Better choice than Youk 4 final keeper?

[fast dogs]

We get to keep guys for 5 years and Youk would be entering his 5th year; I have several choices that are nearly as good and everyone else listed isn't in their final year so thats not a concern. Keeping Youk isn't that big of a deal either if he's just the best choice,but he only played 120 games this year hitting 50 points off his 2010 campaign. The 17 HR and 80 RBI might be pretty close to what I expect in 2012, I can nearly get that from Yunel @ SS. It is a standard 5X5 roto, so the walks don't help Youk's cause all that much.We start a middle and corner in addition to the reg spots, 4 OF & 8 P so middle infielders and 3rd basemen carry as much weight as any position. My other keepers are Pedroia, McCutchen, Morse, Felix and Axford so I'd need to keep 2 from:
Youk
Gio Oak SP
Yunel Tor SS
E Santana Ana SP
Its a 14 team league so getting a good 3rd basemen can be a problem. I really want Gio as my 6th and am trying to convince myself to go away from Youk but thats probably not the wise move now is it? thanks

[RedHopeful]

Yeah, I'd just stick with Gio and Youk.

[Pogotheostrich]

Youk and Gio for me.

[MaudDib]

Youk might hit around 20 HR and 80 RBI but really that is his downside. He also has the ability to hit 30 HR and 110 RBI where as Yunel's upside is 20 HR and 80 RBI. So you have to keep Youk and Gio. Only change I could see is taking Yunel over Morse but there might be more to the story with Morse. Not sure what contract you have on him or Yunel but I would probably rather have Yunel at SS than Morse in the OF.

[raiders_umpire]

Youkilis and Gio for me as well.

[Urban Cohorts]

I would also keep Youkilis and Gio.

Though I do question keeping Axford. He is a good RP, no doubt. But how hard is it to acquire RP in your league? Do a lot of guys plan on keeping closers? Is it tough to draft backup closers? How about grabbing them of the WW? The position is too volatile..

I really like Yunel at SS, especially if there isn't going to be any SS talent in the draft. I would consider dropping Axford for Yunel.

[fast dogs]

I figure Morse is going to be my main power guy so I'm reluctant to let him go. The good closers get kept, the league is pretty keen on drafting and speculating on backup closers so I'm keeping Axford. I have sort of changed my stance on closers and will pay for the good 1's; good dependable closers have almost become a shallow position in my mind.I think it boils down to Yunel and whoever I can draft at 3rd vs Youk and whoever I can draft at SS. I'm just afraid the injuries have been coming on for Youk and once they start they seem to continue. I can also trade Youk and a draft pick upgrade for a better player which might work if everyone else isn't as down on Youk as me; but him being good for 1 year only might lessen his appeal some.
thanks for the comments

[Urban Cohorts]

Fair enough.

Do you have to make a decision right away? I would wait to see what the Sox do before making a final choice on Youk. Best case scenario is they bring in a guy who can play 3B (Aramis Ramirez?), lose Ortiz, and have Youk DH and backup both 1B/3B when A Gon and new 3B need a day off. And if Youk can DH, chances are he stays healthy for a longer period of time.

[fast dogs]

We won't do anything until Feb 1st and I won't have to make a final cut until sometime in March. If Youk could mainly DH that would help; playing the hot corner probably doesn't help his body any. I read this evening where Youk was going to work on flexibility this offseason; he said he was too bulked up this year. Sounds good; if he is looking good in the spring by the time I have to decide maybe I'll have softened up my stance on him.

[kaiser]

Yep. Youk and Gio. I love Youklis, but he can be maddening in that he seems to get hurt every other week. Still, I take him over those other guys, without question.

I think Yuneal Escobar is crap-ola. He is the epitome of the "Million dollar talent, ten cent head" type of player.