NFBC Message Boards

Thanks for the questions. I'll see some of you in a few weeks.

I have to run, so this is the last question: "What round would you look for your staff ace? How long in between until you pick up your next pitcher? (It seems like there are always great pitchers that get taken in the first few rounds...half get hurt...half help keep their team in pitching category ...

"How early do you like to address Catching? It seems after Victor Martinez goes it might be awhile before another catcher comes off the board. When do you anticipate the first real "run" on catchers?" I'll watch for runs but try not to over-react. It's definitely a delicate matter when you could hav...

"Do you think anyone will steal 70 bases this year? What speed guys will lose the most SBs this year?"



Probably not. I think Reyes and Pods have a shot, and so does Gathright if he ends up playing every day. That's about it.



I think Furcal and Counsell will steal fewer bases than last year.

"What kind of season do you see Miguel Tejada having? I kind of think he's been overrated, and shouldn't be taken in 1st round. (I think late second, early third round)"



I think he'll do a bit better than last year, and is a good 12-15 pick in NFBC.

"I hear you on not taking a one dimensional player (speed) early but the reality of all the draft I have seen is that speed - even one dimensional speed guys - are going earlier than ever writer is suggesting - often a full round earlier. Your choices seem to be take a big speed guy early even if yo...

"Nate, Do you ever punt categories or positions? And what are your thoughts on the all reliever strategy, hair-brained or do you think it has any merit? And when you draft do you hope to see some imploring that strategy in your league?" In traditional Rotisserie play, I never punt a category on draf...

Regarding the Friday DL rule.



I honestly had no idea this rule was added this year, so thanks for filling me in. I don't see how it would affect draft strategy.

Question: "Nate, is keeping the flex spot open really more important than taking a D.Ortiz at #15 or a Hafner @ #30 ?" Absolutely not. In fact, I don't think keeping the flex spot open is especially important in NFBC play. I try to not have a DH-only in regular leagues because having flexibility the...

I'm not sure where you get the idea that I wouldn't get two closers in the first 15 rounds. I drafted my closers in rounds 5 (Cordero) and 7 (Looper) last year, and then the combination of luck and aggressive FAAB bidding got me Todd Jones. In fact, looking at my NFBC article, I specifically suggest...

Question: "Nate how does the new Busch stadium pan out." I live in St. Louis, and no one here seems to know. The dimensions are basically the same as old Busch, with he alleys possibly being a little deeper. Supposedly, the gaps are deeper to account for the fact that the designers expect the ball t...

"Let's go non-fantasy for a second Nate. Which teams do you think will be the most improved this season and are they any you think are primed for a fall?" I think the following teams will be improved: Mets, Blue Jays, Giants, A's. The Yankees could be primed for a fall, simply because their starting...

Question: "Nate, Why did you skip the auction drafts this year?" Basically to lighten my load for the week. See I arrive in Las Vegas on Tuesday for the FSTA conference. I spend Wednesday/Thursday at the conference, having a lot of meetings with business contacts, plus drafting in an FSTA experts dr...

I saw there was a lot more discussion on the other threat about the Shandler issue (why he doesn't play NFBC). To clarify, my position at RT is "editor in chief", which basically means I run Roto Times, our premium web site (Fantasy Hot Sheet) and everything else. I am not the owner of Roto Times cu...

Question: "Who are your 3 most likely candidates for the following things this year's 1) Beltran first round bust 2) Cantu out of nowhere to stud 3) Carpenter- a good pitcher turned ace 4) BJ Ryan- solid choice on draft day closer turned elite" 1) Miguel Cabrera - because he has so little lineup sup...

"nate - what do you think about BBDS (Blind Bidding on Draft Slots) using FAAB money? thanks."



I thought it was a terrible idea, and I told Greg as much.

Players other "experts" are touting who I would avoid (or at least not take as high as you'll probably need to)



Conor Jackson

Brad Hawpe

Segio Mitre

Chien-Ming Wang

It wouldn't stun me if Chone Figgins went at the very end of the first round in NFBC. I think he's more likely a mid-late second round pick, though I probably wouldn't take him quite that high.

I have to give away mid-late round value picks??!!!



Okay, here are a few I like:



Mid: Orlando Hudson, Shea Hillenbrand, Anthony Reyes, Ryan Madson



Late: Dave Bush, Ryan Shealy, John Rodriguez

By the way, my response above should say "ow, I did say that I basically DON'T TAKE guys expected to hit below .270 or guys with expected high ERAs and WHIPs"

Hey guys. I'm here. Shoot any questions my way.