The League: The Fantasy Football Life

It’s that time of year where everyone is gearing up for fantasy football. Straitpinkie has provided you a Fantasy Football Primer with some great advice on who to draft for your team. Yet, there is more to Fantasy Football that just selecting a team. There are many factors that can help to make your season a success. We sit down with friend of the site, Brian Anderson (aka B.A), and talk about some of the key pre-draft items you should give a little time too.

StraitPinkie: Possibly the most important factor is picking a name. The name lets your league opponents know where you are coming from. What name do you go with and why?

B.A.: ManMythLegend is a name I decided on years ago and for obvious reasons. Those words describe me and you can ask anybody and they know that’s my team. (editor’s note: by anybody Brian meant 1 of the 12 members of his fantasy league).

SP: One of the members of your league this year retired so after a league wide discussion I was invited to join. How many years has the league been together and how many original members remain?

B.A.: This is the 6th year. Originally it was called “The Louisville Bats” because that was the connection for most of the members and we didn’t know how long it would last so probably a little hasty at the time. After watching one episode of the “The League” on FX we had to change it. We renamed it in honor of the show and the amazingness that it represents. As for the league wide discussion, it’s important that decisions are made for the best of the league. If you want serious fun, then you have to work with your members in making sure enough people are on board. This works for any changes,from scoring to making sure a draft time works out, because the last thing you want is the dreaded “auto pick”.

SP: Draft position is determined several ways from allowing a computer to select it, drawing numbers, or even letting an unbiased waitress pull names out a hat. What do you find works best?

B.A.: It’s definitely letting a waitress pull names. We set an evening where any owner can attend and draft position is selected. We select a fine local establishment to drink a few adult beverages, eat something fried, and then have the waitress reach into a hat and select a name. If you are unable to make it, we immediately place a phone call and you select the position you want. We have to do it this way because we have a bunch of crybabies who cry collusion anytime they can. The waitress pulling names is like that armored car company that brings the winners cards of the Oscars so no funny business happens.

SP: So it’s certainly important to pick a good name, find a group that is going to stay together, and keeping the integrity of the process because of whiny-asses! What about mock drafts? Is that something you get into and encourage?

B.A.: Mock drafts are good for a few reasons. Prior to finding out your draft position it’s important to practice from different spots to see what type of team you could possibly build. Plus, it prepares you for any curveballs that will certainly show up draft day. After you know your draft spot then you can really start your draft board. The first 3 or 4 rounds will basically see the same players go in any draft so you will you know 2 or 3 players that will be available before your draft starts for those first couple rounds.

SP: When picking your draft spot in a snake draft, I love the book ends (1,2 ,11,12). Do you think those picks have any advantage on the mid round picks?

B.A.: I am fan of the book ends as well. I love having the back to back picks. 1st round 12th pick is 2nd round 1st pick!

SP: These are certainly some things to think about and any time “adult beverage” is involved it makes it better. Let’s pick your brain with some of the big decisions coming up for the draft that many people will have on their mind.
Trent Richardson is currently ranked 7th on Yahoo…Real or no deal and why

B.A.:A little nervous about him going so early but being a big Browns fan I am hopeful. The Browns have had success in the running game the last decade with Jamal Lewis and Peyton Hillis. I am hoping he can fill that role but with his injuries its a risk. I will say real deal though with a team who will need him to contribute so he will have the opportunity.

SP: Well you are certainly a homer. Andre Johnson is continously hurt but still has big games. Matthew Berry says in reality he should be 5th rounder instead of 2nd, what’s your thoughts?

B.A.: He is picked too early because of his injury issues. Now with the rise of Arian Foster they run and run. Plus when he is healthy it’s a possibilty Matt Schaub won’t be! I say he really is a 5th rounder but won’t make it out of the 2nd.

SP: Peyton Manning, back or not?

B.A. He is back. I feel like as long as a guy can manage the game and make a couple throws he is a good QB in this league. Manning will be able to make the throws and can definitely manage a game. Plus, he is playing with a chip on his shoulder.

SP: A chip? That dude has a frankenstein head on his shoulder! Thanks for taking the time and we will check back after the draft to see how things went.

We will bring you more of the “The League” post draft to check the strategies of some owners and who really seemed a reach in the early and mid rounds. Hopefully it will help you on your draft day.

Tags: Brian Anderson, Fantasy Football, How to, The League, Yahoo Fantasy Football

Category: Humor