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RotoBaller Jorge informs fantasy owners of which struggling MLB players are unlikely to progress in 2016 and should likely be dropped in Week 17. These guys are busts.
We're getting close to the dog days of summer. The weather is heating up, the trade deadline is approaching, it's a crazy time in baseball. If there's chaos going on in real baseball, you better believe there is going to be some in fantasy baseball.
So here I am to help sort through all this and help you cut ties with those underachieving guys that are dragging your teams down. Every win matters and there's no point in hanging on to dead weight anymore. If you have someone who is really becoming a waste of roster space, it's time to get rid of them.
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Week 17 Players to Consider Cutting
1) Trevor Bauer (CLE, SP)
Droppable in 12 Team Leagues
Bauer had a nice little run there, but he's started to sour. Yes that rhyme was as intentional as it is true. Just when you thought his control issues were behind him, they reared their ugly head again over Bauer's last few starts. In his last three starts, Bauer has allowed five, three and then five runs. There's still upside here, but Bauer is definitely droppable if you need roster space.
2) Tyler Glasnow (PIT, SP)
Droppable in Redraft Leagues
I had this guy stashed on my team all year hoping he'd come up and dominate. Sadly this was not the case. Glasnow's control issues have carried into the majors, and he's also on the 15-Day DL now with a shoulder issue. The issue appears to be minor, but right now he doesn't look like he's major league ready. He can be dropped in all redraft leagues. Obviously in dynasties or deep keepers you still want him because the upside is definitely there.
3) Danny Espinosa (WAS, 1B,2B, 3B, SS)
Droppable in 12 Team Leagues
He's finally coming back to earth after a very strong first half. He only has two RBI over the last two weeks, and the average is sitting at an anemic .229. His positional versatility has likely kept many from dropping him, but, given the lack of recent production, it's looking like a good time to cut Espinosa. Trea Turner's presence also could pose a problem in terms of playing time, if Espinosa doesn't turn things around.
More Options (Redraft Leagues): Prince Fielder, Koji Uehara, Julio Urias, Hyun Jin Ryu, Randal Grichuk, Sonny Gray, Jason Heyward
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) Aaron Nola (PHI, SP)
Man just when you thought he might be turning the corner, he throws up another clunker. The SIERA and xFIP of 3.21 and 2.99, respectively, indicate that Nola is still a major bounceback candidate in the second half. The BABIP against of .328 is also a predictor of improvement. Hopefully he gets things going soon, but if he doesn't then he will become droppable in redrafts.
2) Melvin Upton Jr. (SD, OF)
The artist formerly known as B.J. has enjoyed a resurgent season to this point, but has fallen off hard. Amid trade rumors and inconsistent playing time recently, it seems like Melvin's days of fantasy relevance could be numbered. As it is, he hasn't been productive for a few weeks now. The counting stats have been there for him though, as he has 16 homers and 20 steals, so don't drop him yet. Getting traded to a better team could help spark his bat again too. Honestly the main reason he's listed on here is because, with his recent track record, one has to wonder if he's turned into a pumpkin again.
Reverse Jinx - Brighter Days Ahead?
Jose Ramirez (CLE, 2B, 3B, SS, OF)
Ramirez was enjoying a strong first half but has stumbled out of the gates in the second half so far. His positional versatility and decent speed make him an appealing option while hitting for a contender. The average is solid, as are the runs scored and RBI totals. The BABIP does not suggest any major regression, so hopefully this is just a minor slump and he can get going again soon.
Graveyard - Previously Disposed Of
Matt Harvey, Joe Panik, Trevor Rosenthal, Travis Shaw, Jhonny Peralta, Dan Straily, Trayce Thompson, CC Sabathia, Jung Ho Kang, Steven Moya
Zombies - Resurrected and Living Well
Tommy Joseph (PHI, 1B)
Well I'd frankly written him off as a Chris Carter style player who would be super streaky. That may still prove true, but he's been hot in July. He has five homers this month and is hitting a respectable .264 to go along with his 13 long balls. He will still cede some playing time to Ryan Howard, but he's come back with a vengeance after a little lull there. Welcome back to fantasy relevance Mr. Joseph. He also gets bonus points for having two first names.
Nomar Mazara (TEX, OF)
It looked like the rookie magic was no more from Nomar this season. However, after a cold spell for a few weeks, Mazara has played very well over the last handful of games. It's a little premature to say he's back, but it's clear he's making some adjustment to the adjustments pitchers have made to him. The uber-talented 21 year-old could be in for a second half surge and, trust me, you'd want to be on board for that. Who else on the wire has that kind of upside anyway?
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