By now most of you have hopefully come to the realization that a few of your guys are not going to dig themselves out of the metaphorical hole they’ve put themselves in; and yet, you keep one starting them anyway. Hopefully this article will clue you in on a few guys who you should take out back and give them the “Old Yeller” treatment… All-Star style.
Aramis Ramirez - Milwaukee Brewers 3B
Some of you are still trying to hold onto some kind of hope that Aramis Ramirez will return to his 2012 form of batting .300 with 27 home runs; hate to break it to you, it’s not going to happen. Ramirez has all ready seen time on the DL this season, and his most recent knee problem is teetering on a second stint. While Ramirez is batting a respectable .274, his power numbers have been almost non-existent. Five home runs, 11 doubles and 26 RBI is hardly anything to sniffle at for a man of his talent.
Chase Headley - San Diego Padres 3B
Chase Headley has finally started to get a little bit of his swing back, but it’s way too little and too late. He’s batting .229 at the moment and was at a career-low .218 a few days ago. The only redeeming quality that Headley has going for him is the power surge he went on last year when he was around the same numbers as now at the All-Star break. In theory lightning could strike twice, but do you really want to take that risk? There are plenty of other, more consistent guys available now.
Eric Stults San Diego Padres SP
Padres starting pitcher Eric Stults has had a really rough go of things over his last four starts. In every outing he allowed at least seven hits and two earned runs, but each game’s performance lasted less and less innings. Stults is currently 6-7 on the year with a 3.70 ERA, which isn’t that bad compared to a lot of other guys currently on the waiver wire. In this case, it’s just another pitcher that will hurt your collective totals if you keep starting him.
Andrew Bailey Boston Red Sox RP
It’s hard to see Andrew Bailey struggle so much as a closer… unless of course you’re a New York Yankees fan. Bailey has been nothing but problems since he was acquired from the Oakland Athletics for Josh Reddick at the end of the 2011 season. Bailey has blown four saves in the last month, moving him to a set up role which really isn’t going that well for him either. Until he’s able to fix his problems, you’d be better off with a guy like John Axford in one of your relief spots.
Mark Reynolds Cleveland Indians 1B, 3B
Mark Reynolds has finally returned to mid-season form, going 0-23 in his last seven games. The Indians utility cornersman got off to a hot start in 2013, but has quickly be returned to reality as he continues to hack at anything that comes toward him. He’s a solid power-hitter when he makes contact, but who’s to say when that will happen. You’d get better odds in Vegas betting on where lighting would strike next.