I personally like to wait right up until the last two weeks before the season starts to make sure I have taken in the spring games (Michael Morse 2011 spring training phenom), know player injury status and have a good feeling about how the teams will set their rosters for the season. Remember patience is a virtue!!

The below tips are meant for first time fantasy baseball players. It’s even a good reminder for owners who have played before but forgotten key elements to playing the game. Either way, hope you win in 2012!

3) Know your league rules BEFORE you draft. I can't tell you how many live drafts I've been in where 2-3 guys have no idea if they are in head-to-head leagues, total points or a Rotisserie league. Is there a games started limit etc. Know the rules and draft accordingly! 

4) Do the scoring rules put more prominence on pitching or hitting stats? How many players do we draft? What positions do we start in our lineups? Is there a Injured Reserve spot on my roster etc.. Can I draft 12 pitchers out of 21 roster spots or do I have requirements to draft at a certain position? All these questions you must know the answer to going into the draft.

5) Have a draft plan going in but be flexible so you are prepared for something to happen you didn’t plan on. I don’t care how many mock drafts you do, it always seems that the league your actual draft is taking place in it never goes like the mocks. Be prepared and when in doubt take the next best player on your list!

6) Do not "fall in love" with certain players that have helped you in the past or are on your favorite team. This is sure fire disaster waiting to happen. If Derek Jeter is your favorite SS or player, that still doesn't warrant taking him in the first round. Be patient and be prepared that you may not get him this year . 

7) How and who to draft is your choice but I can tell you that small ball, batting average and steals do not win head to head leagues. You want power and RBI guys, those stats out produce the others hands down. Some leagues do punish batters for striking out and pitchers for losses, earned runs etc. so keep that in mind. Pitching is also key – try loading up on two-start pitchers with good match-ups each week in head-to-head formats.

8) Once your draft is over, the great team owners know how to win with waiver wire pickups, trading, putting in the right lineup each week and be as active as you can. Keep an eye out for the Desmond Jenning's of 2011 (picked him up in two CBS leagues off waivers last year) or the Matt Moore's of the world. Be active and check the game stats daily. 

9) Keep relationships with other owners of your league at a high level. You will be offered some bone-head trades and the first thing you will want to do is scold the other guy, but don't. If you see a trade you deem is fair for two other owners in your league, do not veto it to be spiteful because it may come back to bite you. Also some owners value players much differently than you do therefore remember happy owners will be more willing to trade with you and accept and approve the trades you are making with others so keep it POSITIVE!. 

10) Remember above all else to keep things in perspective, this is just a GAME! Life is full of ups and downs and the so is the fantasy sports world. None of of us have a crystal ball that will predict just how well these players we have drafted will do. You will lose one week to an opponent by five points because your ace starter was taken out after seven shutout innings and you lose those 10 extra complete game points. Have fun and remember the highs and lows will come frequently.

11) Above all else never give up no matter how bleak things look. I scratched my way into the playoffs last year with a team that started 0-8 and won the championship. It would have been easy to tank it but if you draft a solid team, make a few trades and work the waiver wire you can right the ship quickly. hang in there til the end !