Strategy: Keeper Auction Issues

[NCAARules]

Hello All

I'm running into a new issue with my upcoming NL-only 12-team keeper auction. After spending much of last season "rebuilding" I have the opportunity to save a significant number of my players...

As things stand right now - it is entirely possible that I will only have to fill 7 of 23 positions at the auction (only one open pitcher slot), with $81 to do it. (above average salary per player)

My question is - with the open positions being 2B, SS, 3B, MI, U, C (second) and P - how would you approach dollar allocation? My instinct is to spread the vast majority even over the 2B, SS, 3B and P positions - with only $1 for MI, U and C.

OR - I could go with an adapted studs and duds - grab the a top-5 ace and jimmy rollins (reyes and hanram will both be saved by others) and go $1 on each of the others.

Spreading it will help me on the offensive side (I am about 100 HR and 300 RBI short of my goals), while getting a top ace will help more on defense (short about 100 K and 50 W+QS).

I'm hoping this group can help nudge me in the right direction (and if you think I'm keeping way too many I'd be interested in hearing that argument as well).

Thanks in advance and good luck to all this year!

[Jackie Treehorn]

Tough to say without knowing exactly who's available and how much other owners have to spend. If Rollins is the only significant player available, spend what you have to and get him. Spend a buck on a 2nd catcher, most are crap anyway. If there are several nice players available, bid early guys up and make other owners overspend, then you can get the others at a bargain price.

[stevethumb]

agree w/the above...it is irresponsible to try to provide a quality response w/o knowing who is currently on your roster and some of the available players available and your opponents $

[NCAARules]

Thanks for considering it.

As keepers are not due for another two weeks - I can't tell you for sure who'll be available. I was hoping to get a more philosophical response than anything - otherwise I would have put it in the draft/keeper forum.

Again, I appreciate you taking the time to respond, and I'll post more details when I have them.

[hot4tx]

My thoughts (in generality): if Rollins is really the last top player left you might as well throw some $ at him. However, realize that he isn't going to offer you the HR and RBI you are really looking for versus what your $ can get spreading it out. So if you think he's at a bit of a bargain go for it, but don't overspend to get him.

and yeah there's really nothing I can tell you about spending for an ace versus spreading it around. I will say that in general I prefer depth at #2-#3 starters and not having to tote out that back-end ratio killer than having an elite SP.