Week 13 Relief Rankings

I still have no idea what's going on in Seattle.  The lead horse may be Oliver Perez, or at least should be based on how he's pitched this year, but it's still completely up in the air.  Koji Uehara and Joaquin Benoit have acquired the closing role on their teams for now, but by no means are they cemented in that role.

Without looking, you'd never guess who the top relief pitcher is on the player rater for the last thirty days.  That's right, it's Greg Holland.  I've always been a little higher on Holland than most rankings, but this just goes to show that any closer with enough opportunities can be the best closer for a short period and it doesn't mean we have to crown him as one of the best closers in the league.

Beware of pitchers who have really good ratios but aren't being used in high-leverage situations, because more than likely their ratios wouldn't be as good if they were being used more for holds.

Red and Green represents a significant change in ranking.  The 29 closers are in bold.

1. Craig Kimbrel, Atl 
2. Aroldis Chapman, Cin
3. Mariano Rivera, NYY
4. Joe Nathan, Tex
5. David Robertson, NYY
6. Kenley Jansen, LAD
7. Jonathan Papelbon, Phi
8. Rafael Soriano, Was
9. Jason Grilli, Pit
10. Glen Perkins, Min
11. Grant Balfour, Oak
12. Addison Reed, CWS
13. Mark Melancon, Pit
14. Sergio Romo, SF
15. Greg Holland, KC
16. Casey Janssen, Tor
17. Ernesto Frieri, LAA
18. Jim Johnson, Bal
19. Luke Gregerson, SD
20. Rex Brothers, Col
21. Edward Mujica, Stl
22. Fernando Rodney, TB
23. Trevor Rosenthal, Stl
24. Huston Street, SD
25. Jared Burton, Min
26. Jesse Crain, CWS
27. Joaquin Benoit, Det
28. Tanner Scheppers, Tex
29. Tyler Clippard, Was
30. Vinnie Pestano, Cle
31. Bobby Parnell, NYM
32. Koji Uehara, Bos
33. Joel Peralta, TB
34. Jake McGee, TB
35. David Hernandez, Ari
36. Ryan Cook, Oak
37. Jose Veras, Hou
38. Steve Cishek, Mia
39. Kevin Gregg, ChC
40. Junichi Tazawa, Bos
41. Jim Henderson, Mil
42. Darren O'Day, Bal
43. Francisco Rodriguez, Mil
44. John Axford, Mil
45. Andrew Bailey, Bos
46. Oliver Perez, Sea
47. Drew Storen, Was
48. Kelvin Herrera, KC
49. Tom Wilhelmsen, Sea
50. Tommy Hunter, Bal
51. Sean Doolittle, Oak
52. Robbie Ross, Tex
53. Brandon League, LAD
54. Dale Thayer, SD
55. Heath Bell, Ari
56. Brett Cecil, Tor
57. Aaron Crow, KC
58. Drew Smyly, Det
59. Tim Collins, KC
60. Luis Avilan, Atl
61. Matt Thornton, CWS
62. Carter Capps, Sea
63. Jeremy Affeldt, SF
64. Jordan Walden, Atl
65. Brad Ziegler, Ari
66. Joe Smith, Cle
67. Antonio Bastardo, Phi
68. Yoervis Medina, Sea
69. Neil Cotts, Tex
70. Matt Belisle, Col
71. Hector Ambriz, Hou
72. James Russell, ChC
73. Jerry Blevins, Oak
74. Scott Downs, LAA
75. Jose Cisnero, Hou

On the bubble:  David Aardsma (NYM), Cody Allen (Cle), Craig Breslow (Bos), Joba Chamberlain (NYY), Steve Delabar (Tor), Mike Dunn (Mia), Sam LeCure (Cin), Matt Lindstron (CWS), Aaron Loup (Tor), Brandon Lyon (NYM), Brian Matusz (Bal), Andrew Miller (Bos), Chad Qualls (Mia), Alfredo Simon (Cin), Tony Watson (Pit), Justin Wilson (Pit)

 

Top 10 Inactive Pitchers (expected return in parenthesis)

1. J.J. Putz, Ari (late June)
2. Rafael Betancourt (late June)
3. Chris Perez, Cle (late June)
4. Santiago Casilla, SF (early July)
5. Stephen Pryor, Sea (July)
6. Sean Marshall, Cin (July)
7. Joakim Soria, Tex (early July)
8. Mike Adams, Phi (unknown)
9. Ryan Madson, LAA (July)
10. Sergio Santos, Tor (late July)

43% Power Rankings

• Bharat is still holding on to the lead, but it's definitely a lot smaller of a lead than the one that Heff had at this point last season.  One bad day by Bharat and one good day from either Carmine or I, and we could have a new leader.
• J.B. has a pretty firm grasp on fourth place, but fifth through eleventh is ridiculously close!  One smart move could be the difference between a top five finish and finishing in the basement.
• Outside of Randy, everybody has been really good at not getting too far ahead of pace with games started, but Joshua Little, Sam Miller, and Chris Ferris are going to have to step things up if they want to compete this year.
• First number in parenthesis is the change in rank, and the second number is the change in points.

