Fantasy leagues put varying premiums on the contributions of middle relievers, but the right ones can always be helpful to a pitching staff.

Certain guys can help in strikeouts, ERA and WHIP, while also providing hope for a handful of saves down the road. They can valuable in a setup role or seemlessly step into the ninth inning and take care of business there. We take a look at six guys who fit the bill. Read more »

St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin was impeccable in his first 13 appearances of the season, going 9-for-9 in save opportunities with a spotless 0.00 ERA. That perfect run ended on Sunday when he gave up a couple of solo home runs in the ninth inning against the Reds, blew a save, then rebounded to pick up his first win of the season.

Needless to say, Franklin — one of the most valuable waiver wire pickups in all of fantasy thus far — still has plenty of leash left with manager Tony LaRussa. Just enough to choke himself with, which is exactly what he did after a dominant run as a closer last season. Read more »

Well, after initial reports by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution had outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. signing a one-year deal worth $2 million plus incentives with the Braves, the report was quickly denied by Griffey, who officially signed with the Seattle Mariners Wednesday.

This news coming from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, which also reports that a phone call from Willie Mays gave Seattle the edge over Atlanta for good in the Griffey sweepstakes. Read more »

By this point of the season, most fans, GMs, and members of these organizations are willing to “forgive and forget” with their closers. All they have to do is finish games and help the team inch towards the postseason.

If you’re a fantasy owner, then you’ve already had to live and die with whoever your relievers are, as most fantasy league trade deadlines have come and gone. It is still always a good idea to check the news and fish around the waiver wire, as bullpen situations are changing and new closers are emerging.

Ryan Franklin is a newcomer to the list, re-claiming ninth-inning duties after the Cardinals had seen enough of rookie Chris Perez. Other closers have ascended the ranks after their veteran counterparts either struggled or lacked opportunities to close in the past week. Chad Qualls is a great example, as he has seen his fantasy stock jump since being named the D-Backs new closer. He has not disappointed his owners, either. Read more »