The reality of fantasy baseball

If we are reaching the end of February, then it means that fantasy sports geeks around the world are gearing up for the upcoming baseball season. I use the term 'geek' in an endearing way because I am one of them.

For 10 years, I have been quite active in fantasy baseball. For those who love baseball, it is a way to get even closer to the game. Of all the sports, baseball seems to be the most statistically driven, and this is a crucial element when it comes to fantasy sports.

With baseball, there are literally dozens of statistical categories that can be used to set up a competitive fantasy league. Though I have played in some wacky leagues over the years, most of them have revolved around more traditional formats. Fantasy sports and baseball is a perfect match when marrying statistics and competition.

In the next few weeks, I will be taking part in drafts in the leagues in which I will be playing. For those who know little about fantasy baseball, participants draft real baseball players for their teams and earn points based on their performance.

I have been in many drafts over the years, and I see a lot of common mistakes. Defining a mistake can be quite subjective because most people have their own unique strategy when filling out their team. However, there are certain things I will not do.

For example, I will never select a starting pitcher in the first round. For experienced players this seems obvious, but I see this happen once or twice every year. It does not matter how good he is (the Phillies' Roy Halladay, for example), he will only play one or two times each week. A first round pick must be an every day player. No exceptions!

In fact, a person can wait until the fourth or fifth round to begin selecting pitchers. This includes both starters and relievers. Each year, acquiring cheap pitching can be done, and less experienced participants often get nervous about not having a big name hurler. Trust me, good pitching can be gotten late in the draft.

Also, do not fall too much in love with heavily-hyped rookies or sleeper picks that experts love to tout. Too much of that will likely put a person out of championship contention by Memorial Day.

Always look for experienced players with a proven track record. Do not be the one who prides himself on finding diamonds in the rough. A conservative approach is often a winning approach.

Additionally, a person should never allow a personal dislike of a team to cloud judgment when selecting players. I will use myself as an example. I strongly dislike the New York Yankees. I am not sure why, but I always have and probably always will.

However, there can be no disputing that the Yankees are one of the best teams every year. And because of that, they have a lot of the best players. Especially when it comes to hitters, the team has several players that can hit for power and average. Second baseman Robinson Cano is in his prime when it comes to hitting.

So, even though I never want the Yankees to win, I do not think twice about having one of their players on my team.

Conversely, do not fall in love with players on teams that are personal favorites. For example, I am an Atlanta Braves fan, but I usually avoid having players from that team. A person cannot be an objective manager when sentiment gets into the way about a player.

So, have fun everybody. Pick your players and have a great season.

An excellent baseball season is unfolding

Well, if it is late July, then it is time to talk baseball. Of course, the season began back in April, but the season really kicks into gear just after the all-star game. The races in both leagues are shaping up to be memorable ones. Here are my picks to win both leagues.

American League: Boston Red Sox. In analyzing the American League, only two teams really stand out. As in many previous years, the stretch drive will likely be a bitter duel between the Red Sox and the New York Yankees. I used the word 'bitter' because baseball fans know the rivalry between these two teams is Major League Baseball's best.

I base this mostly because there are not many other teams playing well. I know there is a long time to go in the season, but other than the Angels, nobody else is doing much. Well, Tampa Bay has been turning some heads lately. Still, the rest of the league is quiet.

It was tempting to pick New York. Their new stadium is a hitter's dream. Both Alex Rodriguez and Mark Texieria should spend the summer pounding home runs. Additionally, pitcher C.C. Sabathia should continue to find his groove as the season unfolds.

The reason I did not pick them is simple: I hate them. New York is one of those teams that a person either loves or hates. I just don't like their style. The mere thought of picking them made my stomach tighten up and caused my throat to start making a spastic gurgling noise.

So, I am going with the Red Sox. Slumping David Ortiz is regaining his home run stroke, and if pitcher John Smoltz continues to improve on his way back from injury, the Sox's top notch rotation will get even better.

National League: Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers have the best record in the National League, and nobody else is close. Obviously, part of their success is because the team plays in the most erratic division in the league. However, give the Dodgers credit for knowing how to handle adversity.

When star slugger Manny Ramirez got suspended for 50 games for flunking a drug test, it looked like the team's hot start might come to a screeching halt. It didn't happen. The team's winning percentage continues to be above .600.

Orlando Hudson, Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and James Loney lead a consistent offense. The pitching staff has an ERA well under four runs. The ingredients are there for success with or without Manny though his return should give the team a big boost.

No other team in the league looks as attractive as the Dodgers. The New York Mets are underachievers (I don't want to hear about their injuries). The Philadelphia Phillies have been up and down, but have been scorching lately. Both the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers are playing well, but I think a lot of their success is smoke and mirrors. Houston is surging and may be the team to watch in the Central Division.

World Series pick: I like the Dodgers to beat the Red Sox. Sometimes a team has the look of a champion, and this year, it looks like Los Angeles.

At least, so far.

It's time for fantasy baseball

I am in the process of putting a fantasy baseball league together. I have a few slots remaining so if anybody is interested in participating, e-mail me at the address on the top of this page.

It doesn't cost anything. The league is just a bunch of folks who enjoy baseball and fantasy sports.

All I ask is that you maintain your team and don't abandon it if you start doing bad. If you do that, I will find you and hurt you (not really, but don't abandon your team).