JustSayin.net

The Sandlot Fantasy Football League has just concluded it's draft weekend, and it rocked.  We started with the traditional (at least now I'm proposing traditional) pre-draft party.  All league owners were invited as well as friends, family, and any other bum off the street.  We had it at the commishes house.  There was chicken, mac, chicken mac, burgers, chicken, brownies, and maybe even some adult beverages.  Good party.

Then came the draft.  Some owners crashed on the couches as the party died down while others headed home for the night.  I woke up early the next morning to get some last minute research in and headed to the draft site.

My strategy going in was much different this year than in years past.  Traditionally it was to pay as much as you need to for elite running backs, get a value QB, and draft enough wide receivers so that you can either play the matchups or some emerge as reliable starters.  Tight ends, kickers, and defenses aren't worth all that much so pick them up when it seems right.

With so many teams now moving to the committee system in their backfields, running back is deeper than ever, while there are definitely about 10 receivers you want.  After those 10, they're all very similar.

Also, the winner of this particular league has always had a top tier quarterback.  With 6 points per TD, a great, reliable QB can really give you an advantage over the competition.  My bargain QB hunting over the years has never worked out and always has me scrambling for the next Tyler Thigpen come playoff time.

My keepers were Steve Smith (Car) for $28, and Ahmad Bradshaw for $4.  Here's how my team ended up:

• QB - Tom Brady, $55
• RB - Willie Parker, $23
• RB - Julius Jones $3
• WR - Randy Moss, $47
• WR - Steve Smith, $28
• TE - Owen Daniels, $3
• Flex - Ahmad Bradshaw, $4
• K - Kris Brown, $1
• D/ST - Chargers, $2
• B - Donald Brown, $13
• B - Edgerrin James, $5
• B - Malcom Kelly, $1
• B - Domenik Hixon, $1
• B - Nate Washington, $1
• B - David Garrard, $3
• B - Miles Austin, $3

I went into the draft knowing I was drafting Tom Brady.  I'm just plain sick of hunting for a reliable arm on my team throughout the year.  And yes, I'm hoping his shoulder is fine.  As a matter of fact, my season depends on it.  I was happy I locked up David Garrard though for $3.  He was a top 10 QB last year, under the radar.

Running back is an issue.  I think Willie Parker has at least one more good year in him, and I'm not worried about Rashard Mendenhall taking carries.  I think my hatred of Joseph Addai, after costing me last season, came through in my Donald Brown bidding, but I'm glad I got him.  My goal was to get some good, young backs that could be starters next year and long term keepers.  I think I got those with Bradshaw and Brown.  Also, I got the whole Seattle backfield because I think someone there has a decent season.

At wide receiver, I have Steve Smith and Randy Moss.  Enough said.

Owen Daniels at tight end for $3 is a steal.  He had a ton of targets last year and I just need those to turn into TD's for a breakout season.

No comment on kicker.

I think the Chargers defense has a bounceback year, with Shawn Merriman back on the line.  He should bring some sacks, as well as help in run support.

My season clearly depends on Brady and Moss.  If they stay healthy, and put up half the production they put up 2 years ago, I'll be in good shape.  Go Patriots ... ugh I hate saying that.