Drop Candidates

Has the career of future first-ballot Hall of Famer Frank Thomas come to an end? The outspoken 19-year veteran was released over the weekend following an outburst over playing time. He was mired in a 4-for-35 slump at the time of his release. Those owners holding onto him (he's still owned in 65 percent of leagues) can safely return him to the wire, but keep your eyes peeled. I fully expect him to latch on with another club, perhaps Seattle or New York?

Asdrubal Cabrera of the Indians was one of our sleeper picks for the middle infield, but the 22-year-old middle infielder has appeared overmatched to start the year. He's hit .193 (11-for-57) with six RBI and has been benched several times this past week. Go seek out Theriot in his stead, as we may see Josh Barfield before long.

With one hit in his past 29 at-bats, Corey Patterson's found himself out of the Reds lineup in recent days with Ryan Freel picking up playing time. Patterson opened the season with a strong power surge (four home runs in his first nine games), but has struggled terribly of late. His extended slump has dropped his batting average to .183. I suspect the Reds will be back in the market for a center fielder before long.

We expected great things from Chris Snyder in the Arizona lineup, and while he's posted a decent RBI total (seven) and exhibited great plate discipline (10 walks in 58 plate appearances), his batting average currently rests under .200 (.188). He's struck out 14 times in 48 at-bats, something that may warrant significant playing time for Miguel Montero once he returns from the disabled list.

The Yankees continue to use Joba Chamberlain out of the pen, much to the chagrin of "Little Stein." However, it appears a switch should be in the offing while Ian Kennedy continues to struggle terribly in the rotation. Kennedy's failed to pitch more than three innings in three of four starts and owns a brutal 9.64 ERA while surrendering 19 hits and 13 walks in 14 innings of work (2.29 WHIP). Interestingly, he's allowed only one home run despite being battered by four straight opponents.

I can't throw Sabathia or the aforementioned Verlander here, as I would suspect they'll turn things around eventually, but a good benching might be in the offing here. Andruw Jones' appearance in the eighth slot in the Dodgers lineup on Monday certainly raises a red flag.

It's early, but it doesn't make the failings of these past fantasy superstars any less bitter.