NFBC Weekly Profile - Andy Robinson

[Tom Kessenich]

The unique format in the National Fantasy Baseball Championship this year not only afforded owners the opportunity to pick the draft date and location that worked best for them, but also try and double up on their chances to win the $100,000 if they felt they could make it work.



So far, only one owner who tried to double down has a pair of teams lodged firmly in the upper echelon of the standings. While Andy Robinson knows there is still plenty of baseball left to be played, he’s excited about where his two teams reside in the NFBC.



Entering play on Wednesday, Robinson had one of his Classic teams placed firmly in fourth place in the overall standings while the other was in 10th. Two Top 10 teams in an event of this stature is no small feat, something Robinson keenly recognizes.



“It really is an honor to be competing against some of the greatest fantasy sports players in the world,” Robinson said. “It’s early but so far I have two teams performing well. It’s far too early to even think about the grand prize.”





If just one of Robinson’s teams continues at this pace, it may not be too soon.



Robinson diversified his strategies for his two Classic teams. In the first, he ignored conventional thinking with his first pick and took Hanley Ramirez instead of Albert Pujols with the first overall selection.



“It remains to be seen if this was the wisest move but it enabled me to fill the shortstop position early and thus fill three different positions in the first three rounds with strong players,” he said. “At this time, if I had to do it over I would do the same thing. So I’m pleased so far.”



That team has also been bolstered by strong pitching, led by the amazing Ubaldo Jimenez as well as Adam Wainwright.



“I feel like I have two legitimate aces on my pitching staff,” Robinson said.



His second Classic team is off to a strong start due primarily to some top-flight hitting. Andre Eithier and Nelson Cruz got off to fast starts and Robinson has also worked the Waiver Wire to further bolster his offense.



“I was able to pick up Alex Gonzalez and Ty Wigginton from the free-agent pool,” he said. “They have been nice additions to the team.”

The 52-year-old Robinson is a longtime sports fan. Baseball has always been close to his heart as his late father coached his little league teams when he was growing up.



Fantasy sports entered Robinson’s world in 1992 when a friend encouraged him to play in a local league. An NFBC veteran, he brought his girlfriend with him to this year’s drafts and she provided plenty of assistance in helping Robinson navigate through the treacherous Draft Day terrain.



“It was the first time she had seen a baseball draft,” Robinson said. “She enjoyed being a part of it all.”



Now the question is whether all the hard work Robinson has done to date and will do going forward will pay off with the big prize at season’s end. Having a pair of teams hasn’t guaranteed anyone a better chance to win the title, but Robinson hopes it can expand his chances as much as possible.



“Having two teams entered has enabled me to have twice the fun,” he said. “I believe being around the best makes you play harder and have more fun and the NFBC has some of the greatest players in the world. It’s still early but someone has to win.”

[Glenneration X]

Impressive start...two teams in the top 10.

Keep up the good work Andrew.



Glenn

[eddiejag]

Andy is alway's one of the first guys i look for in Vegas,just love talking fantasy baseball with him and battling in leagues like the ultimate.One of the nice guy's and im routing for him .

[Greg Ambrosius]

Originally posted by eddiejag:

Andy is alway's one of the first guys i look for in Vegas,just love talking fantasy baseball with him and battling in leagues like the ultimate.One of the nice guy's and im routing for him . Good post Eddie. I know that Andy picked your brain and asked Shawn a lot of questions during the off-season as he went full tilt in preparation for this season. Whatever advice Shawn gave you Andy, you're proving to be a good pupil. Good job so far and good luck to everyone the rest of the way.

[eddiejag]

Originally posted by Greg Ambrosius:

quote:Originally posted by eddiejag:

Andy is alway's one of the first guys i look for in Vegas,just love talking fantasy baseball with him and battling in leagues like the ultimate.One of the nice guy's and im routing for him . Good post Eddie. I know that Andy picked your brain and asked Shawn a lot of questions during the off-season as he went full tilt in preparation for this season. Whatever advice Shawn gave you Andy, you're proving to be a good pupil. Good job so far and good luck to everyone the rest of the way. [/QUOTE]Yes Greg you are correct Andy waste know time talking about sleepers and what rounds to grab players but next year i will be asking him the questions.

[Navel Lint]

I was looking at both his teams last weekend assuming that he had two very similar squads. I was surprised to see two very solid and distinct teams.



Good luck this season and keep going.

[Bama]

Great job Andy. You need to concentrate on that week 2 team . Nice seeing you in vegas and looking forward to seeing you again next year. Good luck with that week 2 team.

[LONG GONE]

Its nice seeing you take over the contest. Good luck the rest of the way.

[MadCow Sez]

Originally posted by Bama:

Great job Andy. You need to concentrate on that week 2 team . Nice seeing you in vegas and looking forward to seeing you again next year. Good luck with that week 2 team. I agree with Kenny here, Andy! He's done well before so listen to him!

[Cowboy Joe]

Congrats Andy on your performance to date. You've made all the right moves.



Dallas