The key to a successful MLS Fantasy season has almost as much to do with the average priced players as much as it does with the highly coveted players. This is never more true than when trying to determine what players to purchase at the forward position.
When it comes to finding the right forwards for your team after your money starts dwindling, it almost comes down to a guessing game as to what medium priced player will become an asset during the season. I’m going to make it easy for you. At just 8 million, Edson Buddle is a must-have member of your MLS Fantasy team.
When Buddle moved to the Colorado Rapids from the LA Galaxy in December of 2012, it was with the hope that he could make an immediate impact for the Rapids. However, injuries sustained with the U.S. Men’s National Team hindered him throughout last season and led to just five goals and three assists in all of 24 games last season.
Five goals and three assists are terrible for a fantasy striker, but this year is going to be different. One of the most underrated abilities that Buddle possesses is his ability to see other players on the field. Although only accumulating three assists last season, Buddle was the key to multiple build-up plays that led to goals, including a brilliant pinpoint pass that led to a Gabriel Torres goal. He’s too talented of a player to not catch onto a hot streak, and three assists in his limiting playing time is fairly impressive for a striker.
Buddle is a player that a lot of people won’t want to take a chance on this MLS fantasy season, but at just $8 million he is a steal for a player that potentially could go off. Worst case scenario, Buddle only scores six or seven goals — best case scenario, he goes off for 10-plus goals and six or seven assists. You shouldn’t have Buddle as one of your key strikers, but at the end of the MLS fantasy season, he could be the player that helps you win the league.
Taylor Sturm is an SEC Basketball Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.