The top 15 relievers for holds in fantasy baseball

For those of you in leagues that focus on holds, here’s our take on the top 15 options:

1. Tyler Clippard, Washington Nationals
2. Joel Peralta, Tampa Bay Rays
3. Jordan Walden, Atlanta Braves
4. Mark Melancon, Pittsburgh Pirates
5. Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals
6. Sergio Santos, Toronto Blue Jays
7. Luke Gregerson, Oakland A’s
8. Jake McGee, Tampa Bay Rays
9. Alexi Ogando, Texas Rangers
10. Junichi Tazawa, Boston Red Sox
11. Brian Wilson, Los Angeles Dodgers
12.  Jared Burton, Minnesota Twins
13. Brandon Kintzler, Milwaukee Brewers
14. Edward Mujica, Boston Red Sox
15. Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals

Joakim Soria to close in Texas

March 22, 2014

Texas Rangers — Ron Washington has chosen 29-year-old Joakim Soria to close for the Rangers, citing Soria’s consistency and experience. His #1 ranking on our middle reliever list probably didn’t hurt either. With Tanner Scheppers moving into the rotation, Alexi Ogando will return to his old set-up role. Neftali Feliz’s spot on the roster is far from guaranteed, and if he makes the team, he’ll apparently be battling Neal Cotts and Jason Frasor to be #3. Hierarchy change: Joakim Soria to Closer, Alexi Ogando to Set-Up, Neal Cotts to 2nd in line.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
TEXJoakim SoriaAlexi OgandoNeal CottsJoakim Soria3/22/14

.

Jonathan Broxton starting the season on the DL

March 21, 2014

Cincinnati Reds — Jonathan Broxton will pitch again today, but manager Bryan Price announced this morning that Broxton will also start the season on the disabled list, removing all obstacles between J.J. Hoover and the ninth inning — although Price won’t anoint a specific closer. The manager’s comments suggest that Broxton will have the inside track at the job if his DL stint is as short as expected. With Sean Marshall also banged up to start the year and Alfredo Simon moving to the starting rotation, Logan Ondrusek will see some high-leverage action, with Manny Parra called on to face lefties. Hierarchy change: J.J. Hoover to Closer, Sam LeCure to Set-Up, Logan Ondrusek to 2nd in line, Jonathan Broxton injured.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CINJ.J. HooverSam LeCureLogan OndrusekAroldis Chapman3/21/14
Aroldis Chapman [DL]Jonathan Broxton [DL]Sean Marshall [DL]

.

Aroldis Chapman update

March 20, 2014

Cincinnati Reds — UPDATE (12:38 PM): MLB.com, NBC Sports, and the Cincinnati Enquirer are reporting that Aroldis Chapman suffered a “mild concussion,” will have surgery for his facial fractures today (including the insertion of a plate), and is expected to return in six to eight weeks. No hierarchy change.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CINJonathan BroxtonJ.J. HooverSam LeCureAroldis Chapman3/20/14
Aroldis Chapman [DL]

Aroldis Chapman hit in face with line drive

March 20, 2014

Cincinnati Reds — Wednesday’s game between the Reds and Royals was called off after Aroldis Chapman was hit in the face (WARNING: video may be disturbing) with a line drive. X-rays indicated fractures above his left eye and nose. Chapman will undergo further testing, and is a sure bet to begin the 2014 season on the disabled list. After Jonathan Broxton’s successful spring debut, we think he is most likely to take over the closer role, with J.J. Hoover, Sam LeCure, and Sean Marshall close behind. Hierarchy change: Jonathan Broxton to Closer, Aroldis Chapman injured.

.Closer.Set-Up.2nd in line.2015 Closer.Updated
CINJonathan BroxtonJ.J. HooverSam LeCureAroldis Chapman3/20/14
Aroldis Chapman [DL]