Find Parts 1 & 2 Below…On with the series that examines cheap sources of “Holds“…

Wesley Wright – (HOU) / Juan Cruz – (ARI)

These little guys may not instill much fear from opposing batters based on their waif-like frames, but they both have some nasty stuff, and are both on ideal teams that should net plenty of HOLDS opportunities.

Both the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Houston Astros have solid enough offences to get their rotations starters a quick lead, but neither team will generally blow away its competition. And Close games = More HOLD opportunities.

Comprende? essay? Si Senor!

Quick Trivia: Who weighs more?

These three middle relievers: Wesley Wright + Juan Cruz + Leo Nunez

OR

These two NY Yankees middle relievers? Joba Chamberlain + Jonathan Albaladejo?

The answer is #2. The two Yankees weigh 230lbs and 260lbs respectively - bringing their hefty total to 490lbs. The three skinny minnies add up to a combined total of only 480lbs!

Ramon Ramirez - ( KAN )

We’ve included a few KC Royals here because they - like the Pirates in the NL - are never given much respect in Fantasy realms – and therefore can often be found floating on your leagues wire.

Kansas City has some pretty solid starters however, and with some emerging bats to boot there should be a fair amount of leads to HOLD. For instance, Ramon Ramirez has 5 holds already to go along with an ERA of 0.71 - and 15 K’s in 12.1 innings. Case closed.

Merkin Valdez – (SAN)

Merkin Valdez was a highly touted prospect prior to Tommy John surgery – but appears to be healthy and ready to contribute to the Giants bullpen this season. He reaches 95 or so with his fastball and could eventually either go into the rotation or possibly even close out games if something happens to “lying in bed just like” Brian Wilson.

Francisco Cruceta – (DET)

It’s no secret that the Detroit Tigers bullpen is somewhat depleted with serious injuries to both Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney.

Cruceta is a hard throwing prospect who was called up to take the spot of Jason Grilli - who was dealt to the Colorado Rockies. If Cruceta can pitch effectively he could eventually become the Tigers set-up man for closer Todd Jones. If given such a prominent role than Fantasy owners may have to give him some looks.

J.C. Romero – (PHI)

One time Twinkies pen member, Romero has enjoyed a solid season thus far pitching for the Phillies. The lefty hadn’t allowed a run in 28 1/3 straight innings until Aaron Rowand went yard on him the other night.

He has pitched very effectively since going to Philadelphia and remains an underrated source for holds in many leagues.

Renyel Pinto – ( FLA )

Okay, perhaps you don’t want to roster a guy who shares his name with a crummy Ford econo car that was prone to explosions. But Renyel Pinto has already racked up 5 holds this year and his stats are more than respectable across the board. Now, let’s just pray that he too, isn’t prone to blow ups Waiver Sharks!

Now enjoy the Show!

Hope you enjoyed Part 1 of this series. We continue with Part 2, focusing on middle relievers you should consider, if your league includes the Holds category:

Duaner Sanchez – (NYM)

After a car accident while riding in a Crazy Taxi, Sanchez has returned a few years later for the New York Mets. It should be noted that Aaron Heilmann is in jeopardy of losing his set-up duty to the goggled former master of the eighth inning. This would increase his value immensely! So - provided “Dirty” Duaner shakes the rust that his hiatus may have caused - he is a worthy grab in ALL mixed leagues that count “Ye Ol’ Holds.”
Joey Devine – (OAK)

Devine Intervention has been almost flawless since his call up a few weeks back when Rich Harden was put on the DL. Rich Harden on the DL? Really? Now that my friends is an absolute shock!

Andrew Brown – (OAK)

Down town Andy Brown is yet another Oakland Athletic to consider. He’s been lights out – having not given up a single run at press time.

Santiago Casilla – (OAK)

Bettering both Joey Devine and Andrew Brown - but perhaps not as widely available - is Santiago Casilla. He also has not surrendered any runs this season - and his plus fastball has helped contribute an impressive strikeout rate.

Kyle McClellan – (STL)

Tony LaRussa seems to really like this guy, and with good reason. After a few early season hiccups the big rookie has been pure HOLD GOLD. (He netted his 7th hold today) The Cardinals relief staff get a lot of Hold opportunities. Ryan Franklin and Russ Springer are a little older and wiser than the young buck - But we like Kyle’s K/BB ratio and he seems to be a reliever on the rise. When the Cardinals need a replacement for old man Isringhausen, they just may give McClellan some consideration

Blaine Boyer - (ATL)

“Boyer the Destroyer” is yet another holds bargain who has provided a nice big box of K’s to his owners as well. Boyer could factor in the Braves closer role at some point this year - although it now appears John Smoltz will take over closer duty in Atlanta for now.

John Grabow – (PIT)

Not to be confused with Krusty the Klowns least favorite Simpsons character “Gabbo” - John Grabow is up to 6 holds already, and has only yielded 1 run thus far all season.
Show the Buccos some respect Waiver Sharks – Go and Grab Grabow!

IN this 3 part series, we concentrate on some “Sleeper Relievers” who you should consider grabbing a hold of.

Especially if your league contains the ever, increasingly popular “HOLDS” category!

If your Fantasy league commissioner is one of the growing number of individuals who has added HOLDS to your leagues categories this season - you may be in the market for some middle relief help – and fast!

Albeit HOLDS are not as sexy a category as say homeruns, steals or saves - BUT in a head to head league where every “stat-cat” counts, you had better learn a bit about these unheralded middle men, Waiver Sharks!

The usual suspects, like Heath Bell, Rafael Betancourt and Hideki Okajima, have undoubtedly left the building – likely on draft day. But here are some discount alternatives that still may be floating about - in even the deepest of leagues that count the almighty “HOLD”.

NOTE: Just about ANY middle reliever can be susceptible to the odd BAD inning – but we’ll try and seep through the waiver wire fodder, and come up with some players that have decent stats across the board.

We scouted the wire for relievers who not could net you some heaps of Holds, but who also should provide your team with some added K’s, and perhaps even lower the ERA you have - since you were lucky enough to land Johnny Cueto!

Here are some sneaky HOLD providers who we think Mixed Leaguers may want to take a closer look at:

Taylor Buchholz – ( COL )

Chad Gaudin– (OAK)

Leo Nunez – ( KAN )

We’re going to start things off with a SP/RP three headed monster. These three wise men are pretty good pitchers in their own right. But factor in that they all are eligible at both SP, as well as RP, makes them all just a little more valuable.

Once ALL you’re RP spots are filled, you can slot any one of these solid choices into an otherwise empty SP spot each day, and reap the benefits of likely having a few more opportunities than your competitors each and every week. Ahhhh…I get it! Smart.

WaiverSharks Smart!

Better days lie ahead for the Royals Leo Nunez – who apparently had some trouble with a Kendry Morales liner last year. The diminutive Kansas City middle reliever occasionally hits 100 MPH on the radar gun and has been sensational the 1st month of the 2008 season.

Stay Tuned for Part 2!