Final cutdown decisions: 4x4 NL-only, Keeper, 12-team auction, $280. cap

[scottw]

I have made some trades, picking up some useful guys, moving along guys I can't fit.
I am left with deciding the final 4 keepers from among these 5 players---one has to be cut:

Jordan Hicks P | STL --------------11 1
Cesar Hernandez 2B | PHI---------14 1
Seranthony Dominguez P |PHI-----15 1
Ian Happ 3B,OF | CHC--------------5 2
Yadier Molina C | STL -------------14 2

Happ will be entering his 3rd year, needs a LT contract or release after this year. I am not contemplating a contract for him.
The others will enter their 2nd year after cut-down.

This league prizes closers, a lot, so these 2 will not be rebid cheaper, not even close.
2B is expected to be slim pickings.
I am keeping Myers at 3b--a LTC--but Happ could go to CI or OF. I am already keeping 3 OF-only guys.
Catcher [2 rostered] is a position where I will either bid for 2-$1. guys or keep Molina + bid a $1 guy. I could use his production and he is at value.

I would appreciate your thoughts --yes, in a vacuum-- as to whom I should release.
Scottw

[cavebird]

Cut Happ. That seems easy. If you are going for it this year, I don't think he is likely to help, and he can't be kept past this year even if you aren't competing.

[harmon]

Happ is your least likely to produce but is also the cheapest.

But yes, I would cut Happ as well.

[madducks]

If Kimbrel becomes willing to settle for a 2 or 3 year deal, the Phillies could sign him and push Dominguez into a setup role. So, that's a $15 gamble for you. And David Robertson is a legitimate threat to take over the Phillies closer job if Dominguez struggles again. I would play it safe and keep Happ.

edit: FWIW, i just noticed that Closer Monkey has Robertson listed as the Phillies closer. But Rotoworld says Robertson and Dominguez will share closer duties.

[scottw]

So has the manager! Also Neris. Whomever the numbers show will do best in a given situation. Sucks from our viewpoint!
As I understand it, Robertson has not been a closer, but a top set-up guy? Maybe Kapler keeps him in his comfort zone?
The kid has such overwhelming stuff that I am willing to take a chance. I think.

Edit: I just don't see them spending on Kimbrel or any other high-profile closer. They love this bullpen and Kapler is by no means a manager who runs his "closer" out there anytime there is a save situation. I see them getting a top SP, though,sooner or later.

[Judge Jude]

I love Sir Anthony and own him at 10 and might keep him - but for 15?

Robertson SV totals 2014-17 were 39, 34, 37, 14

also 5 last year in a return to NYY

I don't think any Phillie SVs 25 this year, unless they sign Kimbrel

[scottw]

I love Sir Anthony and own him at 10 and might keep him - but for 15?

Robertson SV totals 2014-17 were 39, 34, 37, 14

also 5 last year in a return to NYY

I don't think any Phillie SVs 25 this year, unless they sign Kimbrel

shows my total ignorance of all things AL! Thanks! I may need to handcuff the 2 of them.

[joncarlos]

I'm dropping Sir Anthony too... I know, saves, and 4x4, and $280... but I think there's a good chance Robertson walks away with 25 saves, or they sign Kimbrel, or something else prevents Dominguez from getting 15+ saves. If you throw him back and he goes for $20, then just smile and hope you were right to cut him.