Fantasy Baseball: Should You Drop Jean Segura and Jedd Gyorko In Standard Leagues?

The baseball season is now close to a month old.  One sixth of the way done.  While the sample sizes are still rather small, we are also at the point that you need to cut some weight that is dragging you down.  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 most leagues.  I promise that they won’t find out!

All of the recommended drops are owned in more than half of ESPN leagues.  All of the suitable replacements are available in a half of leagues or less.  This installment will cover the middle infielders.   We will get to the outfielders tomorrow, and the pitchers later in the week!

Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Second Base:

Aaron Hill, Diamondbacks: Hill is hitting just .221 with one homer on the season, and is at .192 over the last week.  The Diamondbacks have Eric Chavez who can man third so that Martin Prado can cover second.  This will happen more and more as long as Hill keeps struggling.  You don’t need to hang on to him in standard leagues anymore.

Jedd Gyorko, Padres: If you are in a dynasty, hang on to him, but if not, he can probably be dropped.  He is hitting a buck-oh-five over the last week, and a disappointing .145 overall.  Defensively, he has been outstanding, but those don’t count in fantasy.  Drop him until he proves he can hit.

Dustin Ackley, Mariners: He has just one homer and one steal.  The average is decent, but you can do better in ten and twelve team leagues.

Try instead:

Danny Espinosa, Nationals: The Nats are going to have a tough decision to make when Ryan Zimmerman returns to health.  Especially if Ian Desmond doesn’t pick it up.  Espinosa is hitting .313 with two doubles, a triple, a homer, and a steal in the seven games with Zimmerman out.  Ride the hot hand!

Alberto Callaspo, Athletics: Callaspo is hitting .321 with two home runs in the early going.  As long as he keeps producing, the A’s will keep playing him.  And he has multi-position eligibility, which is gold in teams with limited bench spots.

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Shortstops:

Jean Segura, Brewers: It is looking like last year was a fluke.  He is hitting just .233 with three steals and no homers on the season.  He really isn’t helping you in standard leagues right now.

Jonathan Villar, Astros: If you are in a keeper league, I would hang on to him.  In standard 10 and 12 team leagues though, he can be dropped.  He is hitting just .196 on the season.

Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox: He is way too young to give up on in keeper leagues, but in redraft leagues, you can do better.  Let someone else deal with his .235 average over the last week.  He has only one homer and one steal on the season.  He may turn it around at some point, and if you can get something in a trade, feel free to do that rather than dropping him all together.

Try instead:

Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals: His season number still aren’t great, but he has two homers in the last seven games with five runs scored in that span.  Being in the middle of a really good lineup makes him worth a flier as long as he keeps hitting.

Alcides Escobar, Royals: He is on fire, hitting .381 with a homer and a steal in his last seven games.  He was once an elite prospect because of his speed.  He is a great substitute for Villar right now!

Come back tomorrow for some outfielders that don’t need to drag you down anymore!