Fantasy BaseballTotal Run Index

2014 Fantasy Baseball: Total Run Index, Relief Pitchers 21-40

Jim Johnson
Photo Credit: Keith Allison

In the last article about relief pitchers I didn’t pull any punches as to how I feel about the closer role. It gets that much more dicey when you add holds to the conversation. The long and short of it is that relief pitchers are not treated like other position players. Normally, playing time is dependent on production, but performance doesn’t always dictate who gets the choice roles for relievers.

This means that you have to couple evaluating a relief pitcher’s ability along with his opportunity to put up the numbers you are looking for. 35 pitchers had ten or more saves, so even if you remove the prospect of holds, you have to consider the fact that at least several closers will lose their jobs at some point in the season. So, we open up the reliever list to forty slots.

Even without holds, adding a non-closer or two to the roster is not a bad idea. If you can count on them to throw zeroes and collect more than a strikeout an inning it can do wonders for your fantasy team. Let’s say one of your starters has an off day. Having a reliever or two that can throw a zero on that day will help the bottom line. So, don’t shy away from the setup guys and middle relievers because they can be more help than what you know.

Likely Role

2013

3 Year

5 Year

Comments
Jim Johnson 

Closer

4.3

7.2

4.4

I’m still not sure why the Athletics were hot to get him, but they didn’t give much up.
Grant Balfour 

Free Agent

2.2

4.4

4.3

It looked like he was closing in Baltimore, but something came up on his physical.
Casey Janssen 

Closer

5.6

7.7

4.1

He’s held the job marginally in Toronto, but they always seem to be looking for better.
Ryan Cook 

Setup

7.7

4.1

N/A

I’m not exactly sure why the Athletics are paying so much for Jim Johnson.
Ernesto Frieri 

Closer

3.5

3.6

1.4

Exhibit A for people that think many middle relievers can succeed as closers.
Matt Lindstrom

Setup

5.4

3.1

0.2

If he’s right then he could be a darkhorse candidate to close in Chicago.
Jim Henderson 

Closer

2.8

2.4

N/A

He is the Brewers closer because they don’t have anyone better right now.
Jake McGee 

Middle

0.3

2.3

N/A

Given Heath Bell’s unreliability, he could be a potential closer for the Rays down the road.
Jose Veras 

Closer

2.8

2.0

-0.5

No really, anyone can be a closer.
John Axford 

Closer

-6.0

0.7

1.8

The Indians are hitching their wagon to Axford. Their fans will be chain smoking.
Tom Wilhelmsen

Setup

-1.5

1.8

N/A

Closers have a short shelf life and Wilhelmsen was no different.
Addison Reed 

Closer

7.7

1.7

N/A

Exhibit B as to why closers usually have an inflated value.
Huston Street 

Setup

-6.8

-0.7

1.7

The Padres are doing it right. Either Benoit or Street will be the closer.
Bobby Parnell 

Closer

2.6

3.0

1.6

Are you getting the idea that just about anyone can be a closer? Good.
Mark Melancon

Setup

11.9

1.6

-0.7

He had one horrible season in Boston. Otherwise, he’s been pretty solid.
Joe Smith 

Setup

3.9

4.6

1.4

The Angels seem to be bound and determined to overpay everyone.
Edward Mujica 

Setup

0.5

1.0

-0.4

He closed in St. Louis. See, anyone can be a closer.
Danny Farquhar

Closer

6.8

0.4

N/A

This feels temporary to me, but he might be worth a late round selection.
Joel Hanrahan 

Free Agent

-9.6

-0.1

2.5

He’s worth a flyer somewhere. There are several teams that need insurance.
Latroy Hawkins 

Setup

2.6

-0.5

-0.5

He has some closing experience, so he beats out a few guys that might be slightly better.

     

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