Cody Allen (RP, CLE) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deeper Leagues or Holds Leagues

ANALYSIS: The Cleveland reliever Cody Allen is coming off of a very productive 2013 season, in which he boasted a sub 2.50 ERA and an impressive 11 strikeouts per nine innings. Those numbers have future closer written all over them, but for the time being he will be waiting in the wings until John Axford falters. Allen reminds me of David Robertson in New York, as he can produce many swings and misses while also is able to get out of jams. Assuming Allen remains in a setup role this season, I still see him being fantasy relevant and worth a waiver wire pickup - especially if you are desperate for a relief pitcher, are in a deep league, are in a league that counts holds, or just need to bolster your team's ERA and strikeouts. He should provide 2014 stats around 2.95 ERA, 5 W, 9 SV, 80 K, and a 1.25 WHIP.