We, as human beings, tend to hold onto things far too long.
Sometimes it’s for sentimental reasons, like the person still clinging to the blanket in which they were brought home from the hospital (which, at this point, is no more than a black piece of fabric — the blanket was originally white — that looks more like something that would be used to patch up jeans).
Sometimes it’s because someone is clinging to the past, like the person still using the toaster they bought 30 years ago (so, the toast is always burnt, it still works).
When it comes to fantasy baseball, people tend to hold on to players too long because they are afraid to make a move. But, sometimes you have to realize the career .240 hitter is not going to hit .360 for the entire season. Sometimes you have to realize the veteran hurler with five wins in his first six starts and the minuscule ERA and WHIP will not keep up that pace. You have to know when the right time is to make a deal and get the most out of your investment.
Here’s a look at some players to buy and sell:
Buy
Melky Cabrera, OF, Blue Jays: Here’s why Cabrera is a big buy. His splits through the first 35 games this season are almost identical to his All-Star season with the Giants two years ago. In 2012, he was hitting .338 with 49 hits, two homers, 14 RBIs, .876 OPS and five stolen bases. This season, he’s hitting .331 with 50 hits, six homers, 16 RBIs, .897 OPS and three stolen bases. Hopefully he won’t test positive for testosterone this time around.
Nelson Cruz, OF, Orioles: Are you really surprised the guy still can hit? Buy him if you can.
Miguel Cabrera, 3B, Tigers: Assuming you can find someone down on his production, now is the time to buy. His first month was mediocre at best (.277, two HRs, 15 RBIs, .735 OPS), especially by the Triple Crown expectations. But, this month, the slugger is hitting .300 with two homers, 10 RBIs and a .977 OPS. He’s starting to wake up.
Dillon Gee, SP, Mets: How Gee is not owned in almost 42 percent of ESPN leagues is mind-boggling. He has won three of his last four starts with 18 strikeouts and a 0.67 ERA. If he’s a free agent, pick him up, but if someone has him, buy now.
Nathan Eovaldi, SP, Marlins: Hard-throwing hurler who is 2-1 with 45 strikeouts, a 2.78 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. He’s also only 24.
Tim Hudson, SP, Giants: He will be 39 in July, but continues to be a reliable pitcher with his 1.99 ERA and incredible 0.74 WHIP. He already has won four games, too.
Jeff Samardzija, SP, Cubs: He’s 0-3, but he’s not hurting anyone with his 1.62 ERA or 1.12 WHIP. Plus, if you buy now, you could reap the rewards when and if the Cubs trade him.
Sell
Prince Fielder, 1B, Rangers: Was expecting a big turnaround from last season’s disappointment, but now he’s just big … with Curtis Granderson-like numbers (.228, three homers, 12 RBIs, .705 OPS). Someone will pay for him based on his name (Granderson, too) and the belief he can turn things around.
Dee Gordon, SS, Dodgers: He is close to career-high numbers across the board with 21 stolen bases, one homer, 10 RBIs, .812 OPS and a .338 batting average. From 2011-13, he was a .256 hitter with a .614 OPS and played in just 181 games. He is playing out of his mind, so take advantage of it while you can.
CC Sabathia, SP, Yankees: If you are able to include the Bombers’ lefty in a trade, call us because we have some used diapers we’d like to unload.
Mark Buehrle, SP, Blue Jays: Six wins in seven starts? A 1.91 ERA and 1.17 WHIP? Who is this guy?
Chris Colabello, 1B/OF, Twins: He was amazing in April (.295, three homers, 27 RBIs, .827 OPS), but has been cold in May (.206, one HR, three RBIs, .576 OPS). Deal him while his numbers still look good.
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