Ever wondered just how Brian Cashman or Billy Beane do it? Joining a dynasty, or keeper league can give your fantasy baseball experience the most true-to-MLB feel. In a dynasty league, owners retain some or all players on their rosters heading into the following season. This makes for a slightly different draft strategy than a non-keeper league, as you must consider the future as well as the present. Preseason rankings and predictions are all well and good, but it's anticipating the next two, three, or five years in a players' career that can prove both frustrating and fun.
 
I participated in a mock 12-team, 25-player snake draft, in which I was randomly assigned the number two pick. Below are my picks and my reasoning for taking them. Preseason rankings are from ESPN.

Round 1

1. Ryan Braun, Outfield, Milwaukee Brewers
2. Mike Trout, Outfield, Los Angeles Angels
3. Miguel Cabrera, Third Base, Detroit Tigers
4. Robinson Cano, Second Base, New York Yankees
5. Andrew McCutchen, Outfield, Pittsburgh Pirates
6. Matt Kemp, Outfield, Los Angeles Dodgers
7. Albert Pujols, First Base, Los Angeles Angels
8. Carlos Gonzalez, Outfield, Colorado Rockies
9. Joey Votto, First Base, Cincinnati Reds
10. Prince Fielder, First Base, Detroit Tigers
11. Troy Tulowitzki, Shortstop, Colorado Rockies
12. Justin Upton, Outfield, Atlanta Braves

Why Cabrera?

Cabrera is the best hitter in baseball, hands down. Since breaking into the big leagues at age 20, the big third baseman has enjoyed nine consecutive seasons batting over .290 with 25-plus home runs and over 100 runs batted in. Where his early career was marked by great consistency, especially for a young player, Cabrera in his peak is a perennial Triple Crown candidate. He is still only 30 years old, has never sustained a major injury, and is the ideal ballplayer to build a franchise around in years to come.

Round 2

13. Justin Verlander, Starting Pitcher, Detroit Tigers
14. Clayton Kershaw, Starting Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
15. Giancarlo Stanton, Outfield, Miami Marlins
16. Buster Posey, Catcher/First Base, San Francisco Giants
17. David Wright, Third Base, New York Mets
18. Adrian Beltre, Third Base, Texas Rangers
19. Josh Hamilton, Outfield, Los Angeles Angels
20. Jose Bautista, Outfield, Toronto Blue Jays
21. Evan Longoria, Third Base, Tampa Bay Rays
22. Felix Hernandez, Starting Pitcher, Seattle Mariners
23. Stephen Strasburg, Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals
24. David Price, Starting Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays

Why Price?

Normally, I don't draft starting pitching this early on, however, when my pick rolled around and I was faced with the options of Strasburg and Price, I went with the slightly-less sexy pick, mostly because of his track record. The 27-year-old Price, beginning of 2013 aside, is good for 15-plus wins and 200-plus strikeouts annually. I believe that his injury this season is not serious, and he will return to form when he returns this month. Strasburg, on the other hand, has far more electric stuff but his stamina still doesn't have me convinced he can throw 200 innings with consistency.

Round 3

25. Dustin Pedroia, Second Base, Boston Red Sox
26. Ian Kinsler, Second Base, Texas Rangers
27. Jason Heyward, Outfield, Atlanta Braves
28. Jose Reyes, Shortstop, Toronto Blue Jays
29. Matt Cain, Starting Pitcher, San Francisco Giants
30. Edwin Encarnacion, First Base, Toronto Blue Jays
31. Cliff Lee, Starting Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
32. Cole Hamels, Starting Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
33. Adam Jones, Outfield, Baltimore Orioles
34. Starlin Castro, Shortstop, Chicago Cubs
35. Jay Bruce, Outfield, Cincinnati Reds
36. Bryce Harper, Outfield, Washington Nationals

Why Harper?

Harper, at age 20, plays like a kid with the polish of a veteran. His rookie season gave us an indication that he is every part the five-tool player scouts had been raving about. While his numbers thus far - .274 batting average, 34 home runs and 82 runs batted in through 683 career at bats - are worthy of his selection this early on, it is his untapped potential that led me to draft him above slot and hold out for what is sure to come.

Round 4

37. Billy Butler, First Base, Kansas City Royals
38. Jered Weaver, Starting Pitcher, Los Angeles Angels
39. Adrian Gonzalez, First Base, Los Angeles Dodgers
40. Brandon Phillips, Second Base, Cincinnati Reds
41. Craig Kimbrel, Relief Pitcher, Atlanta Braves
42. Jacoby Ellsbury, Outfield, Boston Red Sox
43. Matt Holliday, Outfield, St. Louis Cardinals
44. B.J. Upton, Outfield, Atlanta Braves
45. Yadier Molina, Catcher, St. Louis Cardinals
46. Gio Gonzalez, Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals
47. Adam Wainwright, Starting Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals
48. Ryan Zimmerman, Third Base, Washington Nationals

Why Wainwright?

