Can only keep 3 from 2009 powerhouse.

[Fantasy GM]

I'm in a 12-team H2H points league where we keep 3 players. Teams who choose to keep less than three players must "draft" with the other "< 3-players kept teams" until every team in the league has three players (snake draft, beginning with the worst team in the league). After every team has three players, all 12 teams fill out the rest of their rosters, with the draft order being random (as if it were a redraft league).

I know one thing for certain: I'll have three keepers heading into next season. The problem...which three do I keep? I have eight players who COULD be keepers (keep in mind it's a points league, not categories).

1B Miguel Cabrera - Power is down a bit, but otherwise very good numbers.
1B/UTL Ryan Howard - HR/RBI machine, but slumps could be an issue.
OF Matt Kemp - Can do it all, although is not amazing in any one of HR/RBI/OBP/SB/R
SP Dan Haren - Unstoppable in first half, a little shaky in second half. Most pts on team this season.
SP CC Sabathia - Opposite in Haren...not great first half, great second half.
SP Adam Wainwright - 9 of his past 10 starts have been great, ERA is 2.59.
SP Matt Cain - A real workhorse all year, 4 CG's this season to go along with 2.71 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.
SP Javier Vazquez - Most points per start on team after Haren. 1.05 WHIP and lots of K's.

* I want to keep either 1 SP and 2 hitters (hitters are generally more consistent and less injury-prone), or 1 hitter and 2 SP's (a great start nets a lot of points, a poor start will cost the team). Having somewhat of a balance between hitting and pitching will certainly help. I'm also aware that I will likely lose almost every player I don't keep to other teams.

[octagon999]

Kemp is a given, in my book.

If it were my team, it would be Cabrera and Howard. You have good pitching, but I resist keeping pitchers.

Thanks for help with mine, and good luck!

[Diamond Miners]

Kemp is a given, in my book.

If it were my team, it would be Cabrera and Howard. You have good pitching, but I resist keeping pitchers.

Thanks for help with mine, and good luck!

With only 3 keepers, I think you take the best bats you can. Though to be honest I'm not big on filling my DH/Util slot before the draft. I'd try to trade Howard for someone else. Or if there is someone in your league that is keen on keeping pitchers, trade him one of yours and one of your 1Bs. Might be a long shot, but well worth it. And besides, the chances the guys that keep pitching go after a pitcher in the first round seem slim since their bats will be weaker, which means you should have your share to pick from when your pick comes around. (hard to tell without knowing the rest of the teams in your league)

[MaudDib]

Kemp and Cabrera. After that I would look to trade. I would do a 3 for 1 if you have to but I am not a fan of Howard. His numbers always seem to be decent at the end of the season but his slumps really hurt you. I would see if you could make a move for MI like Tulo or Pedroia.

[Fantasy GM]

Thanks so far. The reasons I am considering keeping at least one pitcher is because:

1.) The draft will technically start in the 4th round, since every team will have 3 keepers (or draft 1-2 players not kept by other teams).
2.) I feel teams are going to scramble for an ace. If I have mine already, I'm set. Though MCab-Kemp-Howard sets the table for a great offense (my first three picks this year...traded for the pitching).
3.) No trades in the off-season, unless I made a rule where every player dealt MUST be kept.

[struggler]

No brainer: Kemp, Howard, M-Cab. All 3 will be 1st round picks next year in Non-Keeper leagues.

Not sure why you would even consider a pitcher in front of those 3.
Look at the draft position of those pitchers this year. Sure, CC and Haren were in the 3rd or 4th rounds. But Vasquez, Wainwright and Cain could all be had from the 10th round on. Which proves the point that great pitching can easily be had later on in the draft. I normally don't pick a pitcher until round 10ish.

[raiders_umpire]

My keepers would easily be Mcab, Howard, and Kemp.

[Pogotheostrich]

Mcab, Howard, and Kemp

[ezvstheworld]

I'm with the others. Go with Kemp, Cabrera and Howard.

If you are concerned with grabbing an ace, think what you could trade Howard for after the draft next season. You'd be able to grab any of those SPs you currently have plus more. Keep the best value (especially when you have very limited keepers) and trade post draft for roster balance.

[Hit Factory]

I would keep Miguel Cabrera, Howard, and Kemp or if you want to keep a pitcher go with Cabrera, Kemp, and Wainwright.

Help with mine?
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