Fantasy baseball, much like real baseball, is obsessed with the save.

But what many fantasy players don't realize is that relief pitchers can help you much more than just picking up saves. They can save your season in categories like wins, strikeouts, ERA and WHIP.

Take Joe Nathan of the Minnesota Twins for instance. Not only did he have 36 saves in 2006, but posted a perfect 7-0 record with an eye-popping ERA (1.58) and WHIP (0.79). He also struck out 5.94 hitters per walk allowed, which is amazing. So basically, if Nathan took the mound three times in a week, he would be adding about three innings of zero's to three of your stat columns.

Of course, everyone considered making a run at Nathan on draft day. But my point goes beyond one man. The key to winning those pitching categories is to load up on quality relief pitchers as apposed to some fifth starter from the Milwaukee Brewers.

The season may have already begun, but it's not too late to adopt a new strategy. That's especially true if your pitching stinks. Go with relief instead. And I am not just talking about closers.

Look at Scot Shields of the Los Angeles Angels. He has 25 wins in middle relief over the past three years and puts up huge strikeout totals. He has averaged three strikeouts per walk allowed during this stretch, whiffing hitters at a rate of one per inning.

Now compare that to say, Randy Johnson, who spent the previous two seasons as a New York Yankee. Sure he won games, 17 to be exact. But he had an ERA of 5.00 and a WHIP of 1.24. Those are stats that can wreck your team.

I had owned Shields each of the last two seasons and he has been invaluable, even more important in my league due to the fact that my commissioner in the Yahoo league insists as having holds as a category. Yes that's right, holds. If you are one of the one percent of the people out there that also has holds in your league, Shields is a great man to have.

So, what other middle relief pitchers are worth a look? Consider nabbing these guys on waivers now to bolster your pitching:

Scott Linebrink of the San Diego Padres has picked up 22 wins with a 2.50 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP over the last three years. In 2006, he struck out hitters at a rate of 8.38 per nine innings, and if Trevor Hoffman ever breaks down, he will take over as the closer.

Adam Wainwright of the St. Louis Cardinals will also be a very interesting player in 2007. He recorded the final out of the 2006 World Series after taking over the closer spot for Jason Isringhausen. Izzy is back, but Wainwright offers insurance. His closer-caliber stuff will make him a dominant middle relief pitcher.

A player who maybe lying in the weeds is Cla Meredith of the San Diego Padres (they have some bullpen). He was phenomenal in his 50 appearances last season, going 5-1 with a stellar 1.07 ERA and 0.71 WHIP. He also allowed only 30 hits in 50.6 innings pitched and walked only six batters the whole season.

You can't go wrong with anyone in the Detroit Tigers' bullpen, either. Joel Zumaya pitched to a brilliant 1.94 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in his rookie season, winning six games and striking out 10.5 hitters per nine innings. Fernando Rodney struck out 8.16 hitters per nine innings, and he keeps the ball in the park, allowing just six home runs in 71.6 innings pitched. He also saved 16 games in the past two years, which makes him next in line for the closer role if Todd Jones falters.

If you are looking to steal a closer, consider trading for these names:

J.J. Putz of the Seattle Mariners had a breakout season in 2006, striking out opposing hitters at a rate of 11.95 per nine innings pitched with a solid 2.30 ERA. A more consistent effort from the starters could give Putz enough opportunities to challenge for the AL saves lead.

Chad Cordero might not get a ton of changes to save games for the Washington Nationals, but when he does get a chance he almost always comes through. He successfully converted 29 of 33 save opportunities last season, and while his 3.19 ERA seems high, it is a little deceptive. He could also become a huge name in the trade market, which would make him even more valuable if he moves to a contender.

Pitching is as important in fantasy as it is in the big leagues. Just remember: WHIP and ERA mean just as much as any win or save.