Coming off a 2010 season in which he finished second in Cy Young Award voting, Wainwright got hurt, underwent Tommy John surgery, and did not return until 2012. If last season was not indication enough that the Cardinals ace had returned to form, his 84 strikeouts and only six walks allowed this season should be. The type of surgery he had has become, strange as it sounds, less of a career death sentence and more of a rite of passage for pitchers. He is a good pick, in his prime at age 31, to head your rotation for years to come.

Round 5

49. Yoenis Cespedes, Outfield, Oakland Athletics
50. Madison Bumgarner, Starting Pitcher, San Francisco Giants
51. Ben Zobrist, Outfield/Second Base/Shortstop, Tampa Bay Rays
52. Yu Darvish, Starting Pitcher, Texas Rangers
53. Matt Wieters, Catcher, Baltimore Orioles
54. Brett Lawrie, Third Base, Toronto Blue Jays
55. Michael Bourn, Outfield, Cleveland Indians
56. R.A. Dickey, Starting Pitcher, Toronto Blue Jays
57. CC Sabathia, Starting Pitcher, New York Yankees
58. Jason Kipnis, Second Base, Cleveland Indians
59. Austin Jackson, Outfield, Detroit Tigers
60. Allen Craig, First Base/Outfield, St. Louis Cardinals

Why Bumgarner?

Still only 23 years old, Bumgarner has been a steady, if not dominant starting pitcher on a World Series champion Giants team. His ERA has hovered around 3.30 throughout his young career, he doesn’t get into trouble with walks, and he is likely to get the run support he needs playing in San Francisco.

Round 6

61. Ian Desmond, Shortstop, Washington Nationals
62. Joe Mauer, Catcher/First Base, Minnesota Twins
63. Chris Sale, Starting Pitcher, Chicago White Sox
64. Johnny Cueto, Starting Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds
65. Desmond Jennings, Outfield, Tampa Bay Rays
66. Mat Latos, Starting Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds
67. Aroldis Chapman, Relief Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds
68. Aramis Ramirez, Third Base, Milwaukee Brewers
69. Zack Greinke, Starting Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
70. Paul Goldschmidt, First Base, Arizona Diamondbacks
71. Aaron Hill, Second Base, Arizona Diamondbacks
72. Alex Rios, Outfield, Chicago White Sox

Why Hill?

As a second baseman with power and run production potential, Hill is a rare breed. He has suffered injuries throughout his career, but his ability to hit 30 home runs and drive in 80-90 runs makes him a solid pick once names like Cano and Pedroia are off the board.

Round 7

73. Carlos Santana, Catcher/First Base, Cleveland Indians
74. Jimmy Rollins, Shortstop, Philadelphia Phillies
75. Shin-Soo Choo, Outfield, Cincinnati Reds
76. Jonathan Papelbon, Relief Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
77. Pablo Sandoval, Third Base, San Francisco Giants
78. Alex Gordon, Outfield, Kansas City Royals
79. Jordan Zimmermann, Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals
80. Kris Medlen, Starting Pitcher/Relief Pitcher, Atlanta Braves
81. Matt Moore, Starting Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays
82. Jose Altuve, Second Base, Houston Astros
83. Victor Martinez, Catcher, Detroit Tigers
84. James Shields, Starting Pitcher, Kansas City Royals

Why Moore?

Unrealistic expectations were placed on Moore entering the 2012 season, as he was predicted to contend for both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards. While his numbers indicate that last season was a learning experience for the youngster, he certainly showed flashes of what is to come. The power lefty is good for nearly a strikeout per frame, and the Rays have a history developing quality young arms.

Round 8

85. Yovani Gallardo, Starting PItcher, Milwaukee Brewers
86. Freddie Freeman, First Base, Atlanta Braves
87. Martin Prado, Outfield/Third Base, Arizona Diamondbacks
88. Max Scherzer, Starting Pitcher, Detroit Tigers
89. Elvis Andrus, Shortstop, Texas Rangers
90. Rafael Soriano, Relief Pitcher, Washington Nationals
91. Ike Davis, First Base, New York Mets
92. Fernando Rodney, Relief Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays
93. Melky Cabrera, Outfield, Toronto Blue Jays
94. Chase Headley, Third Base, San Diego Padres
95. Asdrubal Cabrera, Shortstop, Cleveland Indians
96. Brandon Morrow, Starting Pitcher, Toronto Blue Jays

Why Freeman?

The 23-year-old is not yet a first baseman of Votto or Fielder caliber, but he already brings power to the table (21 and 23 home runs in his first two seasons), and is showing an increasing ability to get on base consistently. Last season, despite a series of minor injuries, Freeman led the Braves in runs batted in with 94. With Atlanta's revamped offense, expect Freeman to be a run producer for years to come.

