Keeper Angst

[Shyguy30]

I am in a 14-team mixed roto H2H league with weekly lineup changes. It is a 6x6 with BB added for hitters as well as net SB instead of SB. Pitcher categories are ERA, WHIP, QS, SV, K, and HRA (lower number being better). We have 9 offensive players (C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, CF, 2 OF, and UTIL) and 7 pitcher spots (4 SP, 2 RP, 1P). We can keep up to 5 players but do not have to keep that many. Salaries inflate at the rate of 7/5/3 for up to 3 contract years. So a $10 player last year could be kept this year for $17, or signed to a 3-year contract for $17, $22, $25. My only iron-clad keeper is Jose Abreu at $26 but I have 3 others I am strongly considering. Having 3 pitching categories where less is more I have decided that it makes sense to get 3 relievers (preferably closers) and buy 2 co-aces to anchor my starting staff in an effort to win ERA, WHIP, and HRA most of the time. I can then play matchups and use the majority of my bench spots on $1-$2 ground-balling SPs.

I can keep Phil Hughes for $11, which seems ok until I consider trying to compete in Ks. He doesn't seem to qualify as an "ace" but is too expensive not to be used as such (under this strategy, which I'm convinced is sound). Plus fly-ball pitchers scare me even in Target Field. The other 2 I am torn on are $8 Howie Kendrick and $10 Lucas Duda. I think both are good buys at those prices but if I keep Duda I have 1B and UTIL already filled going into the auction leaving me no flexibility whatsoever. Kendrick doesn't draw many BBs or provide power or speed numbers. I *might* even be able to get them back at those prices if I decide I want them. Am I overthinking it? Is it crazy to go into the auction with one keeper? I'm open to all suggestions or criticisms.

Lucas.

[Todd Zola]

I'd have to think about the others (sorry on the road - didn't bring my thinking cap) but Duda scares me - too many options to platoon with him (Cuddyer) and in a league that size, you should get his equivalent in the end game.