RADIO
I often wonder why so many fantasy baseball addicts turn to the Rotoballer Cut List for advice. Is it the cutting edge opinion? The depth of research? Or is it that the Cut List exists at the intersections of pragmatic thought, advanced statistical theory and sophisticated fantasy baseball wisdom? Whichever your reason, welcome back.
This week you are probably thinking I will tell you something basic, like dump Andrew Cashner. But no, that would be too easy. Cutting Cashner is actually a bad idea, despite his season long struggles, he is very much worth hanging onto.
Before cutting Cashner, cut Aaron Harang, Collin Mchugh or Garrett Richards. But before you do that...
The Week 11 Cut List
Jered Weaver (SP, Los Angeles Angels)
Over the last 14 days Weaver posted a league worst 7.43 ERA supported by a 7.23 FIP. His .265 BABIP makes me queasy, as Weaver could easily get worse. In his last start, he only struck out 1 batter. For the season, his 4.39 K/9 is by far the lowest of his career. Cut him and add Steven Matz, the Mets star pitching prospect. Better yet, grab Dbacks ace Chase Anderson. With a 2.82 ERA and 1.13 WHIP, he wont get a ton of wins, but neither will Weaver. At the very least, see if you can get anyone worthwhile in return for Weaver in a trade.
Jimmy Rollins (SS, Los Angeles Dodgers)
Former MVP Jimmy Rollins has a 68 wRC+, which is good for eighth worst in the majors. The wRC+ stat is basically gauge of a player’s total offensive value. Bryce Harper leads the league with a 221 wRC+.
Addison Reed (RP, Arizona Diamondbacks)
The former closer, demoted to a setup role, was recently passed up in favor of Daniel Hudson to fill in for Brad Ziegler, when Z was getting a day off. In his setup role, Reed has posted a 5.40 ERA and 2.10 WHIP over his last 3.1 IP. In a deep league that counts Holds and K/9, he might retain some value but otherwise cut him and add Hudson if he is still available.
Nick Castellanos (3B, Detroit Tigers)
23 year old Nick Castellanos is batting a paltry .223/.272/.339 with only 4 HR. His .116 ISO is ranked 20th among qualified third baseman. His 25.1 K% places him third. He isn’t hitting for power, he isn't getting on base and he has no speed. Let him go.
Kyle Lohse (SP, Milwaukee Brewers)
If you are still hanging onto this hot mess, don't. If his 3-7 record and 6.27/1.41/6.87 line with only 4 QS isn’t bad enough, his .491 FIP should do the trick. He is ranked 1692 in Yahoo leagues and is surprisingly still 33% owned. Cut that dingleberry loose.
The Don't Cut List
Andrew Cashner (SP, San Diego Padres)
The reason you don't want to cut Cashner is the underlying details. Yes, he has 8.47 ERA over his last 17 IP. Yes, he has a 2.06 WHIP over that same time. The silver lining is his .338 BABIP and 3.59 xFIP. Cashner has mad talent and he will improve. If you own him, don't give up now. If you don't, buy low.
