Most owners are getting ready to hand in their full keeper list for 2010, I figured I would go over my keeper list by each league. Besides the obvious "big player" names to keep every season, owners must decide on players acquired via late-round draft picks or the waiver-wire. Every league works differently with regards to keepers from the previous season, but most leagues charge you draft picks for those players who you choose to keep. Players who performed exceptionally well during 2009 as late round picks or waiver-wire picks will certainly climb to the earlier rounds in 2010. Keeping players from one season to the next is a huge commitment for the team owner and it's up to you to make the right call. Last year's draft round (if applicable) is listed in parenthesis next to the player's name. The draft rounds are based upon data made available from Mock Draft Central.
Brett Anderson - SP, Oakland Athletics (Undrafted)
The left hander created a stir in the fantasy community in the second half of last season with his incredible control that led him to 11 wins. Anderson carried over his success from the minor leagues and was valuable last year in Oakland. Owners may have been skeptical because of his rookie status, but that shouldn't be an issue in 2010. His current ADP also seems to have him being drafted in late rounds once again, so he is definitely still in a "sleeper" group.
Ben Zobrist - 2B/OF, Tampa Bay Rays (Undrafted)
Zobrist is another guy who was un-drafted in most leagues last season and was essentially a utility guy until he hit his way to a starting job. Tampa had no other choice but to find playing time for Zobrist as he hit 27 HR last season (17 in the first half). He is essentially at the top of everyone's keeper list and for good reasons. Who doesn't love a multiple position eligible guy that has a real possibility to hit ~20 HR with ~10 SB and a respectable average?
Adam Lind - OF/DH, Toronto Blue Jays (22nd Round)
Adam Lind did everything right last year. He not only hit over .300, but showed great power by slapping 35 HR and driving in over 100. Don't worry about Lind as a "one year wonder", because this simply isn't the case. All indicators show Lind is for "real" and could easily repeat last season's numbers in 2010. It won't be a stretch to see Lind taken in the late third or fourth rounds on draft day.
Victor Martinez - C/1B, Boston Red Sox (7th Round)
With Martinez splitting time between catching and first base, the injury bug will hopefully stay away. Martinez like Zobrist, offers multiple position eligibility that helps year-round. With his presence in a strong Red Sox offense, Martinez should continue to hit around ~.300 AVG with close to 20 HR.
Gordon Beckham - 3B, Chicago White Sox (30th Round)
Yes, Beckham is a young rookie and only has one season under his belt, but that rookie season was terrific. Only appearing in 103 games last season, Beckham hit 14 HR while driving in 63. With only 403 plate appearances last season, Beckham showed patience with a 9.5% BB along with his 15.1% K ratio. Beckham's current eligibility has him pegged at third base, but with the White Sox acquiring 3B Mark Tehan over the winter, Beckham is rumored to be shifting over to second base. With the second base eligibility possibly kicking in within the first month of the season, he's a great fit for owners.
Other AL Keepers:
Andrew Bailey - RP, Oakland Athletics (Undrafted)
Michael Cuddyer - 1B/OF, Minnesota Twins (26th Round)
Aaron Hill - 2B, Toronto Blue Jays (28th Round)
Kendry Morales - 1B, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (28th Round)
Billy Butler - 1B, Kansas City Royals (28th Round)