RADIO
So I've added two more new segments to this column. We've got the graveyard, and the zombies. The graveyard is basically just a running list of guys who should have been and still should be cut from rosters. The zombies, as the name implies, are some players who have come back and started performing again after being featured on here in previous weeks.
Anyway, it's important to know when to let go in fantasy, and drop the dead weight that may be holding your teams back. So let's get to the cuts. I can't cover every player that is droppable, for every league size and format, but I chose a few that stood out for me. Without further ado, here is a list of some guys with whom you shouldn't waste your time, as we head into Week 12 of the fantasy baseball season.
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Week 12 Players to Consider Cutting
1) Tommy Joseph (PHI, 1B):
Drop in 12 Team Leagues
Ever since getting the starting gig over Ryan Howard, Joseph has struggled. He's only one for his last 23, with no RBI or homers in that span. The 26.8% K rate makes this all or nothing turn out unsurprising, but not any less irritating. After bursting onto the scene, Joseph was the waiver wire flavor of the week. Now that he's seeing regular playing time though, pitchers are starting to adjust and exploit his uber-aggressive approach at the dish. He's worth hanging onto in deep leagues where you might be desperate for power. In shallower leagues though, it's safe to cut him.
2) Jhonny Peralta (STL, SS/3B)
Drop in 10 Team Leagues
Peralta came off the DL and was productive right away. It was a nice present to anyone who stashed him on their roster. He's four for his last 21, with two RBI and a run scored. His versatility will make him hard to part with, but in reality Peralta is more of a high floor/so-so ceiling type of guy. Now that SS is no longer such a shallow position, Peralta's middle of the pack numbers are less impressive. If you aren't desperate for help on the left side of the infield, you might be better served using the roster spot on someone else.
3) Dan Straily (CIN, SP)
Droppable in Most Leagues
Every time that Straily would get called up over the last couple of years, I would see people talking about his strikeout ability and that he was worth rolling the dice on. Straily finally was looking good this year, but it was a bit of a mirage in my opinion. A SIERA of 4.57 and an xFIP of 4.68 were pretty loud indicators of regression. Hitters also aren't particularly fooled by his stuff as he has 69 K in 78 IP. He does have one game with 11 K this season, but after getting hit around by the Braves last time out I think it's time to move on. He had a nice run, but the peripherals are catching up to him.
Hot Seat
So these are some guys you shouldn't cut just yet, but who would be the first to go on most rosters if you need to add someone else.
1) Mike Napoli (CLE, 1B/OF)
Nearly Droppable in 10 Team Leagues
Not withstanding his 3-run home run on Saturday, Napster has been snoozing lately. He hadn't homered since June 5th prior to this one, was hitless in his last 15 AB, and looked to be crashing after a nice start to the season. He's still on pace to finish with around 90 RBI, but the average and hot streaks are tough to stomach. Not only that, but he's only finished with 30 HR in a season one time. Whether it be due to health or his frigid cold spells, Napoli has a hard time crossing the high teens and low 20's threshold. Not that those are bad numbers, but he's hard to own when he's not raking. If you see a better alternative on the wire, go for it and drop Napoli unless he happens to heat up soon.
2) Leonys Martin (SEA, OF)
This is going to be a health based hot seat entry, much like with Maybin last week. Leonys Martin is dealing with a hamstring issue, so even though he's playing he's not 100% at the moment. He can still hit for power, but the speed game would suffer a lot from a leg injury. Not only that, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if the bad hammy affects his swing mechanics too. As of this writing, Martin has only had one poor game at the plate. The seat is not very hot at all. However if it becomes a prolonged slump I would cut bait, especially considering Martin's underwhelming track record.
3) Aledmys Diaz (STL, 2B/SS)
Diaz has been enjoying a nice rookie campaign. Unfortunately, he's been cold over the last week or so. He doesn't strike out much, but he doesn't walk a lot either. He puts the ball on the ground, so the .323 BABIP was going to lead to his average regressing a bit. The contact skills are good, but can he get things going again? I see him as a good but not overly exciting option for the rest of the season. If he doesn't pick up his production soon, he's droppable in shallow leagues.
Reverse Jinx
David Peralta (ARI, OF)
A popular draft target heading into the season, he's been pretty lame and he's been hurt on top of that. There is still upside here, and he might be sitting on the wire in some shallower league. For the fun of it, I'm going to put the reverse hex on Peralta. Since normally I'd say to give him a Brian Moorman style punt, I figure he might bust out all of the sudden. Keep a close watch on him.
Graveyard
Zombies
Brandon Belt (SF, 1B/OF)
Well I owe Mr. Belt an apology. He's snapped out of his little cold streak and has me with a little egg on my face over here. Ever since I advocated for dropping him, Belt has homered twice and driven in five runs. Can't get em all right.
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