Ask Nash: Do I cut ties with injured stars?

"Nash,It seems this time of year players take a few more days off here and there if their teams are not in contention.  How do you approach these types of players if you are trying to make a run?Jamey, MN"

Hey Jamey,

This can be QUITE frustrating, ESPECIALLY when you are trying to win your leagues. For instance, today I noticed I had FIVE players on one team that were DTD. Dustin Pedroia is out because his wife had another baby, Yoenis Cespedes left early with a wrist thing, Asdrubal Cabrera has an on going wrist issue, Mark Teixeira is, well he’s being Mark Teixeira, and Angel Pagan had a callous split. What is an owner to do?!

First off, it isn’t so bad when they at least get DLed, but when you are sitting here with guys that are DTD and taking up a bench spot that you need, decisions need to be made!

You really need to assess the player vs your team needs vs standings vs league.

Seems somewhat complicated, but how you go about this is relatively simple.

If you are in a one-year league (no keepers), then guys who start missing excessive time need to be dropped for guys that will play. Of course you need to be wise because you don’t want to drop Jose Reyes for missing one game with a sore something, only for him to come back and go on a tear. However if he misses six days in a row, something is up. This is something to note especially these player’s Major League teams are either out of contention, or so far ahead that they could survive a rough week.

Now, let’s move on to keeper leagues and start at players:

Most teams have elite guys, or at least one of them, say Joey Votto. Votto starts to take extra days off here and there and no way you think about dropping him, unless perhaps you are in a league with a keeper max and he is at the limit.

Now the above mentioned players: Pedroia, Cespedes, Asdrubal, Teix and Pagan are a bit scattered in terms on talent level. My personal preferences aside, the only one close to being elite is Pedroia. Luckily for his owners he is only on paternity leave, so we know he’ll be back.  It’s still annoying that I had to go get Tyler Green for a few days because I’m in a heated race, but I digress. I would never drop Pedroia so I had to cut someone else. I decided on losing a streaming pitcher spot. Not too bad.

Cespedes is a guy that if you are just looking for outfield is replaceable, he’s more valuable left field in individual position leagues. I would still try to hang on to him for a bit. If he’s still inactive but nor going to the DL, or you don’t get a DL spot, look into dropping him for someone like Delmon Young.

Teix is a guy that will in fact mess with your bench because the guy will avoid a DL stint and then sit outfor 16 games.I don’t even know how he snuck on to one of my teams. If you are harboring this menace or know someone who is, my advice is to drop him for, say, Brandon Moss!  Teix is not, elite and he is at first base. Easily the deepest power position in the league, there are ALWAYS first basemen in free agency.

Now remember this is from a standpoint of you trying to make a run in roto or playing playoff match ups. If you are out of the running, hold on to these guys to potentially save for next season.

Now getting to Pagan and Asdrubal. I like both of these guys. I even like Asdrubal as a keeper if you can afford to keep him on your bench or hopefully DL if need be. Yet if you are limited for space and need guys that will provide stats in every position the rest of way then you need to consider your options. It might just be time to jump on Stephen Drew!

Pagan on the other hand is very easy to replace, and is by no means a keeper. I’d nab Dexter Fowler, Jon Jay or Alejandro De Aza and not even think twice if I needed a little power and some steals from a center field outfielder.

Now, like I said before, you also need to consider standings and stats. If you are WAY ahead in steals and lose a guy like Pagan, maybe you replace him with another guy that will provide stats you need. For example, if you’re down in homers, grab Tyler Colvin.

Or perhaps you have just an outside chance at making a run. Do not blow up your team ‘s future success for a small chance at winning now.

Just some things to consider, friends!