Bullpen Report, Week 10: Bargain Brand Bandages

I don’t know if there’s a more frustrating pursuit than finding enough pitching in fantasy baseball. Usable middle relievers used to grow on trees. Now the good ones are picked and what’s left probably tastes sour. Nevertheless, we forge ahead trying to find a bandaid for our fantasy staffs where we can. In deeper leagues those won’t be brand name, rather bargain brand bandages. At least we’re far enough into the season that some early injuries have healed.

• Help could be on the way from the IL for a couple of bullpens. David Robertson and Hunter Strickland sound close to returning. Both have some question marks. Both bullpens could really use a stabilizing closer. Check your wire in case someone discarded one of them.
• Again with this Boston bullpen. Ryan Brasier should not be allowed anywhere near the ninth inning right now. He blew a three-run lead Tuesday without recording an out. It was spectacular: homer, walk, homer, hook.
• Maybe Brandon Hyde knew what he had in Mychal Givens all along. I certainly criticized Hyde for his usage of Givens. My faith was not rewarded. Shawn Armstrong got the first bite at a rotting Baltimore apple.
• Tommy Kahnle seems to have found himself again. He’s up to nine holds with a 1.64 ERA (2.33 xFIP). That Yankees pen is nothing to trifle with.
• The Cardinals have come to rely on John Brebbia in late innings. He’s had some luck but opportunity is half our battle.
• It looks like Shawn Kelley is indeed the man in Texas. He’s been reliable for the Rangers. They also seem content to let Jose Leclerc figure things out in innings that aren’t the ninth.

Closers In Waiting

The next men up for saves. One break just needs to go their way.

1. Ty Buttrey
2. Craig Stammen
3. Joe Jimenez
4. Emilio Pagan
5. Sean Newcomb
6. Andrew Miller
7. Joe Biagini

K It Up

Get a category enhancer from these high K/9 strikeout artists.

1. Diego Castillo
2. Nick Anderson
3. Lou Trivino
4. Tayron Guerrero
5. Robert Stephenson
6. Jake Diekman
7. Reyes Moronta

Ratio Darlings

1. Ryan Pressly
2. Adam Ottavino
3. Zach Britton
4. Tommy Kahnle
5. Amir Garret
6. John Brebbia
7. Tony Watson

Long Men

1. Ryne Stanek
2. Chris Devenski
3. Robert Gsellman
4. John Gant
5. Hunter Wood
6. Jesse Chavez
7. Mike Montgomery