With the Houston Astros recently promoting both SS Carlos Correa and SP Vincent Velasquez and breakout performers Cameron Maybin, Chris Heston and Chi Chi Gonzalez getting attention, there are plenty of interesting names out there to for waiver hawks.
It is always tough deciding who to drop. Whether you need to activate a player off the DL or snatch one of these prospects off waivers, making cuts is a critical part of team management and can make all the difference.
Here are some players who have unfortunately made the cut list:
Editor's Note: To read about about some waiver wire options who you can add to your team, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily.
Week 11 Players to Dump
Rick Porcello - SP, BOS
Over the last 30 days, Porcello has been the 20th worst qualified pitcher in all of baseball with a 4.78 FIP. His K’s are down, his walks are up, and he is a mess. His 1.49 HR/9 is almost double his 2014 rate. In a shallow league, I would drop him and take a chance with Jamie Garcia. In deep leagues featuring 14 or more teams, you have to hang on and hope he figures it out.
Chase Utley - 2B, PHI
Old man Utley isn’t getting any better in his age 36 season. Currently in Yahoo leagues, he is ranked the 27th best second baseman and he is still 44% owned. Better options at 2B exist, such as Matt Duffy: Fantasy Baseball Player News & Analysis" href="http://dev.rotoballer.com/fantasy-baseball-mlb-player-news/Matt+Duffy">Matt Duffy (10% owned) and my man Logan Forsythe. I love the way Forsythe plays. He is consistent, he has an improved batting eye, and he is playing every day. His .358 wOBA is better than Dee Gordon and his .180 ISO is third ranked among 2B. Get him.
Steve Pearce - 1B/2B/OF, BAL
In a shallow 10-12 team league, it is definitely safe to finally drop Pearce. He is currently batting a meek .202/.328/.357 with only 6 HR. Pearce batted .316 with 11 HR over the same span last season. I took a gamble on the 32-year-old journeyman in my fantasy league, and it was a losing bet. It’s definitely time to cut loose, but with his recent addition of 2B eligibility, I would keep a close watch just in case he starts hitting again for average.
Rubby de la Rosa - SP, ARI
Currently the owner of the third worst ERA among qualified SP, Rubby is not pitching consistently. He gave up nine runs in five innings recently against the Dodgers. He is striking out a ton of batters, but he is giving up too many home runs. In very shallow leagues, cut him. But in a deeper league, 16 teams plus, hang onto him. His luck should improve.
Billy Butler - 1B, OAK
In a deep league with 14 or more teams, I would still hang onto Butler. Over the last 30 days, his .245 BA and ugly .612 OPS. He is not trustworthy right now. The goat is not hitting for average or power, and he still has to play half his games in pitcher friendly Oakland. Adam Lind is a much better option if he is still available.
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