4In fantasy baseball all categories are important. None are more volatile than saves. As excelling in the statistic relies more on game situation and role, than talent. While most teams designate a closer at the start of the season, injury, poor performance or trades often open the door to other pitchers to record saves. In most cases this launches an otherwise not so useful fantasy relief pitcher into must-own status because of his ability to control a single category. Having the ability to anticipate these roster changes will allow you to get a jump on your competitors and collect saves from not so obvious places.Baseball statistics
Baseball rosters
- Identify and learn the current closers for every professional baseball team. Although you are looking for options that may replace a number of pitchers on this list, by keeping an active tally of actual closers you will know to act when you hear their names in injury updates or trade proposals.Separate from this list the closers who have the weakest grip on their jobs - these are the most likely to lose the role and thus any fantasy significance. Generally closers who are in their first year with a team, who took the role because of injury to another player or are making a small salary are the most likely candidates to be deemed expendable by management. On the flip side, those with a longstanding tradition of success with one team are unlikely to be demoted.Identify injury risks. Although it is impossible to predict injuries, pitchers are particularly vulnerable to injuries that may keep them out of the line-up for a significant portion of the year. Some relievers have a sterling track-record of health, others can not make it through the season without a few nicks, bruises or trips to the disabled list. Keep track of closers who are frequently injured.Identify the closer in waiting for every team. Knowing which current closers are most likely to be replaced is only helpful if you can determine which player with replace him the role if a change is deemed necessary. In many cases the closer in waiting is the pitcher who handles the eighth inning, but there are a few caveats. Most teams prefer the closer to have a high strikeout rate, be right-handed and equally effective against right and left-handed batters. On some teams the closer in waiting may be lurking in the 6th or 7th inning. Teams also often value experience over ability so keep your eye on players who have closed before.Keep track of the standings. Teams that have fallen out of contention are more likely than successful teams to make a change at closer. They may trade their closer to a contending team that might use the pitcher in another role. They also might want to find a cheaper option and could give a few younger players a chance to audition for the role on next year's team.Act early. Once a closer has been traded or demoted and his successor notches his first save, there will be a rush to the waiver wire to pick the pitcher up. Instead of waiting for the pitcher to officially take over the role, isolate the teams most likely to have a roster change and add the speculative closer before the rush.
