The Hold Up 9/10: Ranking The Top 25 Relievers For Holds

The season is coming down to the wire and just about every league is set to begin the playoffs. It’s do or die time; let’s see where we stand in...

The season is coming down to the wire and just about every league is set to begin the playoffs. It’s do or die time; let’s see where we stand in the final edition of The Hold Up for the 2015 season.

TIER 1: Cream of the CropThis 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)

2. Tony Watson (Pirates)

3. Wade Davis (Royals)

. Joe Smith (Angels)

5. Sergio Romo (Giants)

6. Kevin Siegrist (Cardinals) +1

7. Pat Neshek (Astros)

TIER 2: Solid PerformersAll excellent relievers, but whether it be their role or consistency, they aren’t quite on that elite level.

8. Drew Storen (Nationals) +1

9.

10. Jim Johnson (Dodgers) +1

11. Joakim Soria (Pirates) +1

12.Aaron Sanchez (Blue Jays) +1

13. Will Smith (Brewers) +6

14. Joaquin Benoit (Padres)

15. Keone Kela (Rangers)

16. Pedro Strop (Cubs)

17. Jeremy Jeffress (Brewers) +3

18. Justin Wilson (Yankees)

19. Tyler Clippard (Mets)

There is some potential for holds from this group, however don’t bet the farm on them being among the league leaders.

20. Jared Hughes (Pirates)

21.

22. Zach Duke (White Sox)

23. Kyle Barraclough (Marlins) UNRANKED

24. Arquímedes Caminero (Pirates)

25. Darren O’Day (Orioles)

Moving On Up

Will Smith has been on a tear lately, notching 5 holds in the last two weeks. Smith is finally getting the opportunity to pitch with a lead in the late innings and making the most of it.
– Ride Jeremy Jeffress’ hot streak through your fantasy playoffs.
Kyle Barraclough is taking the majors by storm right now. There is still a void in the Marlins pen with Carter Capps out and Barraclough is making the most of it despite dealing with control issues.

Falling Down

Joaquin Benoit has been battling back spasms recently. Not something a fantasy owner needs right now.
– The bullpen in Pittsburgh has too many quality arms and Jared Hughes. Tough luck after starting the year out so strong.
Steve Geltz falls off due to performance issues and other being in a better positions to get holds.

Nick Pollack

Founder of Pitcher List. Creator of CSW, The List, and SP Roundup. Worked with MSG, FanGraphs, CBS Sports, and Washington Post. Former college pitcher, travel coach, pitching coach, and Brandeis alum. Wants every pitcher to be dope.

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