July 11, 2016

The All-Star Break is here folks. Now come the questions of who will rise up, and who will fizzle out in the second half of the season. This is no time to take a break from fantasy, as the moves you make during the next couple of days while the players rest can make all the difference.

So let's get into it. Below you'll find the names of players who should get das boot from your teams so you can start the second half on a high note.

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Week 15 Players to Consider Cutting

1) CC Sabathia (NYY, SP)

Droppable in Most Leagues

Well, it was nice while it lasted. Sabathia's last four starts have been a far cry from the renaissance he was treating fans to earlier in the season. He's given up at least five runs in each of those four starts, and allowed 37 total baserunners in that span. More than anything he's serving as an innings-eater for the Yankees, and that doesn't do much for fantasy owners. You can feel free to cut him in any size league right now.

2) Matt Harvey (NYM, SP)

Droppable in Redraft Leagues

The Dark Knight is done for the 2016 season, which means he can be cut in all redraft leagues. It's a shame because everyone thought this would be the year when the Dark Knight would rise again. Sorry I had to. Unfortunately though, Harvey has been experiencing symptoms of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and will undergo season-ending surgery. Hopefully if you had him you were able to trade him earlier in the year. If not, my condolences.

3) Brad Ziegler (BOS, RP)

Droppable in 14 Team Leagues

Unless you're completely desperate for saves, Ziegler has no value anymore. John Farrell has named Koji Uehara the closer until Craig Kimbrel is back, meaning Ziegler won't get any save opps unless Koji isn't available. It's also not like Ziegler is a Betances-like reliever who can generate a ton of strikeouts. In deeper leagues where saves are scarce, go ahead and keep him. Just don't expect a lot. It doesn't help that Boston's potent offense will also keep save chances to a minimum.

More Options (Redraft Leagues): Julio Urias, Joakim Soria, Justin Bour, C.J. Cron, Sean Doolittle, Matt Adams, Cody Reed, Kevin Pillar, Gio Gonzalez

Hot Seat- Sending Warning Signals?

So these are some guys you shouldn't cut just yet, but who may be sending out warning signals (either obvious slumps, or more under-the-radar concerns):

1) Josh Harrison (2B, 3B, OF)

Don't hit the panic button just yet, but let's have a quick a chat. Harrison has a nice start to the season, hitting for average and adding some speed/RBI to the mix too. Unfortunately he's in a bit of a slide, going 11 for his last 62 over the last 18 contests. His average is still .275 despite the skid, which shows how good he'd been. Hopefully the All Star break lets him rest up and he can get back on track in the second half.

2) Nomar Mazara (TEX, OF)

Everyone relax, breathe deep. This guy is a future stud, make no mistake. Heck, he's looked like a stud for stretches of time this season. However, Maz is ice cold right now. He only has four RBI since June 29th, and his average has come down gradually. I'm not saying cut him...at least not yet. He's still exceeded all expectations, and he could tear it up in the second half for all I know. I'm only saying that he is still a rookie, and in redrafts there might be some guys you could drop him for if need be. Hold for now though because he has as much talent as anyone.

2) Junior Guerra (MIL, SP)

You aren't dropping Guerra, but hear me out. I get that he's been pitching well up until this writing. However, his peripherals, not to mention his performance on Sunday, seem to indicate some regression is on the way. An xFIP of 4.04 and a SIERA of 4.11 both indicate he's overachieving. He's also giving up a lot of medium to hard contact, so hitters aren't necessarily fooled by his stuff. The BABIP mark of .236 indicates a little bit of luck going Guerra's way. It's okay to ride him while he's doing well, but he's a sell high candidate for me, and I wouldn't blame anyone who drops him for a hot bat or SP streamer.

Reverse Jinx - Brighter Days Ahead?

Khris Davis (OAK, OF):

Khris hasn't been khrushing the ball lately. In fact, he hasn't homered in the month of July yet. Davis has never been a model of consistency, but when he gets hot he can carry you. So here's to him coming out slugging in the second half for anyone who owns him. Go reverse jinx!

Graveyard - Previously Disposed Of

Michael Conforto, Joe Panik, Trevor Rosenthal, Travis Shaw, Tommy Joseph, Jhonny Peralta, Dan Straily, Trayce Thompson

Zombies - Resurrected and Living Well

Giancarlo Stanton (MIA, OF)

Remember when people were panicking about his lack of production? He was hitting below the Mendoza Line in May, and everyone was freaking out. Well, Stanton has been absolutely on fire lately. The Miami slugger has clobbered five homers in as many days, and is up to 20 on the season. He's still on pace for 30+ and could reach 40 if he really rakes in the second half. Congratulations if you bought low on him.

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