Eric O'Flaherty (RP, OAK) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ANALYSIS: With the recent news that stud closer Sean Doolittle hit the DL, Eric O'Flaherty has stepped in as the Oakland closer and has made his way onto our waiver wire sleepers list for saves. Let's be honest here - there is no replacing Doolittle. He has been absolutely filthy this year. But... 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 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 that could... 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 relief pitcher sleepers we highlight today feature some solid setup men and some looking to reclaim glory they once had. The more likely their team is to win, the more likely these following relief pitchers will be eligible to earn the holds that could be... Read More

Hector Rondon (RP, CHC) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Most Mixed Leagues ANALYSIS: With 16 saves in 20 opportunities, Hector Rondon has emerged as a legitimate major league closer. The 26-year-old righty has  a 3.30 ERA over 46.1 innings pitched, striking out 49 in the process. He draws a remarkable 49.6% ground ball percentage and as a result, has only given... 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 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 become holds sleepers, and can... Read More

Jake McGee (RP, TB) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ANALYSIS: Jake McGee is the new Sean Doolittle, and by that I mean he's the new "most dominant closer who also doesn't walk anyone, ever, for real".  Don't believe me?  Consider this: since taking over the closer role for the Rays on June 27th, McGee has pitched 17 innings, during which... Read More

Getting A Grip: Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Holds

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 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

Jake Petricka (RP, CWS) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ANALYSIS: With the recent news that Zach Putnam has been placed on the DL earlier today, some more clarity has has been shed onto the White Sox bullpen situation. Jake Petricka should now have the opportunity to handle the closer duties all to himself, at least in the short term, making him... Read More

Neftali Feliz (RP, TEX) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add Immediately ANALYSIS: The closer carousel continues as Joakim Soria has been shipped to the Tigers to either close or setup for incumbent Joe Nathan, opening a spot at the backend of the Texas Rangers bullpen. Enter Neftali Feliz, who should walk right into that open spot and run with it all the way to the... Read More

Zach Putnam (RP, CHW) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ANALYSIS: It's clear the ChiSox have settled on Zach Putnam as their closer after notching back-to-back saves on July 18th and 19th.  If you own Petricka, you can safely cut him loose now, because despite Ventura's public statements that the closer role will be shared, it's looking more likely that Putnam... Read More

Joaquin Benoit (RP, SD) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add Immediately ANALYSIS: By now you've surely heard the most recent closer carousel news. Huston Street has been sent 90 minutes north and is closing for the Los Angeles Angels, and Joaquin Benoit has inherited the Padres 9th inning duties.  Benoit proved last year he can handle the closing reigns, racking up 24 saves for... Read More

Getting A Grip: Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups for Holds

Fantasy Baseball Sleepers For Holds Leagues While the holds statistic is even harder to predict than saves is for closers, the relief pitchers we highlight today feature some sleeper setup men and some 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... Read More

Jake McGee (RP, TB) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE:  Add in Most Leagues ANALYSIS: The Tampa Bay Ray's bullpen has been manned by a number of relievers, but none have been as successful as Jake McGee. McGee seems to have been the closer in waiting for a couple of seasons, and now he's getting more of an opportunity, with 3 saves in... Read More

Getting A Grip: Waiver Wire Pickups for Holds (Week 15)

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 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 that could... Read More

Dellin Betances (RP, NYY) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Very Deep Leagues, All Keeper Leagues ANALYSIS: The Yankees' "Killer Bs" never amounted to anything as a starting pitching duo, but while Manny Banuelos has seen elbow trouble ruin his career, Dellin Betances has really come into his own as a set-up man. Standing at an intimidating 6' 8", Betances has... Read More

Brad Boxberger (RP, TB) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Continue Scouting ANALYSIS: Brad Boxberger has been one of the Rays' more dominant relief pitchers in 2014. He's having a breakout season, pitching to a 2.87 ERA with a.93 WHIP and an impressive 48:12 K:BB ratio in just 31.1 IP. His filthy strikeout stuff is well suited to the closer role, but Boxberger, with just... Read More

Zach Putnam (RP, CWS) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deeper Leagues (that value saves) ANALYSIS: With the news that Ronald Belisario was officially removed from the closer's role, Zach Putnam becomes the most recent addition to our list of saves sleepers to target off the waiver wire. While it hasn't been officially stated that Putnam is the new team closer, he looks like the favorite and is... Read More