1.  Staten Island Yankees: 196.5 (0, +1.5)

  Bharat's gap has widened over the last couple days, but it's nothing compared to Heff's 48 point lead at this point last year.  Hopefully Jason Grilli can start to regress to his career averages and stop making me look like a fool.

2.  Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks: 182 (+1, -0.5)

  My team continues to get unlucky with GWRBI, but hopefully my luck will even out like it did last year.

3.  Brooklyn Cyclones: 181.5 (-1, -8)

  It's pretty impressive that Carmine is leading in all three pitching ratios, something I don't think has happened before.

4.  Salt Lake Bees: 171 (+1, +20)

  It's about time to call this a four-horse race.  J.B. continues to climb in the standings thanks to the two hottest players in baseball, Kyle Blanks and Carlos Gonzalez.  Oddly enough, I could have easily owned both of them.

5.  Cedar Rapids Kernels: 148.5 (+4, +15)

  Heff continues to climb back up the standings after a rough start, and with the lineup he has he should be able to keep rising.

6.  Nashville Sounds: 150.5 (0, +2)

  With Anibal Sanchez going down, Josh is going to have to find another starter.  It's very possible he falls five spots before the next rankings, but he leads the tier for now.

7.  Lowell Spinners: 148 (+5, +32)

  Justin's only closer at the moment is Vinnie Pestano, who has only received one save and will most likely lose the job when Perez returns, so he's going to have to improve his bullpen if he wants to get any higher.

8.  Augusta GreenJackets: 136 (+2, +9.5)

  I could have picked either of the next three instead, but I chose Michael because he's not ahead of pace and Jose Reyes should be a big boost for the offense.

9.  Reno Aces: 137 (-2, -7.5)

  I'm baffled at JD's desire to roster nine RP-eligible guys for only five spots, but I shouldn't be surprised as he's always loaded up on pitching.

10. Albuquerque Isotopes: 135.5 (-6, -24)

  His offense has been serviceable, but his pitching has really dropped off as of late.  David Hernandez and Matt Moore will have to turn things around or Brandon's struggles will likely continue.

11. Mobile Baybears: 133 (-3, -6.5)

  He's got just as good of a chance as any of the three above him but somebody had to go here.  Pitching is fine, but he's going to need another bat or two.

12.  Montgomery Biscuits: 108 (-1, -25)

  It's just not Rob's year.  Injuries to Tulowitzki, Braun, Sandoval, and Price have likely led to a rebuild year for Rob.  I'm not saying it's over yet, but he's going to need these guys to get back very soon!

13.  Toledo Mud Hens: 95 (+1, +7)

   If it wasn't for stolen bases, wins, ERA, and WHIP; Tom would be doing just fine!  Eh, we'd probably need to throw out the rest of the pitching categories as well.  Liriano has been shockingly great, but the rest of the pitching rotation has been a major disappointment.

14. Kannapolis Intimidators: 91.5 (+1, -2)

15. Lehigh Valley IronPigs: 83 (-2, -18.5)

16. RanchoCucuamonga Quakes: 79 (0, +5)

QS% Worksheet

FMR: 65.9% (16, 0)

BEES: 63.8% (15, +2.5)

RADS: 63.6% (14, -1)

LOW: 58.8% (13, +3)

BRK: 56.04% (12, -0.5)

NAS: 56% (11, +8)

MOB: 55.3% (10, -4)

AGJ: 55.2% (9, +1)

Rob: 54.94% (8, -2)

ACES: 54.87% (7, +0.5)

NYY: 53.8% (6, +1.5)

DEI: 53.4% (5, +3)

LVIP: 52.3% (4, +3)

CRK: 50.6% (3, -3.5)

Tole: 47.8% (2, -2.5)

MAC: 46.3% (1, -9)

Week 12 Relief Rankings

For now, there's no closer in Seattle, which is why you'll only see 29 names in bold.  We'll see if Wilhelmsen can regain his job or if Capps or Perez can steal it from him, but I see it as a wide-open competition right now.  Long-term Pryor is my favorite, but it's still unknown when he can return.

