Fantasy Baseball

Saves are oftentimes an overlooked aspect of fantasy baseball teams. Everyone is always in a hurry to lock up the number one starters around the league. However, if you position your lineup right, you can usually dominate the saves column.

As the season goes along, the fantasy teams that can pick up the closers first usually have a leg up in the competition. For example, the team who swooped in to get Jason Frasor after BJ Ryan went down for the Blue Jays will undoubtedly reap the benefits for the move.

Here are some guys flying under the radar right now who can be had cheaply but should rack up the saves in bunches this year:

• Salomon Torres - Torres has been around the block a couple times, but he’s done well so far this year closing games for the Pirates. The Pirates handed him the job this year and so far, so good for the Dominican who not long ago retired from the game for five years. He has a lively arm and if Pittsburgh is halfway decent, he could accumulate saves in a hurry.
• Al Reyes - The Devil Rays had there closer role up in the air to begin the season, but it looks like Reyes has taken the job. He’s been perfect so far and should keep the job for the time being. Sure, Tampa Bay won’t be winning many games, but he’s a good player to pluck off the waiver wire just in case.
• Todd Jones - Jones being a premiere closer shouldn’t surprise anyone, but it looks like he could be in store for a special season. The Tigers look dangerous and the pitching staff is deep. He’ll get plenty of opportunities and he has shown that he has the ability to close the door.