I am in a AL only league that is 4X4 where we only allowed to keep 3 hitters and 2 pitchers. I have my hitters all set, however I am having problems with my pitchers, which 2 should I keep? $1 Paul Abbott, $33 Tim Hudson, $5 Cory Lidle, $30 Mariano Rivera, $3 Jarrod Washburn, $8 Joe Mays or $5 Joel Pineiro…Can you see my dilemma?
What is more important is can I see my way out of your dilemma. I think so…
You don’t say what sort of inflation you expect in your auction. No matter what I’d take Rivera, who is undervalued and is beaucoup productive.
If your inflation rate is low, say less than 15 percent, I’d take Mays, whose effectiveness I don’t trust but who earned $30 last year. He’s going to cost $15 at least this year. If he gets off to any kind of start at all you should be able to deal him for something real. Or maybe find out he is for real.
If your inflation rate is high, say more than 25 percent, I’d take Hudson, who is an ace and fairly valued at $33 and clearly undervalued if inflation is running high.
If inflation is between 15 and 25 percent, it’s a close call. I’d lean toward Hudson but I’d keep an eye on his ankle. If there are any doubts about him being ready by mid April, it’s best to avoid the large investment and go with Mays.
The other guys are all well-priced and worth having, but none is the type of sure thing you’d like to get with your keeps, which means one or the other should be available in the auction at a discount compared to Mays and Hudson.