Fantasy Baseball: Zack Cozart Tops Players You Can Drop, Even In Deep Leagues

Welcome back to “Off The Deep End”, where I will give you fantasy baseball tips on who to pick up or drop in deeper leagues.  For people who play standard leagues, drop/add columns are easy for you to find, but for those of you that love deeper leagues, advice can be harder to come by.  That is where I can help.

Today we will cover those players that just aren’t cutting it.  Look, I get it.  The team you drafted is the team you committed to to help you win a league championship.  Cutting ties with them can feel like breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend.  I am here to tell you that you owe nothing to these players.  They won’t know if you drop them.  Allegiances can be dangerous in the world of fantasy sports.  I am here to tell you who it is okay to drop in deeper leagues.  I promise that they won’t find out!

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Catchers:

J.P. Arencibia, Rangers: I like his upside as much as anyone, but he is really in the tank right now.  He is hitting a pathetic .071 on the season with only one walk.  While he will likely still see many at-bats, he doesn’t have to drag you down with him.

Alex Avila, Tigers: The six walks help, but his .182 average and zero RBI on the season aren’t doing you any good.  I can think of 20 better options than Avila right now, meaning he can be dropped in leagues up to 20 teams, or ten team leagues that start two catchers.

Apr 5, 2014; The Royals, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox batter

(14) argues with home plate umpire Ted Barrett (65) after a called third strike against the The Royals Royals during the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Corner Infielders:

Paul Konerko, White Sox: I realize that Paulie is not owned in all that many leagues to begin with, especially with the depth at first base, but his platoon role with Adam Dunn and his .063 batting average to start the season make me think that a bounceback to his glory days will not happen anytime soon.  No matter how much you may want to believe otherwise.  Drop him and do your batting average a favor.

Jeff Baker, Marlins: The multi-position eligibility is nice.  The .091 batting average and only one extra base hit are not.  If you are in a league that counts walks, he has a tiny bit of value, but not enough to take that kind of hit in the average department.  He can safely be dropped with no remorse.

Chris Carter, Astros: His upside is enticing, and if you have the bench slot, you can afford to keep him there. However,  if your team has been ravaged by injuries, you don’t have that luxury.  And you also can’t afford the damage that Carter does to your roto or points league team.  Carter has yet to hit a home run, and his average sits at a brutal .132.  A drop in playing time won’t be far off.  Meaning he probably shouldn’t be on your roster any longer.

Cody Asche, Phillies: I know, I know.  I told you to pick him up early on, but I was wrong.  His lone homer was on Opening Day, and he has not driven in a run since April 8th.  He is not worth hanging on to right now.

Apr 16, 2014; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers second baseman

(23) reacts after striking out in the eighth inning during the game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Middle Infielders:

Rickie Weeks, Brewers: It’s only a matter of time until Scooter Gennett takes second base all to himself.  If you are hanging on to Weeks in hopes of him returning to his 2010 form, I feel for you.  To me, his .130 average, one walk and no RBI suggest otherwise.  He can safely be dropped in every league.

Logan Forsythe, Rays: He is hitting just .162 on the season, and has scored only two runs.  All while getting about 70 percent of the at-bats at second base.  You can do better.  I promise.

Darwin Barney, Cubs: With Barney hitting a miserable .138, Cub fans are now hoping that he keeps falling on his face to expedite the promotion of uber-prospect Javier Baez.  You should move on as well.

Zack Cozart, Reds: The Reds still love him, so he likely isn’t going anywhere.  But with his .111 batting average and only two extra base hits, you should.

Ryan Goins, Blue Jays: Just because the Jays are sticking by him and his horrid .152 average doesn’t mean you need to.  Maybe moving back to second will help him, but you don’t need to waste a spot on him.  He will be there if you want him back.

Come back tomorrow where I will give you a list of outfielders and pitchers that you don’t need anymore!