 25-10 record with a 2.24 ERA and a 1.06... Read More

Nationals Sign Janssen to One-Year Deal

After spending his entire eight-year career in Toronto, reliever Casey Janssen will finally be pitching for another team, joining the Washington Nationals on a one-year, $5 million deal that also includes a mutual option for 2016. Janssen recently served as the Blue Jays’ closer, converting 81 saves over the past three seasons combined. However, the... Read More

Yusmeiro Petit (SP/RP, SF) - 2015 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper

BALLER MOVE: Target in Late Rounds if Given A Rotation Spot ANALYSIS: As a spot starter and long reliever, Yusmeiro Petit logged 117 innings with a 3.69 ERA in 2014, setting an MLB record for consecutive batters retired in the process. As a result, his name has rightly been tossed around in sleeper conversations. Petit's... Read More

Dylan Bundy (SP/RP, BAL) - 2015 Fantasy Baseball Sleeper

BALLER MOVE: Target Late in Keeper or Dynasty Leagues ANALYSIS: Selected out of high school, Dylan Bundy was seen as MLB ready, and proved to be so by dominating the minors in 2012. Over 103.2 innings between Single-A and Double-A, he struck out 119 batters and walked only 28, with a 0.92 WHIP and a 2.08... Read More

2015 Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Closers

It's a love/hate thing. Closers are essential in most fantasy baseball leagues, yet the best closers in the game can go all post-midnight Cinderella in the blink of an eye, while the junky relievers you'd never think of drafting can go from forgotten waiver wire fodder to saves goldmine overnight. This is the position that makes you pull your hair... Read More

New York Yankees Interested in Johan Santana

The New York Yankees interest in the two-time Cy Young award winner is back. According to the New York Post, the Yankees were in attendance for Johan Santana's first appearance on a mound, pitching two scoreless innings in the Venezuelan Winter League on Tuesday night. He is looking to make a comeback from a torn... Read More

Athletics Flip Escobar to Nationals for Clippard

Only five days ago, Yunel Escobar was traded from the Rays to the Athletics along with Ben Zobrist. Now, Escobar is on the move again, this time to Washington, after Oakland general manager Billy Beane’s latest dealing. In a straight-up swap, the A’s have dealt Escobar to the Nationals for former All-Star reliever Tyler Clippard,... Read More

Edward Mujica (RP, BOS) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues (if you need saves) ANALYSIS: With the Red Sox out of contention, Koji Uehara was shut down for the remainder of the season. Edward Mujica has stepped into the closer's role, making him the latest edition to our waiver wire sleepers list for saves. Tonight he nailed down his 4th save... Read More

Drew Storen (RP, WAS) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues Owned in 6% of Fleaflicker, 38% of Yahoo Leagues ANALYSIS: Rafael Soriano has been yanked from the closer's role in Washington, and Drew Storen has been pitching admirably as his replacement. Racking up three saves over the last 7 days, Storen is now making his way onto our waiver wire sleepers list... Read More

Mike Fiers (SP / RP, MIL) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues Owned in 71% of Yahoo, 29% of Fleaflicker Leagues ANALYSIS: Not to say that Mike Fiers is really a sleeper anymore, seeing as he is owned in almost three out of every four leagues, but he is still under owned, given how he has pitched since returning to Milwaukee's rotation in early August.... Read More

Getting A Grip On Holds: Relief Pitcher Waiver Wire Pickups

While the holds statistic is even harder to predict than saves for closers, the players we highlight today feature some sleeper setup men and some relief pitchers looking to reclaim glory they once had. The more likely an MLB team is to win, the more likely these following relief pitchers will be eligible to earn the holds... Read More