June 12, 2016

So I've added a new segment to this column that I like to call "Reverse Jinx." I'm going to feature a player or two that you can't really cut, despite really wanting to, in the hopes it sparks a hot streak for that player. Worth a shot right?

Anyways, 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 11 of the fantasy baseball season.

Editor’s Note: to read about even more waiver wire options, be sure to check out our famous waiver wire pickups list which is a running list that is updated daily. Prefer using your phone? Our free waiver wire app is available for download in the Apple & Android Stores.

Week 11 Players to Consider Cutting

1) Joe Panik (SF, 2B)

He's a much better player in real life than he is in fantasy, we all know that. The problem is that he hasn't even been that good in real life. Usually he hits for a high average and will hit for decent OPS. This year though he's hitting below .250 and hasn't produced much at all. It looking like it's safe to cut him in standard sized leagues.

2) Brandon Belt (SF, 1B/OF)

I already know at least one person who is going to have a bone to pick with me over hating on two Giants players, but oh well. Belt looked very strong to start the season, but in typical fashion has cooled off significantly. He only has seven dingers to go with 29 RBI. In deeper leagues he's worth holding, but in 10 teamers I'm sure there are better offensive threats out there that merit being rostered more than Belt does. Those in OBP leagues can also disregard this particular entry.

3) Travis Shaw (BOS, 1B/3B)

Shaw has come crashing back to earth lately. He hasn't homered in the last two weeks and has only one RBI since May 29th. The average is down to .273 and doesn't look like it will be heading back up to .300 anytime soon. It's a shame because he has major upside in that juggernaut lineup, but he looks very droppable at the moment. Anything deeper than a 12-teamer though and I'd hold on in the hopes he figures things out.

4) Addison Russell (2B/SS)

If this were last season, I definitely wouldn't recommend dropping Russell. In 2016 though, the positional scarcity has not been an issue at SS. Russell has struggled this year and has put up pedestrian numbers. He has 32 RBI, but only four homers and a .228 batting average. As good as the Cubs are, I can't help but wonder if they might want Starlin Castro back at short instead of Russell. Feel free to drop him like a bad habit.

5) Jaime Garcia (STL, SP)

Five starts ago, this guy was a stud. All of the sudden though he's been terrible. He has just one good outing against the Nationals sandwiched in between four awful starts. The strikeouts have vanished and the control has too. On top of the usual injury concerns, this new level of inconsistency is very troubling and frankly isn't worth the headache. I'd grab some other pitcher off the wire, or just stream.

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) Cameron Maybin (DET, OF)

Maybin was absolutely on fire when he came off the DL. Then the wrist flared up again and now he's cooled off quickly over the last handful of games. The good news is that he's batting second and could rebound once he feels better. The problem is, wrists are tricky (just ask Mark Teixeira) and who knows how long that will take. Don't bail out yet, but it might not be a bad time to search for some alternatives.

2) Michael Conforto (NYM, OF)

Conforto has been a bit of a lemon frankly. He does have nine bombs, but his average and RBI numbers leave a lot to be desired. Considering that he was batting third for a nice chunk of the season, he needs to be a lot better. The good news here is that he's still hitting the ball hard so there's still considerable upside here. The sophomore slump may be affecting Conforto though, and I wouldn't blame anyone with an itchy trigger finger who cuts him. His seat is very hot so go ahead and cut him, but do so at your own risk.

Reverse Jinx

Giancarlo Stanton (MIA, OF)

I really wanted to put him in the regular cut list, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. The power potential is just too great. Look, I get it. He's been a real pain in the butt to own, what with his sub Mendoza Line average. The counting stats don't back him up, and his power numbers aren't even that impressive. He needs to wake up in the worst way. I can't advocate cutting him, in part admittedly due to sunken cost fallacy, but would you really want to see him explode on another team? Here's to hoping the reverse jinx takes effect!

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