Round 9

97. Mariano Rivera, Relief Pitcher, New York Yankees
98. Carlos Gomez, Outfield, Milwaukee Brewers
99. Ian Kennedy, Starting Pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks
100. Curtis Granderson, Outfield, New York Yankees
101. Eric Hosmer, First Base, Kansas City Royals
102. J.J. Putz, Relief Pitcher, Arizona Diamondbacks
103. Anthony Rizzo, First Base, Chicago Cubs
104. Hanley Ramirez, Third Base/Shortstop, Los Angeles Dodgers
105. Joe Nathan, Relief Pitcher, Texas Rangers
106. Mark Trumbo, Outfield/First Base, Los Angeles Angels
107. Joel Hanrahan, Relief Pitcher, Boston Red Sox
108. Josh Willingham, Outfield, Minnesota Twins

Why Trumbo?

With two full major league seasons under his belt, Trumbo is a solid player for a mid-round pick. He could benefit from greater selectivity at the plate, but even at his current state, he is a threat to hit 30 home runs and drive in near 100 runs. This season, his on base percentage is up 39 points and his slugging percentage is up 43 points over his career averages. The 27-year-old may just now be entering his prime.

Round 10

109. Josh Johnson, Starting Pitcher, Toronto Blue Jays
110. Angel Pagan, Outfield, San Francisco Giants
111. Shane Victorino, Outfield, Boston Red Sox
112. Hiroki Kuroda, Starting Pitcher, New York Yankees
113. Jon Lester, Starting Pitcher, Boston Red Sox
114. Tim Lincecum, Starting Pitcher, San Francisco Giants
115. Doug Fister, Starting Pitcher, Detroit Tigers
116. Jake Peavy, Starting Pitcher, Chicago White Sox
117. Anibal Sanchez, Starting Pitcher, Detroit Tigers
118. Jon Niese, Starting Pitcher, New York Mets
119. Erick Aybar, Shortstop, Los Angeles Angels
120. Neil Walker, Second Base, Pittsburgh Pirates

Why Aybar?

2013 hasn't quite gone according to plan for the 29-year-old Aybar, but his track record indicates he will be a solid shortstop for years to come. Through his first six big league seasons, Aybar has hit a respectable .278, getting on base at a .320 clip. A threat on the basepaths, he is good for 20-30 steals per season and has a bit of pop to go along with his speed.

Round 11

121. John Axford, Relief Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers
122. Hunter Pence, Outfield, San Francisco Giants
123. Roy Halladay, Starting Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies
124. Alejandro De Aza, Outfield, Chicago White Sox
125. Jim Johnson, Relief Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles
126. Brett Gardner, Outfield, New York Yankees
127. Carlos Beltran, Outfield, St. Louis Cardinals
128. David Ortiz, Designated Hitter, Boston Red Sox
129. Howie Kendrick, Second Base, Los Angeles Angels
130. Dan Haren, Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals
131. Danny Espinosa, Second Base/Shortstop, Washington Nationals
132. Nelson Cruz, Outfield, Texas Rangers

Why Pence?

For as unorthodox as he looks in the on-deck circle and at the dish, Pence is a steady and reliable outfielder. Despite playing for three different teams in 2011 and 2012,  he racked up impressive offensive numbers. Pence will bring you 20-plus home runs, drive in nearly 100 and reach base consistently. This season, his speed game has returned, as evidenced by his 10 steals through the early going.

Round 12

133. Mike Napoli, Catcher/First Base, Boston Red Sox
134. Ben Revere, Outfield, Philadelphia Phillies
135. Paul Konerko, First Base, Chicago White Sox
136. Ryan Howard, First Base, Philadelphia Phillies
137. Brett Anderson, Starting Pitcher, Oakland Athletics
138. Carl Crawford, Outfield, Los Angeles Dodgers
139. Alcides Escobar, Shortstop, Kansas City Royals
140. Addison Reed, Relief Pitcher, Chicago White Sox
141. Torii Hunter, Outfield, Detroit Tigers
142. Jeff Samardzija, Starting Pitcher, Chicago Cubs
143. Sergio Romo, Relief Pitcher, San Francisco Giants
144. Greg Holland, Relief Pitcher, Kansas City Royals

Why Romo?

As a rule, I wait until the later rounds to draft my fantasy relief corps. We've seen over the past number of seasons how unstable a closer's job can be, which is why, despite more dominating ninth-inning guys like Chapman and Kimbrel being snatched up by my competition, I settled on Romo. His career WHIP is 0.885, he consistently strikes out over a batter per nine innings, and for the first time opening the season as the closer for the Giants, he has 16 saves. At age 30, but with low mileage on his arm, Romo will be a viable fantasy closer for years to come.

