Fantasy baseball category killers: saves

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By Rob Steingall
CSNChicago.com

Ernesto Frieri, Angels: When is this guy going to finally start getting some respect? He's only owned in 60 of Yahoo! leagues, which is criminal. His microscopic ERA (0.87, 0.00 for the Angels) and gaudy strikeout totals (53 K in 31 IP) make him one of the very best relief options in baseball, and someone who should be an immediate add to your fantasy team if you're lucky enough to stumble across him on your league waiver wire.

Tyler Clippard, Nationals: With Drew Storen possibly on track to return right around the All-Star Break, you still have roughly four weeks to profit from Clippard in the saves department. He's always had a closer skill set, and has done a great job in the role thus far, converting all nine of his opportunities since assuming the role. Ride him while you can, and enjoy the great ratios and strikeout totals that come along with the handshakes.

Heath Bell, Marlins: Don't look now, but Bell has converted his past 11 save opportunities, and hasn't given up a run since May 26th. He's back on track, and once again a trusted option in fantasy circles. With his contract and track record, he'll have a pretty long leash, even if he has a few more small hiccups along the way.

Carlos Marmol, Cubs: It looks like he has his job back, and converted his first opportunity on Friday. Marmol has been nothing short of awful this season, but with a chance to collect handshakes once again, he immediately gains value in all standard formats. Make the add, but keep a bottle of Pepto-Bismol by your side.
Brett Myers, Astros: He's still getting the job done, quietly putting together a season in which he converted 16-of-17 save opportunities while posting a 1.99 ERA before giving up eight singles in an inning on Monday. Ignore the fluky ERA spike. He plays for a bad Astros team and carries starting pitcher eligibility, making him a sneaky good play in formats with specific pitcher designations.

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