Tony Watson (SP, PIT) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 54% of Fleaflicker Leagues

EXPERT ANALYSIS: 31 year old Tony Watson was not viewed as a closer-in-waiting, but with the surprise trade of Mark Melancon to Washington, he now takes over the job. Watson was a holds machine, registering 23 through the end of July. He carries a 2.58 ERA and 1.05 WHIP on the year, but has only allowed one ER to score in the past month. Watson profiles well as a closer because he isn't simply a left-handed specialist. He is holding RHB to similar averages (.193/.282/.349) compared to LHB (.212/.268/.288). A 7.9 K/9 isn't phenomenal, but shouldn't hurt fantasy owners either. The advantage Watson has over some other newly crowned relievers is the number of opportunities he should see. Pittsburgh may snap its wild card streak this season, but they will hover around .500 long enough to win their share of close games. Melancon already recorded 30 saves before being dealt and saved a whopping 51 games last season. Although his ceiling isn't as high for strikeouts or ratios, if saves are what you seek, the experienced Watson should be the most reliable of the bunch.