I've been under-valuing newer closers like Grilli because of their lack of experience, but sometimes it's important to just ride the hot-hand with closers.  As long as Grilli is pitching like this, he's one of the best closers in baseball.

1. Craig Kimbrel, Atl 
2. Aroldis Chapman, Cin
3. Mariano Rivera, NYY
4. Joe Nathan, Tex
5. Jonathan Papelbon, Phi
6. David Robertson, NYY
7. Kenley Jansen, LAD
8. Rafael Soriano, Was
9. Jason Grilli, Pit
10. Grant Balfour, Oak
11. Andrew Bailey, Bos
12. Addison Reed, CWS
13. Sergio Romo, SF
14. Luke Gregerson, SD
15. Mark Melancon, Pit
16. Glen Perkins, Min
17. Greg Holland, KC
18. Casey Janssen, Tor
19. Ernesto Frieri, LAA
20. Jim Johnson, Bal
21. Rex Brothers, Col
22. Edward Mujica, Stl
23. Jared Burton, Min
24. Fernando Rodney, TB
25. Huston Street, SD
26. Tyler Clippard, Was
27. Trevor Rosenthal, Stl
28. Jesse Crain, CWS
29. Joaquin Benoit, Det
30. Vinnie Pestano, Cle
31. Tanner Scheppers, Tex
32. Jim Henderson, Mil
33. Bobby Parnell, NYM
34. Koji Uehara, Bos
35. David Hernandez, Ari
36. Tom Wilhelmsen, Sea
37. Ryan Cook, Oak
38. Jose Veras, Hou
39. Mike Adams, Phi
40. Kelvin Herrera, KC
41. Joel Peralta, TB
42. Kevin Gregg, ChC
43. Steve Cishek, Mia
44. Jake McGee, TB
45. Francisco Rodriguez, Mil
46. Darren O'Day, Bal
47. Sean Doolittle, Oak
48. Heath Bell, Ari
49. Drew Storen, Was
50. Junichi Tazawa, Bos
51. Jose Valverde, Det
52. Carter Capps, Sea
53. Robbie Ross, Tex
54. Dale Thayer, SD
55. Oliver Perez, Sea
56. Brandon League, LAD
57. Aaron Crow, KC
58. Tommy Hunter, Bal
59. John Axford, Mil
60. Jeremy Affeldt, SF
61. Matt Belisle, Col
62. Tim Collins, KC
63. Matt Thornton, CWS
64. Brad Ziegler, Ari
65. Joe Smith, Cle
66. Jordan Walden, Atl
67. Antonio Bastardo, Phi
68. Luis Avilan, Atl
69. Hector Ambriz, Hou
70. Mike Dunn, Mia
71. James Russell, ChC
72. Jerry Blevins, Oak
73. Craig Breslow, Bos
74. Sam LeCure, Cin
75. Brett Cecil, Tor

On the bubble:  David Aardsma (NYM), Cody Allen (Cle), Joba Chamberlain (NYY), Jose Cisnero (Hou), Steve Delabar (Tor), Scott Downs (LAA), Mike Gonzalez (Mil), J.P. Howell (LAD), Kevin Jepsen (LAA), Matt Lindstron (CWS), Aaron Loup (Tor), Brandon Lyon (NYM), Brian Matusz (Bal), Alfredo Simon (Cin), Drew Smyly (Det), Justin Wilson (Pit)

 

Top 10 Inactive Pitchers (expected return in parenthesis)

1. Rafael Betancourt (late June)
2. J.J. Putz, Ari (late June)
3. Chris Perez, Cle (late June)
4. Stephen Pryor, Sea (July)
5. Sean Marshall, Cin (July)
6. Ryan Madson, LAA (July)
7. Sergio Santos, Tor (late July)
8. Santiago Casilla, SF (late July)
9. Joakim Soria, Tex (late July)
10. Frank Francisco, NYM (unknown)

Week 11 Relief Rankings

Here are some quick notes on some of this week's big movers.

Trevor Rosenthal, Stl (+9): On April 24th, Rosenthal had an ERA of 4.26 and had just recently been passed over by Edward Mujica as the team's new closer, but since then, in 19.1 IP, he hasn't given up a run, lowering his ERA to 1.69 and establishing himself as one of the premier set-up men in the league.  Despite his lack of a track record, he has the stuff to keep up this success and maybe even take over the closer spot from an overachieving Mujica.

