Baseball Keepers - H2H League, 12 Team, 14 Categories?

Question

Who should I keep? We can keep up to 5.

Thome
Utley
ARod
Cabrera
Victorino/Markakis
Andruw Jones
Abreu

Liriano
Jared Weaver
Capuano
Nathan
Saito
Lidge
Lilly
Burnett
Francsico Cordero

Pitching is hard to come by in our league of 12 teams. I was planning to keep:

Utley
ARod
Abreu
Weaver
Liriano

or

Utley
ARod
Jones
Weaver
Liriano

I also like Capuano and Burnett.

Our categories are:

Runs, HR, RBI, SB, Assists, OBP, Total Bases (thinking of adding K's or Sac next year)

Wins, Losses, Saves, ERA, WHIP, K/9, Innings Pitched (thinking of adding Holds nex year).

Also, is it worth it to keep Liriano for a year even if he has Tommy John surgery because he may comeback stronger -- hell look at Chris Carpenter now -- you had to wait 2 years with him.

I apologize -- that's Orlando Cabrera, not Miguel Cabrera.

Answer 1

If I had to pick a keeper from this list, then here's my top 5:

1) Francisco Liriano, Minnesota - Forget the fact that he has a strain elbow this season because he hasn't learn to adapt a full season just yet. Just 22 years old, "Johan Santana Jr." is quite a remarkable talent and indicating his first year, he could be headed for a hall of fame career, much like Johan, or turn out like a Prior and Wood. Either way, he's worth a shot as a keeper.

2) Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels (Anaheim)- He has already excel better than big brother Jeff (he's only 23) and playing in an friendly pitcher environment (much like Liriano) could benefit Weaver for the long run, if the Angels treat him well. He still would have compete for the Cy Young if it wasn't for the Angels to send him back down, but could be a Cy Young in the near future.

3) Miguel Cabrera, Florida - He's only in his early 20's, but he's playing like a veteran who can crush a ball anyway. He can hit for average and power, while also preaching patience at the plate, something ever good slugger has. As an added bonus, he plays 3B, one of the sacred position to get power (the other is 1B). Although he might not stay in Miami for long, a supporting cast that includes Hanley Ramirez, Dan Uggla, Mike Jacobs, Josh Willingham, Jeremy Hermida (as well as Dontrelle Willis, Jason Johnson, Scott Olsen, and 1-hit wonder Anibal Sanchez) could spell a playoff run for Florida and Cabrera will come cheaper than that other 3B from N.Y. (you know what I'm talking about).

4) Chase Utley, Philadelphia - Another star playing in a sacred position (2B) that doesn't produce power, the former UCLA star is finally entrench as the best in his postion and with teammate Ryan Howard bashing balls out of the ballpark, Utley is a star in the making (hits for average and power).

5) Andruw Jones, Atlanta - The man already has a 51 homer season and he's not even 30 yet. Although he a swing and a miss kind of player, he produces power in the most unlikely place of all, Turner's Field (a pitchers park). The supporting cast is up-and-coming and if the other Jones (Chipper) can stay healthy, Andruw might be an MVP someday.

How 'bout some other less than stellar options that could breakout next year:

1) 1B Conor Jackson, Arizona - The D'Backs are in rebuilding mode (World Series hero Luis Gonzalez is long gone afet this season) and there rebuilding the team around Webb, Chad Tracy, and the man I'm writing about. He's showing power at his age and could be a top slugger in a hitters park in the near future.

2) SS-3B B.J. Upton, Tampa Bay - Entrech as the leadoff man for the future, he could bring some speed at his position, as long as he improves on his defense and preach patiences.

3) OF Delmont Young, TB - He's already got the job for 2007 and his debut season is spectacular. If he can preach patiences, watch out.

4) P Jermaine Van Buren, Cubs - This is a long shot for me, but I think he could be a great closer someday for the cursed one. With limited options that the Cubs have, Van Buren might make an impact next year, although is a long shot for me.

5) P Chuck James, Braves - He's the only guy who has a 10 victory season without getting the attention this season and could be a big surprise come 2007 (a rebuilding offense and playing at a pitchers park could help him).

Answer 2

I would keep:

Payrod
Utley
Cabrera
Liriano (make sure he does not need TJ surgery first)
Weaver