Roster rotation has been the name of the game in MLS over the last month, resulting in a handful of Fantasy diamonds in the rough coming up to the surface. For the fantasy manager, this means looking in places you wouldn't expect for the player that's going to set your squad on fire.
Take, for instance, Jared Watts ($5.6) of the Colorado Rapids. He’s played 90 minutes on defense (though he’s listed as a midfielder) in four straight rounds, and earned eight and seven the last two with a goal and an assist. The 23-year-old is in his second year in MLS; the question now is whether he can keep up the pace against the LA Galaxy attack. With altitude the great leveler and Colorado on a two-match homestand, I think Watts is worth the flyer.
Breaking news can cause a huge fantasy swing, too. Those who have been playing Brian Rowe ($4.6) as a cheap starter over the last three weeks are suddenly wondering if he’s the Galaxy’s new No. 1 keeper. As I’m not entirely sold on this in-flux Galaxy squad in the mile-high environment, I’d wait to see how this story plays out as Rowe battles Donovan Ricketts for a starting spot.
The Montreal Impact have done well defensively the last few rounds, with clean sheets in two of the last three. That makes Evan Bush ($5.1) and defender Donny Toia ($5.0) attractive pickups at bargain basement prices. I’m unsure how things will go down in the cozy confines of Yankee Stadium; I mean, who can forget the wild 4-4 affair between NYC and Toronto FC and 5-3 game against Orlando? Still, Montreal’s on a double in Round 23 at home in both instances so you could do worse.
How will this information help this week’s patient? Our submission comes from Twitter user @bruceareno, who has a team full of dream teamers who haven’t been that dreamy.
Dear MLS Fantasy Doctor,
What to do, what to do? I’ve been in a month long free-fall, the whole situation is just upsetting.
Tyrone Mears ($7.1) has been consistent most of the year, but with the Sounders in a dive he’s turned in three straight three-point rounds. He’s not that far removed from his goal and a clean sheet performance. Personally I’m on board for transferring him out while Seattle regroups then checking back in around the time the Sounders host Orlando.
In his place, Toia is a big discount, and gets you closer to a Round 23 ready squad. A lot of eyes are on Montreal these days, and hopefully their defense will continue to shine in the spotlight.
I like Sebastian Lletget as a pickup, but I’m going to suggest replacing him with Watts. Hold onto the savings, and use the cushion to make some DGW guys down the line. That’s your best chance to regain that ground you lost!
Hope this helps!
MLS Fantasy Doctor
