Drafting a player in fantasy baseball packs more excitement, twists and turns than a Olympic downhill ski run.

You have the chance to create your own roster of players and outwit other owners.  More than football, baseball drafts involve strategy, and the picks are a game of chess. A vast list of players at an array of positions lay before you, and it's exciting to decide your direction. There's a balance in picking the best player available vs. one at a scarce position. Here are my five tips for a 5x5 MLB league:

1. Build your infield first - Numerous outfielders, pitchers and closers are available, but the depth of strong players at second base, third base and shortstop go quickly.

2. Grab at least three high-strikeout pitching aces with solid ERA and WHIP averages

3. Take three closers to avoid punting the saves category. The goal is to score high in all categories, gaining at least a seven in 10-team leagues, or nine in 12-team leagues. 

4. Draft at least one steal leader who also contributes in other categories, or three all-around players that have a solid chance of stealing 25 or more bases. 

5. Draft five-tool fantasy hitters who produce in all five categories (Runs, RBI, HR, Steals and Average) and avoid players who significantly hurt one category. Some of these include some obvious and not-so-obvious hitters:

Catcher: Joe Mauer, Jason Varitek and Ivan Rodriguez

First base: Albert Pujols, Derrek Lee, Mark Teixeira, Shea Hillebrand, Chad Tracy, Todd Helton and Lance Berkman

Second base: Alfonso Soriano, Chase Utley, Jeff Kent, Brian Roberts, Marcus Giles and Tadahito Iguchi

Third base: Alex Rodriguez, David Wright, Morgan Ensberg and Melvin Mora

Shortstop: Michael Young, Derek Jeter, Miguel Tejada and Felipe Lopez

Outfield: Vladimir Guerrero, Bobby Abreu, Jason Bay, Carl Crawford, Grady Sizemore, Hideki Matsui, Randy Winn, Brian Giles, Jermaine Dye, Raul Ibanez, Matt Holliday and Coco Crisp

Sleeper tip:  Take a chance later on proven, veteran hitting stars who were unusually injured or struggled last season. These include Jim Thome, Scott Rolen, Mike Lowell, Jason Giambi, Edgar Renteria, Torii Hunter and Ivan Rodriguez.

Flop tip:  Watch spring training reports for injuries. Last year, you would have been more likely to stay away from busts Jim Thome, Eric Gagne, Barry Bonds and Kerry Wood if you took into account their spring training injuries.

Thome missed spring training games with a back injury, Gagne was ineffective after injuring his knee on opening day of spring training, Bonds wrestled with his brittle knee, and Kerry Wood battled back and shoulder ailments. These were early round picks and put gaping holes in their owners' lineup, placing them at a serious disadvantage entering the season.

What are the rules/strategy you like to follow?