better keeper: Rasmus or Harper?

[mjlewis]

I'm in 6th place in my 12-team NL-only (5x5 using OBP). Players need to be extended in year 3 of their contracts for an additional $5 a year.

I can probably do something like Anthony Rizzo ($10/year 1) for Carlos Pena ($a lot), which seems like a no-brainer if I'm playing for this year. I can probably also do Brett Jackson ($5/year 2) for Cory Luebke ($20/year 1 -- see below). Both of those have absolutely no keeper value. Here's the part that is tempting me more than it should: Colby Rasmus ($15, expiring in 2013) for Marlon Byrd ($14/year 1) and Bryce Harper. Harper would be $15 but year 1 wouldn't be until next year and his salary wouldn't count against me until he reached the majors. Should I even be thinking about this?

I almost certainly can't make it to first or second, but we pay down to 4th and even 3rd is achievable.

- Mike

(The owner who got Luebke in the initial draft had a lot of money left over due to a bit of mismanagement and was getting annoyed about being pushed on players he didn't think other people should want, and he ended up with a $19 Cashner and $20 Luebke. It was amusing at the time.)

[Captain Hook]

Rasmus vs Harper is a funtion of time
2011 - all Rasmus
2012 - likely closer than most people think
2013 and beyond - ALL Harper

Which trade you make depends on how much of a shot you think you have - if you want to go for it now, try and cash AND get Harper, then make all three

Personally, I would make the Rasmus for Byrd/Harper trade and Jackson for Luebke trade and wait on making the Rizzo for Pena trade until you had a better view closer to the trade deadline

[Todd Zola]

I like the Harper deal as well, if for no other reason, if the stars align and you make a move, you can deal him for even MORE help.