Who is Being Dropped & Why (Week 1)

It’s the first full FAAB period for the NFBC Main event and it’s time to see who owners have soured on. Two trends I saw were managers dumping a ton of injured or demoted players. Also, bullpen arms were dropped for as situations clear up.

For this analysis, I use the NFBC Main Event because of the number of identical leagues. Additionally, the managers stay engaged longer on the whole since each spent $1700 per team. I tried to find that sweet spot between obvious and bizarre and will focus on players dropped in six to nine leagues.

Hitters

JaCoby Jones (9): Started two games over the weekend and hit ninth. He might end up being the replacement level outfielder when managers are desperate.

Kevin Kiermaier (9): This drop is a little odd. He started two of the three games at an NL park (no DH) batting fifth and sixth. With steals at such a premium, it’s tough to ignore them and 15 HR potential. I know he may struggle with batting average, but what else is expected from the waiver wire.

Rougned Odor (9): Not on the major league club.

Tim Locastro (9): With Kole Calhoun out, it looks like Locastro is on the short side of a platoon with Pavin Smith.

Willie Calhoun (9): He’s out for at least another week, likely longer. I’m sure he’ll get hot at some point and his demand will rise.

Amed Rosario (8): Only one start over the weekend at shortstop. He’s not playing in the outfield with Jordan Luplow and Ben Gamel in a center field platoon.

Luis Urías (8): This drop was unexpected. Urias started two games and has a respectable .708 OPS. If an manager saw enough to draft him, why drop him now?

Roman Quinn (8): He’s in a center field platoon with Adam Haseley.

Ryan Jeffers (8): As I write this, he’s started two of four games. If he’s hitting by the end of the week, managers with a disappointing catcher will be looking to add him.

Yoshi Tsutsugo (8): He led off the first two games, but isn’t hitting so far (.200 OPS). Also, he will be a drag on a team’s batting average (~.230 AVG projection).

Austin Barnes (7): Another move I don’t 100% understand. Maybe managers were just hoping for two games in Colorado, but the catcher pool is so shallow, he’s a must-add for someone in 15-team mixers.

Jo Adell (7): Nearly impossible to roster while waiting for a possible callup.

Tommy La Stella (7): Sat twice against a left-handed starter with the DH available (at Seattle).

Victor Reyes (7): It has been known that he’ll be on the short side of a platoon. Expected drop.

José Iglesias (6): Full-time defense only middle infielder. He’s going to be added and dropped a ton.

Miguel Cabrera (6): I love how people are flocking to Yermin Mercedes, when a comparable player is available on the waiver wire.

Scott Kingery (6): Demoted in order to learn how to hit.

Wilmer Flores (6): Started against two lefties with a .889 OPS so far this season. His playing time this week will determine his demand.

Starters

Chris Sale (7): Not enough roster spots to hold him for three more months. Ed. note: I truly don’t understand why he was even drafted. Sure, he’s a big name, but he was never going to be available early enough to merit holding him.

Logan Gilbert (7): The highly touted prospect has been chopped.

Luke Weaver (7): Fantasy managers weren’t ready to stomach a start in Colorado.

Caleb Smith (6): One of the teams I co-manage made one of these cuts. Someone had to go and with the bad start (three runs in three innings with his velocity down 1.4 mph). I expect he’ll get added once he has an easy matchup.

Joey Lucchesi (6): He was in line for two starts this week, but the Nationals positive COVID-19 cases messed up the schedule.

Spencer Howard (6): Demoted to the minors.

Relievers

Enoli Paredes (9): I know some people considered him Pressley’s backup in Houston, but he’s not worth rostering with other options.

José Alvarado (9): Hector Neris got the closer’s label.

Tanner Rainey (9): While nothing has happened to Rainey, backup closers are this week’s dispensable asset.

Keone Kela (8): Mark Melancon seems to be the closer in San Diego.

Randy Dobnak (8): Lost out on a starting role and his bullpen role is undetermined.

Tanner Scott (8): Soft-tossing Cesar Valdez (0.00 ERA, 5.31 xFIP) has the Orioles first two Saves.

Tony Gonsolin (7): Out for a while with shoulder inflammation.

Joakim Soria (6): This move seems a little reactionary. I’d wait at least a week to find out the full extent of his calf injury caused by covering first base.