Round 13

145. Chase Utley, Second Base, Philadelphia Phillies
146. Mike Moustakas, Third Base, Kansas City Royals
147. Rickie Weeks, Second Base, Milwaukee Brewers
148. Adam LaRoche, First Base, Washington Nationals
149. Jason Motte, Relief Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals
150. C.J. Wilson, Starting Pitcher, Los Angeles Angels
151. Andre Ethier, Outfield, Los Angeles Dodgers
152. Lance Lynn, Starting Pitcher, St. Louis Cardinals
153. Huston Street, Relief Pitcher, San Diego Padres
154. Jason Kubel, Outfield, Arizona Diamondbacks
155. Pedro Alvarez, Third Base, Pittsburgh Pirates
156. Jarrod Parker, Starting Pitcher, Oakland Athletics

Why Lynn?

The Cardinals starting rotation is shaping up to contend with the best pitching staffs in the game, with the resurgence of Adam Wainwright and the debut of rookie phenom Shelby Miller. Lynn opened last season as a starting pitcher, but after a string of sub-par performances, he was sent to the bullpen before coming back strong in September. A power pitcher with strikeout stuff, Lynn has fanned 76 batters in his first 75.0 innings this season, and as his workload increases, the 26-year-old will rack up even more Ks for your team.

Round 14

157. Michael Morse, Outfield, Seattle Mariners
158. Homer Bailey, Starting Pitcher, Cincinnati Reds
159. J.J. Hardy, Shortstop, Baltimore Orioles
160. Matt Harvey, Starting Pitcher, New York Mets
161. Jeremy Hellickson, Starting Pitcher, Tampa Bay Rays
162. Kyle Seager, Third Base, Seattle Mariners
163. Rafael Betancourt, Relief Pitcher, Colorado Rockies
164. Tim Hudson, Starting Pitcher, Atlanta Braves
165. Chris Davis, Outfield/First Base, Baltimore Orioles
166. David Freese, Third Base, St. Louis Cardinals
167. Dan Uggla, Second Base, Atlanta Braves
168. Matt Harrison, Starting Pitcher, Texas Rangers

Why Davis?

Davis’ hot 2013 certainly didn’t come out of nowhere. Power was always a part of his game, but after missing significant portions of 2010 and 2011, his resurgence last year left fans wondering what could be over the course of a full season. With a .356/.436/.730 line and 20 home runs through the first two months of 2013, even if Davis does return to earth, he will continue to produce if he can stay healthy. Expect him to move far up in the rankings entering next season.

Round 15

169. Grant Balfour, Relief Pitcher, Oakland Athletics
170. Nick Swisher, Outfield/First Base, Cleveland Indians
171. Todd Frazier, Third Base/First Base, Cincinnati Reds
172. Miguel Montero, Catcher, Arizona Diamondbacks
173. Dexter Fowler, Outfield, Colorado Rockies
174. Manny Machado, Third Base, Baltimore Orioles
175. Mike Minor, Starting Pitcher, Atlanta Braves
176. Coco Crisp, Outfield, Oakland Athletics
177. Josh Reddick, Outfield, Oakland Athletics
178. Marco Scutaro, Second Base/Shortstop, San Francisco Giants
179. Wilin Rosario, Catcher, Colorado Rockies
180. Derek Holland, Starting Pitcher, Texas Rangers

Why Montero?

Montero, despite a slow start to 2013, is a dependable catcher who, above any other one statistical category, plays in a lot of games. For the past two seasons, he has appeared in 140 and 141 games, respectively. Fantasy owners can’t stand losing quality at bats while their starting catcher sits on the bench, and with Montero, this is less of a concern. He is a steady offensive player, good for 15 home runs and an average around .280, and he should have a few more good years left in him.

Late-Round Picks

Rounds 16-25 of the draft are when I focus on rounding out my relief pitching, take chances on up-and-coming prospects and bounce-back candidates, and find serviceable backups at my vulnerable positions. These are the players I chose with my late picks.

Round 16 - Mark Teixeira, First Base, New York Yankees
Round 17 - Salvador Perez, Catcher, Kansas City Royals
Round 18 - Kenley Jansen, Relief Pitcher, Los Angeles Dodgers
Round 19 - Tom Wilhelmsen, Relief Pitcher, Seattle Mariners
Round 20 - Nick Markakis, Outfield, Baltimore Orioles
Round 21 - Clay Buchholz, Starting Pitcher, Boston Red Sox
Round 22 - Jed Lowrie, Shortstop, Oakland Athletics
Round 23 - Jurickson Profar, Second Base, Texas Rangers
Round 24 - Jean Segura, Shortstop, Milwaukee Brewers
Round 25 - Brandon Beachy, Starting Pitcher, Atlanta Braves