Markakis/K.Suzuki for Cano/Soria, or go fish?

[Lenny6]

I'm looking to make a move in my 12-team H2H fantasy point keeper league to improve my offense. My team is 4-4, but after losing 3 out of the last four is in jeopardy of falling behind in the playoff race. Blake's sore hamstring and questionable status coupled with Kendick's and Drew's ineffectiveness is making me think I need to make a move for this week. Which of these moves would you make?

Trade Nick Markakis ($10 and not keeper eligible) and Kurt Suzuki ($7 /Yes keeper eligible) for Robinson Cano ($12/Y) and Joakim Soria ($9/Y)? I could also substitute McCann ($14/N) and Hermida ($3/Y) on my side of the deal. I tried for Volstad off of his team, but I couldn't get him. Other trade ideas welcomed.

Or keep Markakis and pick up Adam Kennedy or Jerry Hairston (dropping Myers or Ortiz)? Kennedy is the #1 point scorer at 2B over the last two weeks, Cano is #2. Hairston would play 3B or SS and allow for Scutaro to be my 2B this week. Other free agent pitchers to consider instead of Soria are Pavano, Outman, Richard, Tallet, C.Buchholz, Street or Qualls.

My team (price/keeper eligible):
C McCann ($14/N)
1B Berkman ($33/Y)
2B Kendrick ($5/Y)
3B Scutaro, 2B/3B/SS ($7/Y)
SS Drew ($5/Y)
OF Braun ($5/Y)
OF Markakis ($10/N)
OF Hermida ($3/Y)
DH H.Matsui, OF ($5/Y)
BENCH K.Suzuki, C ($7/Y), Blake, 3B/1B ($7/Y), Cuddyer, OF ($7/Y), D.Ortiz ($21/Y)
DL A.Ramirez, 3B ($18/Y)

SP Halladay ($43/Y)
SP Slowey ($5/Y)
SP Kawakami ($3/Y)
SP Harang ($13/N)
P Jurrjens ($5/Y)
P Lackey ($18/Y)
RP Wilson ($8/Y)
BENCH Garza ($12/Y), Baker ($9/Y), Myers ($17/Y)

His team:
C Baker ($7/Y)
1B Huff ($9/Y)
2B Hill ($7/Y)
3B W.Aybar ($7/Y)
SS A.Cabrera, 2B/SS ($7/Y)
OF Holliday ($35/Y)
OF Ibanez ($16/Y)
OF Bruce ($3/Y)
DH Cano, 2B ($12/Y)
BENCH Jacobs, 1B ($3/Y), C.Jones, 3B ($10/Y), R.Sweeney ($7/Y)

SP Cueto ($16/Y)
SP Matsuzaka ($25/Y)
SP Oswalt ($30/Y)
SP Volstad ($5/Y)
P Richmond ($7/Y)
P R.Wells ($7/Y)
RP Nathan ($18/Y)
BENCH Lohse ($10/Y), Maholm ($9/Y), Uehara ($7/Y), Soria ($9/Y)
DL Smoltz ($3/Y)

So should I do the Markakis/K.Suzuki for Cano/Soria or hold onto Markakis and drop Myers and/or Ortiz to pick up a free agent infielder like Kennedy or Hairston? Thanks and WHIR!!

[dark2025]

I think you keep Markakis. He's too good. I believe Ortiz is now droppable. Maybe try to trade him for a second rate guy to somebody who believes in him still, but I think he's done. Myers might be worth keeping if he's eligible for keeper status. Qualls/Street aren't bad pickups for a 12 team league. I also like Kennedy, I think he'll do well. If not, you can at least ride him for now while he's hot.

[Arrowhead Nation]

I would go for Soria/Cano -- a couple reasons.

1. You really need another closer to solidify that -- having only one closer may win you a game or two but over the long run you will need to make a deal for another one, or deal Wilson.

2. I think Cano and Markakis are both capable of winning Batting titles, and you cant keep NM.

[dark2025]

It's a points league, so saves are less significant. Good for a couple of points still though.

[michaelyoung4prez]

nah, you are overpaying for cano there and you have a closer and it is only a 1 closer league it looks like

[Lenny6]

Thanks for the replies. I spent the $5 to pick up Kennedy and held on to Markakis for now. After one night both Cano and Kennedy sit at -1 points each. Whee! I'll have more questions about who to pick up when I flush Big Papi later this week!