Is punting saves viable to win a league? (1 Viewer)

[Mike]

Okay, it is only May but I think I have a pretty solid roster in a 13-team, 6x6 mixed league. Traditional 5x5 + OPS and Holds.

I didn't go into the draft planning to punt any categories, but I did draft a closer late (Fuentes) and a closer prospect (Perez). At the end of the day, I essentially had not given much weight to saves, and it shows in the standings to this point. I am 2nd last in saves. The last place guy - overall and in saves - is clearly punting with nil saves to date. I have 7 saves. The next closest guy has 16. In fact, two have 16, there are a couple with 18, couple with 19 and the top guy has 24. They are all pretty close.

My question is, should I just punt saves at this point. Is that viable to ultimately win the league?

I'm currently 3rd overall. Here is the lineup:

C I. Rodriguez (Suzuki on DL)

1B Adam LaRoche

2B Stewart

3B Sandoval

SS Reyes

OF Braun, Markakis, Ethier

UT Beltre, Alex Gonzalez (TOR)

BN Furcal, Andy LaRoche, Castro

SP Haren, Shields

RP Perez, Rhodes

P Fuentes, Meek, Marcum, Price

BN Hamels, Troncoso

Short bench, FCFS waivers. Right now I plan to cut Troncoso when Suzuki comes off DL, or I guess if Furcal stays on DL longer I can swap him and Suzuki. Only 1 DL spot.

So what is your take? Punt saves, go looking for a trade partner, or keep hitting the waiver wire to try to catch up?

There is an upper limit on innings pitched of 1250 which may impact some strategy of continuing to trot out SP.

 

[Angry Beavers]

It is tough to win in Roto when you punt a category. It helps that there are 12 categories, but I think it is early to give up saves altogether. With short benches you may be able to help yourself out by staying in touch with the latest news and being able to swoop down on the closer du jour. I would not punt saves yet. The IP limit also hurts as you can't just run out a team of all starters if you are worried that you are going to go over the limit.

 

[Eephus]

The additional Holds category helps a bit, as does the fact someone else is punting saves as well (a point is a point).

I wouldn't overpay for a closer yet. You can always chase saves especially in a short bench league. Neither of your closers is totally done for yet. Keep an eye on which teams are banking the category and try to anticipate their trade needs.

 

[Mike]

Thanks guys. I knew I wasn't doing well in saves but when I looked at the detail I was surprised I was 9 saves behind the next closest team. I'll stay on top of the closers thread, from which I already got a leg up and grabbed Meek.

 

[bweiser]

i won by punting all 4 pitching categories once in a 4x4 10-team NL only league. i picked up enough pitchers around the all-star gmae to pick me up some points and not cost my offense.

yes, you can win by punting saves. its only 1 category.

 

[Dr. Awesome]

It is tough to win in Roto when you punt a category. It helps that there are 12 categories, but I think it is early to give up saves altogether. With short benches you may be able to help yourself out by staying in touch with the latest news and being able to swoop down on the closer du jour. I would not punt saves yet. The IP limit also hurts as you can't just run out a team of all starters if you are worried that you are going to go over the limit.

If it's a H2H league you can punt saves or something else and your team could be fine. Don't punt saves in a roto.

 

[Finless]

I find myself in a peculiar situation where I only have Heath Bell. Was thinking of dishing him to beef up other categories as he's my only closer and I will likely only get 3-4 points in that category.

 

[urbanhack]

i won by punting all 4 pitching categories once in a 4x4 10-team NL only league. i picked up enough pitchers around the all-star gmae to pick me up some points and not cost my offense. yes, you can win by punting saves. its only 1 category.

Reminds me of 2001, when I played in a 5-team AL Central only, 2nd half league. Punted on HRs and ended up winning by 10+ points.