Outside of the few trust worthy options each year, holds are very tricky to predict on a week to week basis. I’d consider 40% of these rankings based on hold potential and 60% based on talent, upside and statistics. Even in leagues where holds are counted, always give more value to saves (the exception being the top 2 guys on this list). Saves are generally more reliable, as long as you have a top 20 closer or so. With that being said, here are my preseason rankings of the relievers not currently listed as their teams closer.
TIER 1: Good Vibrations
1. Andrew Miller (Cleveland Indians)
2. Dellin Betances (New York Yankees)
No one else really comes close to these two. Andrew Miller is a fringe top 10 option among all relievers, while Dellin Betances is in the top 20 discussion. K/9 leagues and such, I'd maybe even bump them up 5 spots.
Agreed with the comments on Feliz, and I think they go hand in hand with Mauricio Cabrera too. Great article!
Thanks Steve! I’d love to see Feliz in a late inning role this year. Maybe not Houston, maybe he’s part of a deal and goes to a place where the closers door’s open. His stuff definitely plays in the 9th inning. Fastball in the upper 90’s, plus Slider, good Changeup. Just has to be more consistent with his command.
The Joe Blanton signing somewhat changes things. Id swap out Solis for Blanton and swap spots with Glover.