For every surprise on your fantasy roster who makes you smile and feel like a genius for drafting or picking him up, there’s at least one disappointment who will make you cringe.
Cole Hamels, who had an average draft position of 34.6 (the sixth pitcher taken overall), is one of those players this season who has you wanting to throw your computer out the window. He has been terrible — and even that’s being kind.
After Tuesday’s no-decision, Hamels is 2-9 with a 4.45 ERA and 82 strikeouts. They’re not numbers you expect from the ace of your fantasy rotation, especially one who has had one losing season in eight years in the big leagues (he was 10-11 in 2009).
You expect the numbers he put up the last two seasons, hence the reason Hamels was such a high draft pick. By June 13 last season, Hamels was 9-3 with a 3.34 ERA and 92 strikeouts. In 2011, Hamels was 9-2 with a 2.49 ERA and 97 strikeouts by June 14.
Is it messing him up not having Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay in front of him? Is he hurt? Is he mad at his parents for naming him Cole?
The bigger question fantasy owners should have is this: Can I get him cheap? This is a Top 10 pitcher and he still has the ability to win games. Despite his disastrous season, Hamels is showing signs of life, going 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 16 strikeouts in his last two starts. Granted, they were starts against the Marlins and Twins, but good starts are good starts. The nine losses (six of which came in May) will have Hamels’ owners seeking to improve their team, and if you pounce on the opportunity, you may be able to obtain the 29-year-old left-hander cheap. Buy him now and it should pay off in the end.
Around the league, there are players who are exceeding expectations, as well as those who are doing nothing close to what is expected of them. While trades are always a crap-shoot, you can’t hesitate to make your team better. Here’s a look at some of those players you should consider buying or selling:
Jason Heyward, Braves: To say this season has been disastrous for Heyward is a bit of an understatement (.215, five homers, 12 RBIs), especially when he had an ADP of 30.7 (the 11th outfielder taken). But, there’s too much potential here, and June is looking better so far (.370, three homers, four RBIs). Buy him cheap … but if you own him, consider holding onto him.
Bartolo Colon, Athletics: Is it 2005? The portly 40-year-old has been nothing short of incredible, going 8-2 with a 2.92 ERA. Considering he hasn’t started more than 30 games since 2005, and was 32-40 with a 4.38 ERA from 2006-12, you might want to sell him while he has some value.
Chris Davis, Orioles: Are we really suggesting you sell the league’s leader in homers, who is also third in RBIs and has a .338 batting average. Yes, we are! His value will never be higher than it is now and you can get some quality players to bolster your roster in return.
Chase Headley, Padres: Not happy with Headley’s production (six homers, 20 RBIs)? Here’s a little history lesson. Last season, when Headley finished with 31 homers, 115 RBIs and a .286 batting average, he hit .267 with eight homers and 42 RBIs before the All-Star break. After? He hit .308 with 23 homers and 73 RBIs. Buy him cheap in hopes of deja vu.
Josh Hamilton, Rangers: Offer a stale bag of Doritos, a box of multi-colored paper clips and some AAA batteries and see what the response is.
Patrick Corbin, Diamondbacks: He’s 9-0 with a 2.28 ERA and Arizona has won all 13 games he has started. On Wednesday, however, he had his first clunker, allowing four runs on eight hits over five innings en route to his second straight no-decision (after winning his previous seven starts). Sell him to the highest bidder. Follow Roto Files on
Starlin Castro, Cubs: Yeah, his batting average looks more like John Buck’s than his career .290, but that is all the more reason to make an offer for him now (especially if you own Troy Tulowitzki, who is out 4-6 weeks with a broken rib). Too much potential and you can get him cheaper than ever.
Homer Bailey, Reds: In his last six starts, Bailey is 3-1 with a 3.10 ERA and 41 strikeouts. He’s not a top-of-the-line starter, but he can bolster your rotation and you can get him at a reasonable price. Buy him!
Twitter @NYPost_Roto