RADIO
While holds are even tougher to predict than saves, the players we'll highlight today include some elite setup men. The more likely an MLB team is to win, the more likely these pitchers will be eligible to earn the holds that could be the difference between winning or losing in your fantasy league. Based on current ownership percentages, all of these pitchers are probably still available in your league.
Sergio Romo, San Francisco Giants
2014 Statistics: 11 holds, 3.72 ERA, 58.0 innings, 59 strikeouts, 0.95 WHIP
Once the closer, Sergio Romo will look to continue positively contributing to the defending champs in a setup role. Romo's 88 MPH heat isn't going to overpower anyone; his strikeout pitch is a sweeping slider that sits around 78 MPH. Opponents hit .203 against Romo as he maintained his effectiveness despite losing his grip on the ninth. If Santiago Casilla struggles, expect Romo to be back closing games in short order.
Pedro Baez, Los Angeles Dodgers
2014 Statistics: 5 holds, 2.63 ERA, 24.0 innings, 18 strikeouts, 0.88 WHIP
After a successful rookie season, Pedro Baez will be asked to do more in his sophomore season with the Blueshirts. The 27-year-old is a young talent among a number of veteran relievers. Last season, opponents hit .188 against Baez. He is a power arm, with a fastball that averages 95 MPH and a slider around 87 MPH. While he was successful, his 49% flyball rate is not ideal for a reliever. If he can trade a few of those flies for ground balls, Baez could be a pivotal part of the Dodgers bullpen, especially while Kenley Jansen recuperates.
Jim Johnson, Atlanta Braves
2014 Statistics: 2 holds, 7.09 ERA, 53.1 innings, 42 strikeouts, 1.95 WHIP
Johnson stunk on ice last year. I know it, you know it, the American people know it. Batters teed off at a .318 clip against Johnson as he toiled for the Oakland Athletics and the Detroit Tigers. Moving to the National League should help him rebound from that nightmarish showing. With the departure of Craig Kimbrel, Jason Grilli moves into the closer role and Johnson should assume primary setup duties. Johnson has at his disposal a fastball that sits around 93 MPH and a curve approaching 80 MPH. If he can get his two-seam fastball working again and generate more ground ball outs, he'll be a sneaky value in holds leagues.
Phil Coke, Chicago Cubs
2014 Statistics: 5 holds, 3.88 ERA, 58.0 innings, 41 strikeouts, 1.53 WHIP
Signed by the Cubbies to a minor-league deal, Coke easily made the major league roster as their lone lefty in the 'pen. Same side hitters posted a .257 average against him, while right-handed batters lit him up to the tune of a .333 mark. The 32-year-old relies on a fastball that sits in the low 90s and a slider approaching 80 MPH. Like Jim Johnson, Coke will look to rejuvenate his career in the Senior Circuit after spending his first seven seasons in the American League.
Jerry Blevins, New York Mets
2014 Statistics: 9 holds, 4.87 ERA, 57.1 innings, 66 strikeouts, 1.24 WHIP
Acquired by the Mets right before the start of the season, Blevins is expected to be an important part of the bullpen this season. The 31-year-old has never been an overpowering pitcher. His fastball generally sits in the low 90s and he can turn to a mid-80s changeup with an impressively slow curve, averaging in the mid-70s. He will likely be the left-handed specialist, as last season he held LHB to a .160 batting average versus a .298 mark against righties. When the starting pitcher exits the game, expect Blevins to be on call for the premier left-handed batters that the Mets will encounter over the course of the season.
