It's a 15-team mixed, keeper league. $260 salary cap, up to 12 keepers. Standard format (9 pitchers, 14 hitters). After a player's "B" season, he can be kept for one more year (his "C" year), but then must be thrown back into the auction. Or, after the "B" season, a player can be extended for any number of years at $5 per year.
I'm trying to get a head start on my keeper situation for 2010. Here are my choices.
C: Mauer, $23B;
1B: Pujols, $39B;
3B: Longoria, $14B;
2B: Kinsler, $16B;
SS: Tulo, $29A; Jeter, $30A;
OF: Braun, $35B; McLouth, $5B; NMorgan, $5R (will be an A next year);
SP: King Felix, $21B; JVazquez, $13B;
RP: Mo Rivera, $17B; Fuentes, $5A; Street, $7A; JPHowell, $1A
I have so many questions. Who are the best 12 keepers (out of these 15)? Do I extend guys like Pujols (who'd go for $65 or so in an auction?) If so, how do I not extend Longoria or Kinsler? But if I'm giving all of them extensions, I will run over the cap. Do I just say "screw it," not extend anyone, and return as many studs as possible, saving as much auction money as possible for next year (but crippling me for 2011)? To what extent are Longoria and Jeter (and my cheap closers) better keepers because they would only be in their "B" season next year? Is it crazy to think Nyjer Morgan is a keeper among these other guys? A month ago, I'd have thought so, but a guy who steals 50 bases and hits .300 and will be a $5A next year - how do you throw him back? But if you keep him, who do you throw back in his place? I can't imagine not keeping any of these guys. Closers like Fuentes and Street would go for $20 next year. Howell is a young stud for a buck. McLouth is a 20/20 guy for $5. Felix and Vazquez are at great prices, and it's hard to get dominant SPs in a 15-team league. Braun is a $60 player in an auction. Mauer is gold for $23 in a 2-catcher league.
What do you think? I welcome all respectful and intelligent comments. Later today, I will post what I am planning to do (as of right now, anyway).