Santiago Casilla (RP, SF) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ANALYSIS: With the recent news that the struggling Sergio Romo has been removed from the closer's role, Santiago Casilla becomes an immediate addition to our waiver wire sleepers list for saves. Bruce Bochy stated that Casilla and Jeremy Affeldt would form a committee, but we prefer Casilla is the better option... Read More

Joe Smith (RP, LAA) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ANALYSIS: Since he came up in 2007, Smith has been a very reliable middle relief option for every team he has played on. In each of his final three seasons in Cleveland before signing with the Angels in 2014, he had a sub-3.00 ERA with 60+ IP. This year, he... Read More

MLB Closers and Saves Update for June 24th

After a much needed 2 week vacation, I’m back to help you with any bullpen questions you may have. We keep a close look on all the closers, saves and bullpen news and analysis twice a week so you can focus on the rest of your fantasy baseball teams.  Find all the information you need... Read More

Mark Melancon (RP, PIT) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add Immediately ANALYSIS: Racking up saves is 50% opportunity and 50% talent. Mark Melancon has always had the talent, and he's about to get his 2nd 2014 opportunity. After racking up 10 saves while Grilli landed on the DL, Melancon had been relegated to setup duties. All he did over his last 10 outings was throw 9.1... Read More

Jake McGee (RP, TB) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ANALYSIS:  Jake McGee is the de facto closer for the Rays.  He was favored to get the gig after Balfour's demotion, and while some may have forgotten because it took a week for the Rays to offer McGee a save opportunity, he is now a waiver wire option that should be added immediately. He has... Read More

Getting A Grip: Waiver Wire Pickups for Holds (Week 12)

While the holds statistic is hard to determine who will enter the game in the right situation, the sleepers noted today feature some overlooked relief pitchers and some looking to reclaim glory they once had. The more likely their team is to win, the more likely the following players will be eligible to earn the holds that... Read More

Neil Ramirez (RP, CHC) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues (that value saves) ANALYSIS: Neil Ramirez is the latest Cubs reliever to rack up some saves, immediately making him a viable waiver wire pickup and another in the list of saves sleepers for fantasy baseball. This afternoon Ramirez nailed down the save for the Cubs, his second in 3 days as... Read More

Hector Rondon (RP, CHI) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 10+ Team Mixed Leagues, Must Own in NL-Only Leagues ANALYSIS: What's with the lack of fantasy baseball love for Hector Rondon? You would think that the assigned closer for the Chicago Cubs, with very good pitching ratios thus far in 2014, should be more than 47% owned in Yahoo leagues right?... Read More

Jake McGee / Juan Carlos Oviedo (RP, TB) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deep Leagues ANALYSIS: Grant Balfour is out as the closer in TB, for now. He says his fastball has been improving, and if that's the case we will not be surprised to see Balfour reclaim the closer gig in a matter of weeks.  Joe Maddon is intensely loyal to his players - could... Read More

Getting A Grip: Waiver Wire Pickups for Holds (Week 11)

  Waiver Wire Sleepers for Holds in Week 11 While the holds statistic is hard to play for since it is difficult to determine if a pitcher will enter the game in the right situation to earn a hold, the players I've featured in today's article include some overlooked players and some who are looking... Read More

Chad Qualls (RP, HOU) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ANALYSIS:  Qualls is quietly putting together quite the dominant campaign in 2014, and it's going overlooked by 64% of owners in Yahoo! leagues.  Here are the basic facts: Houston has finally settled on Qualls as their closer after a merry-go-round month of April. On the season, Qualls has an elite... Read More

Jenrry Mejia (RP, NYM) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ANALYSIS: Don't let the last two innings scare you - while Mejia gave up 3 ER, he still locked down a save and didn't blow a save in the other appearance. Since taking over the closer role, all Mejia has done is, well....get nasty.  He's thrown 12.1 IP, with a 13:5... Read More

MLB Closers and Saves Update for June 4th

Your Latest News from the Back End of the Bullpen We keep a close look on all the closers, saves and bullpen news and analysis twice a week so you can focus on the rest of your fantasy baseball teams.  Find all the information you need on the back end of MLB bullpens right here... Read More