The term “SPARP” is relatively new in the fantasy baseball community. I believe Nando Di Fino and the boys from the CBS Fantasy Baseball Today podcast recently coined the term, but smart owners have been using the strategy for years.
It stands for “starting pitcher as relief pitcher,” and it refers to players such as Tanner Scheppers and Alex Wood. Players who were relievers last season, but have moved into the rotation and are eligible at RP in numerous fantasy formats. This can be an advantage in certain leagues when starting pitchers have more scoring potential than mid-level closers.
Fantasy: 2014 closers report in GIFs
The SPARP strategy has always existed in theory. However the name is becoming popular, thus increasing attention on the strategy of benching a closer, such as Nate jones, for a two-start week of an Alfred Simon-type.
Top 10 SPARPs for the 2014 season:
No. 1 Alex Wood, Atlanta Braves
No. 2 Tanner Scheppers, Texas Rangers
No. 3 Drew Smyly, Detroit Tigers
No. 4 Robbie Ross, Texas Rangers
No. 5 Garrett Richards, Los Angeles Angels
No. 6 Tyson Ross, San Diego Padres
No. 7 Hector Santiago, Los Angeles Angels
No. 8 Jesse Chavez, Oakland A’s
No. 9 Alfredo Simon, Cincinnati Reds
No. 10 Bruce Chen, Kansas City Royals
Questions? Hit me on Twitter @briansflood
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