Mail Bag

I recently recieved a good question from Robert Codey and I thought I would post it here.

Question: Alright, drafting in the first year of a keeper league, keeping 5 for an unlimited time. The league has 10 teams, 5X5, Head to Head. I have the #2 pick in the draft. I'm thinking Arod is my best bet.

Arod is in, what amounts to, a contract year with his ability to opt out of his contract. I think we can expect a big year from him.

My other option, Soriano, just signed a big contract (5 years, I believe?). When I take that into consideration, along with the fact that he had a drop in production his first year in Texas, and I suspect he might have a drop in production his first year in Chicago as well....

I feel Arod is my best choice at #2.

I've contemplated taking Utley...he's had a good, consistent, three year arc to get to last year's numbers, so I don't think he's a flash in the pan. In a keeper league, he's the youngest of the three, and might produce just as good as those two, but at a much more depleted position (2B). I'm not aware of Utley's contract situation, but if I found out this was a contract year, that would put it over the top and convince me he was my #2.

I was just interested to hear your opinion on the matter, and your opinion of my opinion.

So what are your thoughts.

MLB Front Office Answer: Reyes has to be considered because of his age. In fact, I would probably take Reyes. He represents a young player with the potential to steal 80 bases, yep I said it. 80 bases! He also offers a good amount of power and a good average and he will get the runs because he plays for one of the best lineups. However, if you are dead set against taking reyes, I think you should also consider Howard.

Let me know how it turns out.

The Indians

Over at MLB Trade Rumors Tim Dierkes has a team round up for the Indians which is mostly all of their salary commitments. A couple of other notes he makes however are quite interesting. Most of you know that the Indians are one of my favorite teams this year and I think they can be a World Series Contender, as does Tim.

He notes:

- The Indians infield probably took a hit defensively but an improved season from Jhonny Peralta could balance that out.

- The Offense will be top 5 in the AL again and if Hafner can put together a full season they could be second to the Yankees.

- The Pitching can put together a top 5 rotation in the AL this year and is certainly top 7-10.

- The Bullpen is the biggest question going into the season with Joe Borowski as the closer.

- The team has a ton of depth and will have to leave some major league ready talent in AAA to start the year.

Credit Mark Shapiro for assembling such a good and young team for only 60MM.

Tim Kuda Sports Radio

Tim Kuda has a sports radio show that you should check out. It looks pretty good and Mike Greco from Fantasy Baseball Guy will be a guest on Tuesday the 20th of March. The show normally airs Tuedays, Thursday and Saturday at 10:30 pm central but you can listen to past shows any time on TimKuda.com or blogtalkradio.com/thetimkudashow. I may be a guest in the future and if that works out I'll let you know.