League Settings: 12 team, H2H, scores AVG, SLG, BBs/KOs, RBIs, Rs, SBs, ERA, WHIP, K/9, IPs, SVs, Ws - Ls

I can keep 4 players this year, but lost draft picks are associated with them. These are my 3 definites, as well as their draft costs:

Justin Upton - 4th Round
Andrew McStudpiece - 9th Round
Madison Bumgarner - 16th Round

Now, I have 4 more candidates for that 4th keeper spot. Here they are, and their keeper costs:

Jay Bruce - 5th Round
Jonathan Niese - 17th Round
Phil Hughes - 18th Round
Jeff Samardzija - 18th Round

Keeping Bruce for a 5th round pick lacks sexiness to me. It's probably equitable. His value is probably more like a 4th round pick, which justifies me keeping him for a 5th, but the league I'm in is H2H, and I'm tired of getting headaches. I'd rather explore other options.

Like Grey, I am in love with Niese, Hughes, and Samardzija. I was on the Hughes bandwagon through thick and thin last season, and believe that he pitched better than what his stats suggest. I love Niese, too. Wasn't expecting much from him, but, considering I drafted him in the 18th round, I was more than pleasantly surprised. As for Samardzija, I think he currently has the highest upside of the 3 pitchers. That said, he's 2 years older than the other two.

My question: who would you keep of those 4? Heavily leaning toward Samardzija right now, but I'm interested in hearing another's opinion.

Grey, I would really love your opinion on this.

Smagic! Hands down.

Niese, or Samardzija
I would go Niese, but its a tossup.

There can always be a case to be made to take the best player unless his draft position exceeds his value. Which isn't the case with Bruce. IMO, SP can be found but guys with 40 HR power can't. I also look at your first group of keepers and you are getting exceptional value on guys who should be much much higher than this. If the league is full of guys who are great values, then Bruce isn't a 4th round player and more likely a 1st or 2nd round player. IF the draft is pretty thin with talent and most teams have their high round picks still, then i don't see Bruce making it out of the first couple rounds at which point you should be keeping him.

You can find SP later or even get Samardzajkdfja back.

Bruce, although i love Samardzija.