Finders keepers

Men are usually described as being afraid of long-term commitment. Flip through the channels, and you're bound to find some lame romantic comedy or sitcom about a guy who's scared to settle down or pop the question.

There's some truth to it - have you checked out what an engagement ring costs these days? - but for the most part, I think the whole thing is an unfair stereotype. Any woman who thinks the male brain is wired to be noncommittal apparently isn't familiar with keeper leagues.

For those who don't know, a keeper league is a special kind of fantasy league that allows players to protect a certain number of players on their roster and carry them over to the following season. The number of protected players usually ranges from about three to five, and I've heard of some keeper leagues lasting for five, even 10 years or more.

Now that's true commitment.If you're in a keeper baseball league, it's time to start planning for next season, especially if you're already lagging behind in this year's standings. Even if you're dead last, you've already said "I do" to competing again next season, so there's work to be done.Start by identifying potential keepers on your roster. A few obvious names should jump out: Alex Rodriguez, Johan Santana, Albert Pujols. We all know these three are perennial fantasy studs, so there's really no debate necessary. Keep them at all costs.

After that, your decisions get a little tougher, so here are a few more guidelines:

• Youth is at a premium. It probably goes without saying, but you want as little risk as possible when it comes to your keepers, and young players help limit that risk. Their numbers might be similar, but Robinson Cano (age 24) is a much safer pick than Jeff Kent (39). Duh.

• Position scarcity. The talent at some positions (shortstop, catcher) tends to be shallower than others (first base, outfield) each year, so perennial standouts (Derek Jeter) and up-and-comers (Russell Martin) at those thin spots should take precedence.

• Monitor new talent. We've already seen Detroit Tigers outfielder Cameron Maybin, New York Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin Upton and Colorado Rockies third baseman Ian Stewart get called up in the past few weeks. They're the kind of top prospects you need to jump on as soon as they become eligible, even if they can't help a whole lot this year.

• Trading tips. Use deals to your advantage. If you're out of contention, target studs having a down year or nursing injuries (Alfonso Soriano, Chase Utley). And on the flip side, don't sacrifice your future just to make a mad dash toward finishing in third place this year and getting your league entry fee back.

• Beware of pitchers. Use special caution when it comes to keeping starters and closers, whose values tend to fluctuate more from year to year and who are bigger injury risks. Suppose you kept Chris Carpenter, B.J. Ryan and Huston Street from last year - talk about a commitment you'll live to regret! Unfortunately, there are no prenuptial agreements in fantasy sports.