As the weekend draws to a close, and the release of the latest ADP is on the horizon, it is time to answer another keeper question, or two, or three. Well you get the idea. Ryan sent this question during all the craziness that was a complete hosting failure. Here is Ryan’s question…
League: 10 team, Roto, 25 man rosters.
Stats: R RBI SB R BB TB K BA OPS for hitters, W L SV ERA WHIP K BB HLD K/9 for pitchers.
Our league allows teams to keep 10-12 players. Unkept players are thrown back in the pool for a snake draft. Teams that keep 10 players get extra picks at the start of the draft. Because I feel like the stats warrant it, I have built a very good, power oriented offense. My pitching is by far the league’s worst.
I have 11 solid keepers but I’m stuck on my 12th. My decision is down to:
- - Mariano Rivera
- - Shane Victorino
- - Alex Rios
- - Michael Bourn
Rivera would be a great keeper in a 5 x 5 league, but contributing ~6% of my total innings, he isn’t likely to make an impact anywhere other than saves. Any of the 3 outfielders could help me (I currently have Holliday and Sizemore) but none are slam dunks. Victorino is a safe choice for our categories, Bourn could carry my entire team with his SBs, and for some reason I’m still a big believer in Rios’ potential even after an abominable ‘09 campaign.
I also have the option of keeping none and taking a shot at selecting a pitcher a round early in the draft - but in such a deep league there aren’t many interesting names. Any input you have is greatly appreciated.
Thanks for all your hard work!
For your 12th keeper, you do have some fine options and I believe that your analysis is pretty solid.
I personally think you should draft a solid starter, but, I don’t know what the options are there for you. If there is only a run of the mill pitcher, then I would rank these guys as follows.
Bourn. His steals are a great asset. Depending on your team speed, if it is lacking at all, I would go with Mike. Like you stated, he can carry your sb category, and that is a nice luxury to have.
Victorino. He is safe. He is a solid guy for most of the hitting categories. He may be a tad boring, but alot of “boring” teams win in Roto leagues. I believe that Rios has higher potential, but watching him in the AL Central last year, he looks rough.
Rivera. Even with only 6% of the innings, he still can rack up the saves with the Yanks, and I believe him to be the top closer. He can allow you to pick up lower tier closers or set up guys, and ignore the temptation to chase saves.
Rios. Horrible season last year. But he is still young, he does have multi-category ability, and he is in a hitter’s park. So how will it go? Who knows, and I would not take a flier on him. But that’s me, and with that in mind, he will probably break out this year.
I am a tad pitcher friendly, so take that for what it’s worth.
Good luck, and comment if you need any further follow up.
Randall