2007 NFBC Champion Profile - Scott Simonetti
Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 9:17 am
We're still waiting for our 2007 national champion (Terry Haney) to submit his profile information but we wanted to start profiling a number of our other champs from last year. First up is Scott Simonetti, who won the $1,250 Mixed Auction League in New York. We'll profile many more in the days and weeks to come before our 2008 event in March.
Here is Scott's 2007 champion profile:
1. How did it feel to win your league title?
It felt great considering there were many top players, including a previous main event Champ. I felt this was an East Coast best of the Best Auction League!
2. What were the keys to your championship season?
Some keys to the championship were drafting out-of-favor outfielders (Magglio Ordonez, Eric Byrnes), avoiding injury-prone players, drafting quality starting pitching (only had 1 closer), and drafting strong players up the middle (Utley, Hanley Ramirez, R Martin).
3. What draft day strategies worked best?
One of my strategies was to not overpay for saves. I drafted only Saito, who went cheaply due to his unproven American history. I wanted to concentrate on starters (Lackey, Smoltz, Harang). Punting Saves is a great strategy in leagues that use Total K instead of K/9, just make sure your starters WHIP are low!
Another strategy was to overpay for key players. Going into the draft, Prince Fielder was my key player who I thought would have a monster season and be affordable on draft day. I got into a bidding war (with a past $100,000 winner) and overpaid for him to make sure he was on my roster. My confidence paid off as he turned in a spectacular 50 home run season. Sometimes it pays to pay the extra $1 in the auction!
4. Were there any draft day strategies that didn't pan out?
I drafted middle relievers that I thought would eventually be closers. Bad idea. None panned out and that is a very dicey strategy...
5. How did FAAB work for you?
I don't like to rely on FAAB to add to my team. I believe in building a solid team on draft day that includes flexible players and a deep bench. I drafted Hunter Pence and kept him all year long. If I happen to luck out with free agent gold, its a plus. This year's FAAB signings were forgetable, and I was out of funds quickly.
6. How long have you been playing fantasy baseball/fantasy sports?
I've been playing since high school, mainly Auction style, Rotisserie leagues, with live drafts with buddies. I'm a big believer in Aucton style drafts over Serpentine Drafts for many reasons, the main reason being everyone starts on a level playing field with auctions, were as set draft slots can heavily favor early draft slots. Also in an auction draft, you can truly get the players you want, you will just have to pay up for it!
7. Personal - single/married/occupation/where do you live?
I've been married five years with one beautiful daughter, Occupation-Dentist, Suffolk New York.
Here is Scott's 2007 champion profile:
1. How did it feel to win your league title?
It felt great considering there were many top players, including a previous main event Champ. I felt this was an East Coast best of the Best Auction League!
2. What were the keys to your championship season?
Some keys to the championship were drafting out-of-favor outfielders (Magglio Ordonez, Eric Byrnes), avoiding injury-prone players, drafting quality starting pitching (only had 1 closer), and drafting strong players up the middle (Utley, Hanley Ramirez, R Martin).
3. What draft day strategies worked best?
One of my strategies was to not overpay for saves. I drafted only Saito, who went cheaply due to his unproven American history. I wanted to concentrate on starters (Lackey, Smoltz, Harang). Punting Saves is a great strategy in leagues that use Total K instead of K/9, just make sure your starters WHIP are low!
Another strategy was to overpay for key players. Going into the draft, Prince Fielder was my key player who I thought would have a monster season and be affordable on draft day. I got into a bidding war (with a past $100,000 winner) and overpaid for him to make sure he was on my roster. My confidence paid off as he turned in a spectacular 50 home run season. Sometimes it pays to pay the extra $1 in the auction!
4. Were there any draft day strategies that didn't pan out?
I drafted middle relievers that I thought would eventually be closers. Bad idea. None panned out and that is a very dicey strategy...
5. How did FAAB work for you?
I don't like to rely on FAAB to add to my team. I believe in building a solid team on draft day that includes flexible players and a deep bench. I drafted Hunter Pence and kept him all year long. If I happen to luck out with free agent gold, its a plus. This year's FAAB signings were forgetable, and I was out of funds quickly.
6. How long have you been playing fantasy baseball/fantasy sports?
I've been playing since high school, mainly Auction style, Rotisserie leagues, with live drafts with buddies. I'm a big believer in Aucton style drafts over Serpentine Drafts for many reasons, the main reason being everyone starts on a level playing field with auctions, were as set draft slots can heavily favor early draft slots. Also in an auction draft, you can truly get the players you want, you will just have to pay up for it!
7. Personal - single/married/occupation/where do you live?
I've been married five years with one beautiful daughter, Occupation-Dentist, Suffolk New York.
