So I'm getting ready for my first real fantasy draft. I've done my Strat list, my Scoresheet keepers, and one off-season mock, but the Sportsline "Experts" League is one I take seriously. First, they were nice enough to call me an expert and second, I got my ass handed to me last season. Call this a comeback.

Looking at the B&N the other day for help, I glanced at some of the magazines and as I'm flipping through, realizing that PECOTA (the new cards are up today!) is giving me a TON more info, I also realized that for the most part, I have no idea who the people writing these are. I saw a couple familiar names -- Peter Kreutzer, Matthew Berry, Ron Shandler -- but a lot that I simply had no clue about.

Now, I like to think that if I don't know everyone in this business, I've at least heard of everyone, but over and over, I found myself wondering who these guys are and what they do during the year? Are these fantasy experts who spend all their time playing? A little digging and no, most were just staff writers for the publisher, likely doing the same style of writing for football, hoops, rugby, whatever the assignment is. There's nothing wrong with that and I certainly bought enough of those magazines for years.

Then again, I've never won a fantasy league.

I'm not saying that my "expert" status means I know more about winning a league than the next guy. It doesn't. I suck at fantasy, especially at roto, which I'm just about to completely reject. There's a lot of people out there with good information and it's worthwhile to check as many as you can to build your own picture and strategy.

I did leave B&N empty-handed, if that tells you anything.