Bargain relief pitchers

[swingaway]

juan cruz of the braves is he going to the bullpen or rotation this year. He seems to be a great rp sleeper if he stays in the bullpen.

[Pogotheostrich]

Does Ray King not qualify as flying under the radar this year? I didn't see him mentioned. He doesn't eat up a lot of innings, but his numbers are phenomenal. His ERA was around 1.50 most of the year until he got roughed up a little at the end, and his WHIP was sub 1.00 most of the year too.

A little low on IP and W for my tastes but at least you don't have to worry about him getting drafted.

True. He'll probably be lucky to get past 70 IP, but he should get lots of holds if you count them since he's coming in to face the lefties with a lead.

Most times LaRussa doesn't even use him for a whole inning. It is kinda hard to get wins like that. But I agree if your league counts holds he is a good guy to have.

[Cornbread Maxwell]

I do agree that having to use 2-3 roster spots on them is a definite drawback, but I dont find that it is that big of a negative considering the benefit they provide.

The biggest drawback is in a 5X5 league where you are unable to recover in strikeouts by giving up roster spots with relievers. A great reliever will get you about 90 K's while a mediocre starter can get you 150+ K's. Times this by 3 roster spots and it's an about extra 200 K's you'll miss out on with the relievers.

Are you referring to roto leagues with IP limits? If so, it is important to look at what a pitcher does per IP. The top non-closer RPs will easily be more valuable than a mediocre starter.

[j_d_mcnugent]

i dont think mediocre starters hit 150+ strikeouts either. only about 35 pitchers hit that mark last year. not all of them were great pitchers, but 150+ strikeout pitchers dont exactly grow on trees.

as for ray 'burger' king, i think he is flying under the radar for two reasons:

1) only an average amount of strikeouts for a reliever. guys getting a k per inning are more desireable for this strategy.

2) 2004 was easily his best year. for his career, his ratios are decent but not great.

[SaintsOfTheDiamond]

I was looking at King mainly in leagues who count holds. He should still be a specialist out of the pen I imagine even with the departure of Kline, so his ERA and WHIP should be pretty good again if he fills the same role. I think (hope) he's found his niche in STL.

[Rico The Retard]

Ray King, Stl

[wrveres]

I agree with rotodog .... Get them cheap ...
And I would even agrue that unless another owner is doing it, or knows 'you' are doing it, I would not draft relievers .. I would instead take my chances on a couple of inexpensive risk/reward type of starters or closers. How many of you took a chance and drafted Ollie Perez last season? Plus there are always a few stiffs on every staff that does not work out, and when you figure out who they are on yours, drop them just pick up one of setup guys then.

Also I couldn't see carrying more than two of them. Three RP's is too many roster spots.

3 of my favorites for '05 are just your everyday household names

Kiko
Akinori
Yhency