Sometimes you just have to let go.

(Ap)

While it seems like a simple concept in theory, when it comes to practice, fantasy owners often times find it too difficult to part ways with underperforming players.

The reason I bring this up is because earlier in the week, a friend of mine emailed me asking for some advice concerning his fantasy baseball team. He had asked me whether to drop Drew Stubbs or Brad Hawpe in order to pick up the second-biggest rookie to be called up this week, Mike Stanton. Based on statistics, the answer to his question lay simply in the numbers, as Stubbs has the superior statline, but my friend dictated to me that he had a particular affinity for Hawpe and his track record.

Just to illustrate what I mean, here are both Brad Hawpe and Drew Stubbs’ stats as of today.

Hawpe:

Avg: .275 HR: 4 RBI: 22 Runs: 14 SB: 1

Stubbs:

Avg: .238 HR: 7 RBI: 31 Runs: 35 SB: 12

For me the decision here is simple. I would easily sacrifice the 40 points in batting average to pick up 20 runs, 11 steals, and by seasons end 20 RBIs and 5-10 HRs.

The problem here is that people so often put so much emphasis on what players have done in the past, and it can have a negative effect on a fantasy roster. Yes, Hawpe has been a fantasy powerhouse in the past, but at this point we are talking about 2010, not 2007 (Hawpe’s best year). If the stats aren’t enough to convince you, Stubbs is the safer play here because he plays in a better ballpark for hitters, easier division and he hits in a better lineup.

Whether it is based on prior accomplishments, loyalty (which does exist in fantasy baseball) or name status, there are very few players outside of the first few rounds that justify a roster spot over someone with better statistics.

Here are a few players who fall into that category this season:

Nate McLouth

Raul Ibanez

Aaron Harang

Scott Kazmir

***

Youth Movement:

After his incredible debut and being anointed as the best pitcher in Nats history, Stephen Strasburg is really paying dividends for all of those owners who drafted him this season and had him fill a roster spot while breezing through the minors.

But he isn’t the only rookie who has/will have a major impact this season. Strasburg is part of an incredible class that features Jason Heyward, Mike Stanton, Buster Posey, Carlos Santana and Madison Bumgarner.