Is there any vacation place in the world that generates as much excitement upon arrival and departure as Las Vegas? From this day forward, my future trips there will be limited to 72 hours for the good of my wallet and liver.
Saturday marked my first attempt at the $100,000 grand prize for the main event in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship. Each 15-team league pays out $5,600 (four times in the entry fee) to the first place team while second and third place receive $2,800 and $1,400, respectively. With seven other leagues on my plate for this season, managing a high stakes team was clearly an endeavor best suited for a tandem, so RotoWire Chief Financial Officer Tim Schuler and I decided to split the entry fee and the responsibilities for the season.
Here's how our roster took shape, drafting from the ninth overall position in the snaking 30-round format:
1.9 - Jose Bautista, 3B - He's the top player on my board heading into the 2012 season, and while there's some concern about his batting average, power is at a premium in the player pool and it was very surprising to see him there at No. 9 when were expecting to begin with one of Justin Upton (1.10) or Carlos Gonzalez (1.8).
2.7 - Mark Teixeira, 1B - Five first basemen were already off the board in Round 1, and the decision here was between Teixeira and our top pitcher on the board Clayton Kershaw, who was taken by Scott Jenstad with the very next selection. More batting average risk, but elite potential in the power categories.
3.9 - Jay Bruce, OF - What's the difference between Bruce and Giancarlo Stanton? The former is healthy and further along in his development, while the latter has battled injuries this spring and moves into a new park that may play pitcher-friendly. Even though we love Stanton's raw power potential, Bruce may offer better overall numbers in 2012 despite being available more than one round later.
4.7 - CC Sabathia, SP - After the Bruce pick, we had six pitchers queued up here hoping to get one back after the 12-pick wait. Five were scooped up, including David Price (4.6), but a top-10 pitcher with a reputation for being a durable workhorse makes for a great ace in a format where wins become crucial in the overall prize standings.
5.9 - Jon Lester, SP - Skills wise, this is still the same pitcher many were willing to draft in the third round this time last year. Excellent rebound potential, and another starter with plenty of run support on top of 200-plus strikeouts.
6.7 - Joe Mauer, C - Even if he's a .320 hitter with 10-12 HR and a boatload of R.B.I., there is a significant profit potential here if the bilateral leg weakness that derailed him is no longer an issue.
7.9 - Mariano Rivera, RP - Job security is crucial for a top closer in this format since 15 teams are chasing saves on the waiver wire and FAAB piggybanks must be shattered to obtain them.
8.7 - Jason Heyward, OF - If 75 at-bats in Grapefruit League play aren't proof that he's healthy again, what is? Still impressed by his .849 OPS age-20 season.
9.9 - Derek Jeter, SS - After years of being overrated and overpriced, the market has become exceedingly sour on Jeter. Sure, he's well passed his prime, but there is a ton of value hitting at the top of the Yankees' lineup even at age 37.
10.7 - Peter Bourjos, OF - Had 48 extra-base hits and 22 stolen bases during his first full season with the Angels. Overlooked in many circles and should provide similar speed numbers while improving his team-driven stats in Year 2.
11.9 - Jemile Weeks, 2B - While there's concern that his batting average may slip, Weeks should be atop the A's lineup and his minor league plate discipline suggests that he'll draw more walks as he adjusts to the big leagues. Hence, stolen-base growth may be on the horizon.
12.7 - Grant Balfour, RP - Second closer, and was higher on our board than Drew Storen given Storen's late spring elbow issues. If he remains in the ninth-inning role all season, this will be an excellent value.
13.9 - Brandon McCarthy, SP - His revamped skill set and home park should help stabilize our ERA and WHIP from Sabathia and Lester picks earlier.
14.7 - Nick Swisher, OF - Something of a luxury since we already had four outfielders, but simply couldn't pass up on his combination of power and R.B.I. potential.
15.9 - Brandon Belt, 1B/OF - Plugs in as our corner infielder, and Bruce Bochy might be the only obstacle between Belt and 25 homers in 2012.
16.7 - Bud Norris, SP - Improved his walk rate last season and pitched much better than some of his numbers might suggest.
17.9 - Greg Holland, RP - If managers let pure talent pick their closers, Holland wouldn't have been available here. Fortunately, Jonathan Broxton will get a chance to implode (or get hurt), which may provide us a third closer sooner rather than later.
18.7 - Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C - Raw power invokes memories of Mike Napoli a few years ago before he put all of the pieces together.
19.9 - Nolan Reimold, OF - Might be a late bloomer capable of chipping in 15-20 homers and double-digit steals, while getting a look as the Orioles' leadoff hitter.
20.7 - John Buck, C - Mauer insurance with pop from the catcher spot in an improved Miami lineup. Depending on situations, may occasionally work in as our utility option.
Last 10:Sean Rodriguez, Brett Anderson (hoping for an effective midseason return), R.A. Dickey, Jonny Venters, Danny Duffy, Juan Pierre, Pedro Alvarez, Alexi Ogando, Chris Volstad and Jake Arrieta.