This is not the case of the missing cookie. It's a conundrum over the Tampa Bay third sacker.
In our fantasy baseball league, we can apply one-time "contract extensions" to our players at a cost of $5 for the extension and $5 for each additional year extended. In 12 seasons of playing this game, I have never given a player a contract extension. I've always said I never would -- always play for this season and keepers will present themselves.
But do I maintain this mindset with Evan Longoria? He's a $30 player and just getting better. Do I keep him at $3 for a final season then lose him -- or bump him up to a modest $13 and have him for an additional year? (I've ruled out $18-2 which goes against basic keeperology. )
On one hand, keeping him at $3 gives me a phenomenal bargain for this season. But having him at $13 instead for this season and next would solve my 3B position for next year and still be a strong value for 2009.
Here are my keepers for the upcoming year:
- C Brian McCann $27-1
- 1B Ryan Garko $8-0
- SS Jhonny Peralta $21-1
- 3B Evan Longoria $3-0
- 3B Josh Fields $3-0
- OF Ryan Spilborghs $5-1
- OF Michael Bourn $1-0
- SP Joe Saunders $5-1
- SP Justin Duchscherer $5-1
- SP Dave Bush $5-1
- SP Ubaldo Jimenez $1-1
- RP Ryan Franklin $5-1
- CL Frank Francisco $5-1
I have decided on 13 keepers and might not keep a 14th. Looks like I'm throwing CJWilson $5-0, Travis Ishikawa $5-1, Nate Schierholtz $5-1, Jesse Crain $5-1 and Jared Burton $1-1 back into the pool. I bet four of those guys will be claimed by our two scrap-pickin' expansion teams. If Scott Lewis wins Cleveland's #5 rotation spot, he also would be claimed. Even super utility guy Brendan Harris at $5, qualifying at three positions, makes for a fine expansion keeper.
So what do you think? Keep Longoria at $3 or give him the raise to $13 ?
