Dellin Betances is on his way out of the closers role for the Yankees with Andrew Miller returning from injury today. While this can be seen as sad news by some, Betances will regain the role he thrives in the most as the best setup man in baseball, pitching multiple innings, seemingly striking out everyone and locking down holds.
Anyway, let’s take a look at where we are in the world of Holds:
TIER 1: Cream of the Crop – This group is the cream of the crop. Ample opportunity for holds, high K-rates and low ERA’s make these guys a must own in any Holds league.
1. Dellin Betances (Yankees) +7
2. Wade Davis (Royals) -1
3. Tony Watson (Pirates) -1
4. Pat Neshek (Astros) -1
5. Sergio Romo (Giants)
6. Carter Capps (Marlins) +7
. Joe Smith (Angels) -1
8. Ken Giles (Phillies) -1
TIER 2: Solid Performers – All excellent relievers, but whether it be their role or consistency, they aren’t quite on that elite level.
9. Kevin Siegrist (Cardinals) +2
10. Joaquin Benoit (Padres ) -6
11. Kelvin Herrera (Royals) -2
12. Jim Johnson (Braves) +3
13. Darren O’Day (Orioles) -3
14. Yimi Garcia (Dodgers) -2
15. Jared Hughes (Pirates) -1
16. Carson Smith (Mariners) UNRANKED
17. Zach Duke (White Sox)
18. Junichi Tazawa (Red Sox)
19. Pedro Strop (Cubs)
20. Arquímedes Caminero (Pirates) +2
There is some potential for holds from this group, however don’t bet the farm on them being among the league leaders.
21. Jake McGee (Rays) +4
22. J.J. Hoover (Reds)
23. Will Smith (Brewers) -3
24. Kevin Jepsen (Rays) -1
25. Boone Logan (Rockies) -1
Moving On Up
– Andrew Miller is coming off the DL today and Joe Girardi has already said that he will slide back into the closers role and that Dellin Betances will be taking over the 8th inning again.
– Carter Capps. This is getting silly, he needs to be owned.
– Carson Smith has been unseated from the closers role, not because of his own doing, but rather the minor miracle Fernando Rodney’s pulled off stringing together a couple solid outings. Obviously they want Rodney to be the closer in Seattle so Smith might be stuck in the 8th inning longer than he deserves, but this is good news for owners looking for holds.
– Jake McGee has been excellent as expected. It still comes as a bit of a shock to me that he is not closing however and I remain skeptical that Brad Boxberger can hang on the entire year.
Falling Down
– Joaquin Benoit has strong overall numbers, but he can’t seems to get the opportunity for holds. It is time to drop him down from the number 4 rankings until he cant secure more holds.
– is just not one of the late relievers for the Astros, despite his strong numbers. He no longer belongs on the list.