Kelvin Herrera (U/R): Herrera was only in the minors for a little bit over a week, but he's been able to get back on track and re-establish himself has the Royal's set-up man.  Remember when he almost stole the closer job from Holland?  Yes, he's that good when he's on and he needs to be owned in all leagues that use holds.

Drew Storen (-7):  I really don't see Storen and the Nationals getting any worse, but I can't guarantee that my pick to the win the World Series is going to magically improve enough to give enough hold opportunities to both Storen and Clippard.  Storen has pitched better recently (seven scoreless appearances with two holds), but until the team improves or Clippard falters, he's not an elite option any more.

Brewers: It appears Jim Henderson will be given the closer job back eventually, but it hasn't happened yet. Keep an eye on John Axford here as well, as he's been pitching a lot better lately and has the ability to be one of the best closers in baseball when he's on.

1. Craig Kimbrel, Atl 
2. Mariano Rivera, NYY
3. Aroldis Chapman, Cin
4. Joe Nathan, Tex
5. David Robertson, NYY
6. Kenley Jansen, LAD
7. Jonathan Papelbon, Phi
8. Rafael Soriano, Was
9. Addison Reed, CWS
10. Andrew Bailey, Bos
11. Sergio Romo, SF
12. Luke Gregerson, SD
13. Grant Balfour, Oak
14. Jason Grilli, Pit
15. Mark Melancon, Pit
16. Tom Wilhelmsen, Sea
17. Casey Janssen, Tor
18. Glen Perkins, Min
19. Ernesto Frieri, LAA
20. Jared Burton, Min 
21. Greg Holland, KC
22. Fernando Rodney, TB
23. Jim Johnson, Bal
24. Rex Brothers, Col
25. Edward Mujica, Stl
26. Jim Henderson, Mil
27. David Hernandez, Ari
28. Bobby Parnell, NYM
29. Tyler Clippard, Was
30. Trevor Rosenthal, Stl
31. Vinnie Pestano, Cle
32. Jesse Crain, CWS
33. Koji Uehara, Bos
34. Joaquin Benoit, Det
35. Tanner Scheppers, Tex
36. Ryan Cook, Oak
37. Jose Veras, Hou
38. Mike Adams, Phi
39. Sean Doolittle, Oak
40. Kelvin Herrera, KC
41. Joel Peralta, TB
42. Heath Bell, Ari
43. Brandon League, LAD
44. Drew Storen, Was
45. Junichi Tazawa, Bos
46. Jose Valverde, Det
47. Jonathan Broxton, Cin
48. Jake McGee, TB
49. Francisco Rodriguez, Mil
50. Darren O'Day, Bal
51. Kevin Gregg, ChC
52. Dale Thayer, SD
53. Steve Cishek, Mia
54. Robbie Ross, Tex
55. Joba Chamberlain, NYY
56. Aaron Crow, KC
57. Antonio Bastardo, Phi
58. Jordan Walden, Atl
59. Matt Belisle, Col
60. Jeremy Affeldt, SF
61. Carter Capps, Sea
62. Matt Thornton, CWS
63. Tommy Hunter, Bal
64. Joe Smith, Cle
65. Tim Collins, KC
66. John Axford, Mil
67. Brad Ziegler, Ari
68. Justin Wilson, Pit
69. Luis Avilan, Atl
70. Mike Dunn, Mia
71. Sam LeCure, Cin
72. James Russell, ChC
73. Jerry Blevins, Oak
74. Hector Ambriz, Hou
75. Scott Downs, LAA

On the bubble:  Cody Allen (Cle), Ronald Belisario (LAD), Craig Breslow (Bos), Jose Cisnero (Hou), Phil Coke (Det), Steve Delabar (Tor), Mike Gonzalez (Mil), J.P. Howell (LAD), Brandon Kintzler (Mil), Matt Lindstron (CWS), Aaron Loup (Tor), Brandon Lyon (NYM), Brian Matusz (Bal), Drew Smyly (Det), Joe Thatcher (SD)

Top 10 Inactive Pitchers (expected return in parenthesis)

1. Rafael Betancourt (late June)
2. J.J. Putz, Ari (late June)
3. Huston Street, SD (unknown)
4. Chris Perez, Cle (late June)
5. Stephen Pryor, Sea (late June)
6. Sean Marshall, Cin (late June)
7. Ryan Madson, LAA (July)
8. Sergio Santos, Tor (late July)
9. Santiago Casilla, SF (late July)
10. Frank Francisco, NYM (unknown)

Week 10 Relief Rankings

I know I had one or two dozen readers before the season started, but I have absolutely no idea how many people are still reading.  If you are still out there, I apologize for missing last week as I was busy moving but I am now fully moved so that shouldn't be a distraction any more.

