How Can Set-Up Relievers Win Your Fantasy League?

Ok, we had a little off the topic time the last few days examining some of the ramifications of the MLB trade deadline.  A few days ago we had started a conversation regarding set-up relievers and how they can be instrumental in your push to win your fantasy league.  This is true whether your league uses 'Holds' or not.

Let us examine a few guys in that role who are having great years.

There are a few guys I would put into the 'Above Average' category.  Sam LeCure of the Reds, Jordan Walden of the Braves and Antonio Bastardo are three guys I will talk about here.  All of them are having a pretty good years as late-inning guys, but are not the save guy for their club.  These guys still provide some nice numbers for your pitching staff. 

Bastardo has a 2.454 ERA/1.289 WHIP.  Now the WHIP numbers aren't the greatest, especially for a relief pitcher, but his 44 K's in 40 plus innings helps and throw in the fact that he has 3 wins and a couple of saves and you have the making of a nice guy you can add to your staff.  Considering how close some the pitching categories can be in your league some of these numbers can certainly help.

How about LeCure's numbers - 2.195 ERA/1.146 WHIP with 43 K's in 41 IP?  Or Jordan Walden - 2.571 ERA/1.143 WHIP with 40 K's in 35 IP with 4 wins?  Again, not overwhelming when compared to starting pitchers but these numbers add up with your other pitching stats that can certainly help you grab a couple of points.

Two guys I would consider upper echelon set-up guys are Trevor Rosenthal - 2.29 ERA/1.13WHIP with 74 K's in 51 IP and Tylar Clippard - 1.73 ERA/0.83 WHIP with 50 K's in 46 plus IP and a staggering 6 wins.  Clippard has more wins than many of my starters. 

This is what I mean.  You take a shot at one of these guys and you can't go wrong.  They are not going to give you bad numbers.  Most times they will deliver positive numbers for you and not some of the roller coaster numbers that some starters will give.  In addition, they could be in line for some saves on those days where the closer is not available as well as pick up a few wins in late relief. 

In any kind of a close race you want to grab points where you can and set-up guys can be instrumental in your push for a fantasy league pennant.