I have a long-term problem (and current underperformer) at 3B. I have a roster spot devoted to a sleeper who could potentially get hot and replace my incumbent by the end of the year. I need a balance of long-term keeper payoff and current production.

How do you assess these two? Laroche has the spat of recent injuries, the position uncertainty, and Blake F&*king Dewitt. But he's also a Top 10 prospect. Pecota loves him. BP recently ran a thing on prospects, saying "ownable in 8-team, "consider in 10-team," etc. The entry on "who should own Laroche": "Everyone." Plus, he may earn 2B eligibility for NEXT year. He's potentially next year's BJ Upton as 2B.

At the same time, it's basically been announced that when Headley comes up, he's going to play out the rest of the year.

Encarnacion just came available (by a miracle). My feeling is he's better than Headley, but his ceiling is lower than Laroche.

Goddamnit, I still say "Laroche."

You said it, JR. When Headley comes up, he's here to stay. LaRoche has guys in front of him. Guys that are doing well. Headley's unquestionably my pick.

LaRoche will be absolute dynamite when he sticks his landing. I don't think it's happening this year -- or at least not 'til September. I think Headley could be up very soon.

Headley. He's Matt Murton with 3B eligibility. 20/80/80/290. Next year, he'll be the C+ version of Braun with LF/3B positions. Currently, I'm using Braun for my 3B slot, but I'm in the process of trading him since I have Headley in the works (and I'm in the lead by 12 points and don't need the offense).

I think that without the 3B title on his name, he'd be really boring. LaRoche probably has a higher celing, but in his case, I'd go with Headley.

In the case of keepers, I always side with playing time unless there's enormous upside somewhere. An example is the Scherzer vs. Parra debate... I'd take Max since I believe in his 11.2 K/9 potential, but I understand why others would keep Parra over him for the short term benefits.