You've heard me talk about this before: middle relievers are the red-headed step-child when it comes to fantasy baseball. If Rodney, Dangerfield were still around, he'd say: "middle relievers just don't get no respect."
While stud middle relievers may help your WHIP, they don't pitch a lot of innings and they rarely earn a save given today's era of relief specialization. Hence, the tremendous decline in fantasy value of a player like Joba Chamberlain when Joe Girardi announced that Chamberlain would start the year as the Yankees set up man rather than as a starting pitcher.
The hold statistic was invented in 1986 by John Dewan and Mike O'Donnell as a way to measure the effectiveness of middle relievers. A hold is defined as "any time a relief pitcher enters a game in a save situation, records at least one out, and leaves the game never having relinquished the lead." In short, a hold is equivelant to a save in middle reliever lingo.
Brandon Lyon of the Diamondbacks appeared in 73 games and pitched 74 innings last year. He was 6-4, with a 2.65 ERA, and converted 2 of 5 save opportunities. Not exactly the kind of stats that would propel you to the top of the pitching charts in your fantasy league. But, add Lyon's 35 holds and you have yourself a strong performer. Lyon was certainly instrumental in the D-Backs' 2007 success.
When the internet came along so did a myriad of statistical categories that could be added to your fantasy baseball league since it was no longer the commissioner sitting at his kitchen table at 2 AM compiling fantasy team stats. While most leagues stuck with the basic 4 x 4 or 5 x 5 leagues, some opted to add as many as 40 obscure categories. With the power of the internet, it wasn't difficult to devise a system that would give differing levels of points to give credit to guys who excelled at sacrifice flies and assists or to punish those with large amounts of balks or triples allowed.
If your league decides to reward the important role that middle relievers play by adding a holds category (and we think it should), you will probably need to balance it out with another offensive category. The best one to add: probably walks or on base percentage. I think all of us who have read MoneyBall understand the importance of working a walk and getting on base. Red Sox manager Terry Francona sure does; he's a believer and who can argue with Francona's recent success.?
And, if your league decides to go crazy and add 40 categories, pick Troy Tulowitzki who led the MLB in assists last year with 561. If you add sacrifice flies, Carlos Lee was awesome with 13 last year.
As for triples allowed or balks: if your fantasy league commissioner proposes adding these categories, find another fantasy baseball league to play in.
Related Articles
Daily Free Mlb Picks
By: Michael Keneski | 23/08/2007 | Football
Daily free MLB baseball pick.
What the Twins Got in the Santana Deal
By: Anthony Wayne | 04/03/2008 | Baseball
Everybody is talking about the Mets getting Johan Santan, but there should also be talk of the young talent that the Minnesota Twins acquired.
Fantasy Baseball and that Sweet Electronic Candy
By: Albert Medinas | 05/12/2005 | Art and Entertainment
The 1992 Summer Olympics were the first to feature NBA players, and the squad from that year was known as the ‘Dream Team'. Although Fantasy Baseball, Football, or even Basketball did not begin in 1992, these thrilling and interactive pastimes do carry o
USA Basketball Candidates Official
By: Jason Hahn | 07/04/2006 | Basketball
The lengthy list of the 25 candidates for the 2008 USA Basketball Team for the Olympics has finally been announced.
The Hottest Wives in Baseball
By: Anthony Wayne | 24/05/2008 | Baseball
Fantasy Baseball Dugout has named its Hottest Wives in Baseball for 2008.
How To Play Fantasy Baseball
By: Billy Beansprout | 30/03/2007 | Baseball
The first thing you want to do to play fantasy baseball is find, or form, a fantasy baseball league. Ten to twelve teams is usually the norm in a league, though you may have anywhere from four to 24 teams in a given league. Each team in the fantasy league...
Fantasy Baseball - Taking a Full Swing
By: Chris Campbell | 28/08/2006 | Baseball
Many camps seem to have a myriad of rules, regulations and procedures to follow. However; it wouldn't have the following it does, if it wasn't easy enough for the average beer swilling baseball fan to engage in.
Fund Raising With Vinyl Banners
By: Rick Hendershot | 18/09/2005 | Marketing
Arena, or even in your school gym.
Banners are perfect for this because they can be printed in full
colour with striking graphics, they are weather resistant. They
also.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Catfish Baseball
By: snord | 24-08-2008
What is "Catfish Baseball" and how is it played...and Where did it originate?
May you please look it up and do it?
By: craigbradshaw | 23-08-2008
craig bradshaw baseball 1993 pictures needs to be on the internet!!!!!
Hi, im a mother with a 10yr old child with autism ...
By: Anthony326 | 23-08-2008
Hi, im a mother with a 10yr old child with autism. I will like for him to do new things like play sports. I will like any information if there's a baseball little league for children with special needs.. I live in brooklyn new york.....
Red Sox vs.Giants Game BaLL4-27-2005
By: Phyllis Reed | 22-08-2008
I have a Game Ball marked Red Sox vs. Giants 4-27-2005
Is it valuable and if so, how much and how can I either return it to the Red Sox team or try to sell it?
Looking for a Rawlings HOH PRO 12TC glove, with ...
By: Rockman1966 | 21-08-2008
Looking for a Rawlings HOH PRO 12TC glove, with round Rawlings patch. Please let me know if yu have one for sale or restoration. Thanks.
Rob
EtoMustang44@aol.com
Looney Tunes baseball cards
By: Heather | 19-08-2008
Where can u find more of the 1990 Looney Tunes All-Star Baseball card. I bought some cards at a Antquie Store and i would like to complete the collection.
Q&A Powered by:
Sports and Fitness 
