I recently participated in a fantasy baseball experts draft on Feb. 3 for the Fantasy Sports Magazine.

The roster consists of 23 players (C, C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, CI, MI, OF, OF, OF, OF, OF, UT, 9 P) using a 5x5 scoring system.

The following are my picks:

Round 1, pick 11: Chase Utley, 2B, Philadephia 

I'd normally espouse a top corner infielder, but Utley was unexpectedly available with the 11th pick. He and Hanley Ramirez provide a season-long advantage at middle infield.

Round 2, pick 2: Johan Santana, SP, New York Mets

I'm a big believer in taking a top starting pitcher in the second round. Taking Santana, Tim Lincecum or CC Sabathia with the second pick will anchor your rotation all season.

Round 3, Pick 11: Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, San Diego

Be sure to draft at least one of the top first basemen. He's comparable to many of the seven first basemen taken ahead of him, and there's a significant dropoff soon after him.

Round 4, Pick 2: Kevin Youkilis, 1B/3B, Boston

 

As the sixth third basemen drafted, he ranks among the top classes at third base. Be sure to draft one of the best ones before the talent thins quickly.

 

Round 5, Pick 11: Josh Beckett, SP, Boston

 

He is being undervalued in drafts and can rebound to be one of the top fantasy starting pitchers again.

Round 6, Pick 2: Jermaine Dye, OF, Chicago White Sox

Only five outfielders and a total of 11 players had more home runs (34) last year.

 

Round 7, Pick 11: Milton Bradley, OF, Chicago Cubs

He hits for average and power, ranking fourth in OPS (.999) last year. But he needs to stay healthy.

Round 8, Pick 2: Carlos Delgado, 1B, New York Mets

Offers great value for the corner infield slot (CI) as the 15th first basemen and 86th overall player taken. He hit the third-most homers (38) and ranked in the top 10 RBI (115) last year.

 

Round 9, Pick 11: Daisuke Matsuzaka, SP, Boston

 

I make sure to draft at least three power starting pitchers with excellent ratios. He finished seventh in ERA (2.90) last year and offers big win potential.

 

Round 10, Pick 2: Raul Ibanez, OF, Philadelphia

 

Provides solid value as 34th outfielder and 110th overall player taken. A steady performer, his power stats could increase moving to a better hitter's park and lineup.

 

Round 11, Pick 11: David Price, SP, Tampa Bay

He's looking to be the next Mark Prior as a rookie. He was a low-risk pick drafting as the fourth fantasy starting pitcher in the mid-rounds and offers much upside.

Round 12, Pick 2: Nelson Cruz, OF, Texas

 

He's aiming to be the next big hitting star.  His 2008 stats project to 37 HR, 136 RBI, 99 runs and 16 SB with a .330 average for a 162-game season. Take a chance on a young promising hitter in the mid-rounds, and he could pay off big.

Round 13, Pick 11: Trevor Hoffman, RP, Milwaukee

MLB's all-time saves leader offers excellent value and can rank among the league leaders again.  He's one reason why waiting on relievers early can still result into drafting solid closers in the draft's second half.

Round 14, Pick 2: Willy Taveras, OF, Cincinnati

Led majors in steals last year and moves to Cincinnati's faster track.

Round 15, Pick 11: Randy Johnson, SP, San Francisco

He can still ring up the K's, placing 22nd in the majors last year. His ratios will improve playing in one of the top pitcher's parks.

Round 16, Pick 2: Matt Lindstrom, RP, Florida

Waiting on closers while drafting quality players at other positions continues to pay off. I still found a full-time closer like Lindstrom late in the draft, and he's comparable to some of the ones taken earlier.

Round 17, Pick 11: Troy Percival, RP, Tampa Bay

He is still a solid threat to contribute 25 saves, even if he regresses or battles injuries later in the season.

 

Round 18, Pick 2: Ryan Theriot, SS, Chicago Cubs

He offers a strong average (hit .307 last year) and solid steals (ranked 30th last year) at a weak fantasy position.

 Round 19, Pick 11: Jerry Hairston, Jr., SS/OF, Cincinnati

 

He's worth the risk as a middle infield (MI) selection. Double his 80 games from last year, and he projects for 12 HR, 72 RBI, 94 runs and 30 steals with a .326 average.

 

Round 20, Pick 2: George Sherril, RP, Baltimore

 

Will be valuable even if he provides only 20 saves serving as my fourth reliever.

Round 21, Pick 11: Brandon Inge, C/3B, Detroit

Offers much more hitting potential than many catchers. He hit 27 HR and 83 RBI in 2006.

Round 22, Pick 2: Jason Varitek, C, Boston

I took little risk as he's the 266th player and 22nd catcher drafted. He'll be highly motivated to rebound as well.

Round 23, Pick 11: Gary Sheffield, OF/DH, Detroit

He's past his prime, but offers more upside than the vast majority of hitters who were available with the No. 254th pick.