Closers are in bold to help distinguish between saves and holds.  Cishek isn't the sole closer anymore, but he's still the best option the Marlins have, which is pretty sad.

Oakland- The A's are one of three teams with three top forty relievers (Nationals and Red Sox being the others).  Earlier in the year I had both Balfour and Cook in the top twenty, but Doolittle has out-shined Cook so far and taken over the primary eighth inning role.  Nevertheless, all three of these guys are great buy-low candidates if you can get them.

Atlanta- Jordan Walden returns and immediately becomes the next best option after Craig Kimbrel.  He should eventually become the primary set-up man and close to a top forty reliever.

1. Craig Kimbrel, Atl 
2. Mariano Rivera, NYY
3. Joe Nathan, Tex
4. Aroldis Chapman, Cin 
5. Kenley Jansen, LAD
6. David Robertson, NYY
7. Jonathan Papelbon, Phi
8. Rafael Soriano, Was
9. Sergio Romo, SF
10. Andrew Bailey, Bos
11. Addison Reed, CWS 
12. Luke Gregerson, SD
13. Grant Balfour, Oak
14. Jason Grilli, Pit
15. Tom Wilhelmsen, Sea
16. Mark Melancon, Pit
17. Casey Janssen, Tor
18. Glen Perkins, Min
19. Ernesto Frieri, LAA
20. Jared Burton, Min 
21. Greg Holland, KC
22. Fernando Rodney, TB
23. Jim Johnson, Bal
24. Bobby Parnell, NYM
25. Edward Mujica, Stl
26. Vinnie Pestano, Cle
27. David Hernandez, Ari
28. Sean Doolittle, Oak
29. Rex Brothers, Col
30. Tyler Clippard, Was
31. Jesse Crain, CWS
32. Mike Adams, Phi
33. Koji Uehara, Bos
34. Joaquin Benoit, Det
35. Tanner Scheppers, Tex
36. Ryan Cook, Oak
37. Drew Storen, Was
38. Jose Veras, Hou
39. Trevor Rosenthal, Stl
40. Junichi Tazawa, Bos
41. Brandon League, LAD
42. Jose Valverde, Det
43. Jonathan Broxton, Cin
44. Joel Peralta, TB
45. Heath Bell, Ari
46. Jake McGee, TB
47. Francisco Rodriguez, Mil
48. Darren O'Day, Bal
49. Kevin Gregg, ChC
50. Aaron Crow, KC
51. Dale Thayer, SD
52. Joba Chamberlain, NYY
53. Carter Capps, Sea
54. Steve Cishek, Mia
55. Matt Thornton, CWS
56. Robbie Ross, Tex
57. Matt Reynolds, Ari
58. Antonio Bastardo, Phi
59. Jordan Walden, Atl
60. Matt Belisle, Col
61. Jeremy Affeldt, SF
62. Mike Dunn, Mia
63. Joe Smith, Cle 
64. Tim Collins, KC
65. Tommy Hunter, Bal
66. Sam LeCure, Cin
67. Scott Downs, LAA
68. James Russell, ChC
69. Justin Wilson, Pit
70. Brad Ziegler, Ari
71. Luis Avilan, Atl
72. Hector Ambriz, Hou
73. Mike Gonzalez, Mil
74. Brian Matusz, Bal
75. Joe Thatcher, SD

On the bubble:  Cody Allen (Cle), John Axford (Mil), Jerry Blevins (Oak), Ronald Belisario (LAD), Craig Breslow (Bos), Phil Coke (Det), Steve Delabar (Tor), Edgmer Escalona (Col), J.J. Hoover (Cin), J.P. Howell (LAD), Brandon Kintzler (Mil), Matt Lindstron (CWS), Aaron Loup (Tor), Paco Rodriguez (LAD), Drew Smyly (Det)

Top 10 Inactive Pitchers (expected return in parenthesis)

1. Jim Henderson, Mil (mid June)
2. Rafael Betancourt (late June)
3. J.J. Putz, Ari (late June)
4. Chris Perez, Cle (late June)
5. Stephen Pryor, Sea (late June)
6. Huston Street, SD (unknown)
7. Sean Marshall, Cin (June)
8. Ryan Madson, LAA (July)
9. Sergio Santos, Tor (late July)
10. Santiago Casilla, SF (late July)