living in a fantasy

James really stole the best title for this post, just like he stole Ryan Braun. Sunday was the draft for my fantasy baseball league. My team, El Birdos, drew the 7th spot out of 8 teams, although the order reversed every other round. I'm rather pleased with how things went. My starting lineup is:

1. Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers
2. Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies
3. Carlos Lee, OF, Houston
4. Adam Dunn, OF, Reds
5. Dan Uggla, 2B, Marlins
6. Chris Young, OF, D'backs
7. Edwin Encarnacion, 3B, Reds
8. Geovany Soto, C, Cubs
9. Rick Ankiel, OF, Cards

Ankiel is slotted as my "Utility" player. On my bench:

1. Chris Duncan, OF, Cards
2. Mike Lowell, 3B, Red Sox
3. J.R. Towles, C, Houston

Heavy on the NL Central, it seems, although that wasn't a goal. A quick lineup analysis of those players using their PECOTA projections shows that they would be worth almost 6 runs per game. Of course, they're not functioning as a single line-up. Carlos Lee was probably an overdraft, but if Adam Dunn stays healthy he could be a steal. I took a flyer on Soto, a green catcher on the Cubs but all reports are that he will be the starter, and PECOTA pegs him at a .921 OPS. Ankiel was a sentimental pick. I can't help but root for him, now I have another reason to.

My pitching staff:

1. Josh Beckett, SP, Red Sox
2. Joe Nathan, RP, Twins
3. Dan Haren, SP, D'Backs
4. Aaron Harang, SP, Reds
5. Huston Street, RP, A's
6. Francisco Liriano, SP, Twins
7. Jason Isringhausen, RP, Cards
8. Ian Snell, SP, Pirates
9. Adam Wainwright, SP, Cards

For pitching depth:

1. Joe Blanton, SP, A's
2. Gil Meche, SP, Royals

I think Blanton could end up being a steal for as late as I got him. Beckett's been having back stiffness, and I may have to sit him on weeks where they play 4+ games against the Yanks. Liriano won't do me any favors for my IP count, but for the 13th round could be a big boost for K's, WHIP, and ERA. PECOTA puts my pitching staff at a 1.28 WHIP and 3.72 ERA, collectively. We'll see how that plays out.

One of my favorite things about fantasy sports is getting to know players to whom I would otherwise pay little or no attention. It helps you develop a broader understanding of the league and the talent pool available. So in the coming weeks before the season opener, I'll be posting individual player profiles from my fantasy team. I feel good about how I drafted, and I think I'm in a position to do well. All I need now is a little bit of luck.