You guys submitted some great questions this week, with topics ranging from captain picks to the effects of international call-ups. My team, Sad Sack FC, is hoping for a repeat of Round 3, where I vaulted nearly 2,500 ranks and put myself back in the hunt for the prizes. Let’s see where you all are at, shall we?
@SalisburyUnited: Replacements for Porter with injury? Just get Badji and save $.1?
Badji’s a good option, especially with the discounted $4.4 price tag. The only thing to worry about is whether or not he starts scoring, because if he doesn’t, his value could keep dropping. If you’re willing to take that risk, then you’ll have a cheap player that could be a good emergency sub.
@joedavis4: How are you preparing for Vancouvers double week coming up soon?
I started the season with Ousted and Pedro Morales, and I will probably pick up Rivero this week (three weeks too late — the guy has been on FIRE.) Columbus is a little more tricky since they have the bye next week, so I may bank one transfer and use three next week to bring in one more Whitecap and a couple of Crew players — Grana, Finlay, and Francis look like the best bets.
@MSVmomo: who should i make captain- kaka, castillo, martins, sam or rivero?
Of those, I’d probably pick Rivero. Portland is running dangerously low on holding midfielder depth, especially now that Jewsbury is doubtful. Also, like I said before, Rivero is the hot hand right now.
@ibarradoug: will there ever be a draft option?
It’s been talked about quite a bit. I know that it would be a significant undertaking for MLS Fantasy to take on a change of that kind, but I wouldn’t rule it out completely.
@big_tx_morales: Tempted to swap Nguyen (underperformer thus far) for….? #MLSFantasy
I’m not going to get anywhere near Nguyen until the Revs get their form back, but from what you showed me, your roster’s immediate needs are your international players. I’d take a -4 hit and swap all three of your international starters (Shea, Barnes, and Keane) with Whitecaps starters.
@Hcsued: Chances Sjoberg, Jewsbury, and Kah play? First two for injury reasons. Does Kah retain his starting spot?
I’d say 75%, 50%, and 50%, respectively. Sjoberg has been huge (no pun intended) for the Rapids. If he’s healthy enough, he’ll be in the XI, and the last word was day-to-day (ankle). Jewsbury’s reportedly dealing with a concussion; if he’s dealing with concussion protocol, he’s a little less likely to start. Rodriguez did well for Vancouver, and I don’t have to tell you that Kah can be a bit of a wildcard, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Rodriguez retains the CB spot with Waston.
@BuckmanUnited: Biggest impacts of internationals: is RSLvTOR going to be 5-5 or 0-0? SEAvsDAL, same question. LA to play a 451?
RSL v TOR has all the markings of a nil-nil draw. Attinella is a very capable backup for Rimando in goal, but both RSL and Toronto are losing key attacking pieces this weekend.
For SEA v DAL, I’m calling 2-1 Seattle. Obafemi earns a late penalty to seal it for the home side.
LA’s shape is a question mark for me. It’s not LITERALLY going to be in the shape of a question mark; that would be pretty awesome, though. With no Keane and no Zardes, expect Gordon and/or Buddle to be up top. I’m not counting on LA’s offense this weekend, although I am still playing Ishizaki.
@JJ_DIRTY: Who are 3 “MUST HAVE” players. 1 fwd/mid/def
For these next three weeks, all Vancouver: Rivero, Morales, Beitashour
Overall: Martins, Dempsey, and any regular starter on LA, Seattle, or FC Dallas’s back line
@vivalablue: How do I not suck at fantasy?
Keep reading this blog. Use as much of the information in my responses from this week to help steer your team in the right direction. If it doesn’t work, blame me. Problem solved.
Also, looking at the matchups for the next two or three weeks is a great way to stay ahead of the curve. Green boxes are double-game weeks (GOOD). Pink boxes are bye weeks (BAD).
@McIntoshRosco: How important is it not to panic&play Wildcard early or take hit on transfers with some big hitters not scoring?#MLSFantasy
You know, I’m a fan of using the wildcard in the first few weeks. If your team is still struggling mightily after, say, five weeks, rebuilding it may be the best option. You’ll have much more data to make your decisions on. The only disadvantage is that you’ll have to be super-careful after that, since you won’t have any more bailouts.
@HDTweetz: May change Birnbaum for Sjorberg. Neither have great matchups. Any ideas?
I’d stay away from Sjorberg for this week if you don’t already have him. As I mentioned, he’s day-to-day, and Colorado doesn’t have a great match-up away at Houston. If you can afford to have a bye in Round 5, maybe look at NYC’s Jason Hernandez. He’s only $6.6, and NYCFC has a pretty good matchup at home against SKC this weekend, followed by Philly in Round 6, and then a double-game week.
That’s all for this session. Best of luck, and may all of your transfers be on this week’s Dream Team!
(image courtesy of Jimmy Jeong/The Canadian Press)
