You're in a progressive league and as of 1977 you can keep 2:

Rod Carew

Pete Rose

Jose Cruz

I'd protect Carew 1st, based on his huge 1977.  Then, with 1B covered, I'd protect Cruz over Rose.

I'm in the same league and it's looking like we're all going to have some tough choices to make before the '77 season. 

I'm looking at it this way...

When do I expect to be competitive again, and who will be good then? 
AND 
How much "keeperness" to I assign to a guy that plays a hard to replace position?

I was one of the expansion owners in 1969, and I'm not saying I had the best strategy, but my first four expansion picks were a Luis Tiant (SP), Bill Freehan (C), Mark Belanger (SS) and Dennis Menke (SS/2B).  From some fluke I was still able to get Roberto Clemente with my 13th pick.