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2006 Playoff Baseball  King of the Jungle   The 2006 King of the Jungle for our Playoff Baseball contest was Michael Paciorek. He had a few minutes to sit down and talk with us about his championship season.

FJ: Tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from, how old are you, what do you do for a living, family, etc?

MP: Im from Cleveland, OH originally, and have been in Raleigh, NC for 5
yrs now. I'm 36, married with 3 boys, and I work in the stock/futures/options business.

FJ: How long have you been playing fantasy sports, and how did you get started?

MP: Been playing online contests for 3 or 4 years, but have played fantasy football for many years with family and friends.

FJ: What is the story behind your team names? Are you an avid poker player, hence the name?

MP: Yeah, I love poker, and always have trouble coming up with "team names" so I was watching Rounders, and at the beginning, Teddy says..."Aces Full, Mike". So I stole the name from that line in the movie.

FJ: Who are your favorite pro sports teams?

MP: Cleveland, whichever sorry team they throw out there.

FJ: How much time do you normally spend preparing for your fantasy teams
each week?

MP: Too much!

FJ: What were the key highlights that helped you become the King of The
Jungle in Playoff Baseball this season?

MP: Heck if I know. I know it seems a lot easier when the field of teams is narrowed.

FJ: What strategies did you have going into this season, and did you stick
with them?

MP: I try avoid the constant search for the sleeper. Keep it relatively simple. Play the big studs, and the hot/warm players.

FJ: What has your experience been like in the Fantasy Jungle compared to
other contests out there?

MP: I haven't performed well, but I enjoy the competition and the contest. The panther on the web page scares me a bit. Overall, I enjoy it though.

FJ: When did you start feeling that you had a realistic chance to win the whole thing?

MP: Going into the WS I felt pretty good, as most people would have to play very similar hitters. And with 3 SP, as long as the reliever didn't kill me, I felt I could hold on.

FJ: We have a unique format that differs from a lot of other contests. What is your favorite thing about Fantasy Jungle Playoff Baseball?

MP: I like the playoff games. They start and end quickly, so you get instant gratification.

FJ: What would you like to say to the rest of your fellow contestants in regards to the contest?

MP: Great job. In the "short series", you need to get lucky to win, and somewhere along the line, I caught some luck. I think hitting a few of those winning SP early certainly mattered.

FJ: Who are your favorite players?

MP: Pujols, Hafner

FJ: How many different fantasy teams do you have and how many contests do you play in?

MP: I generally play in two per season. Sometimes I will sign up for a free hockey or pick 'em as well.

FJ: Do your friends and family think you are nuts for playing fantasy, or do they understand it?

MP: Well my family( parents and sibling) have been playing for years, so they get it entirely. My wife just doesn't get into the sports at all, so we never talk about it, other than to tell her that I am putting in my lineup, not looking at porn...

FJ: What other interests do you have outside fantasy sports?

MP: Sure, standard, golf, and local sports (although I'm starting to get injured every other day it seems, so I have cut back on the throwing)

FJ: What advice would you give to anyone that considers playing in this particular contest next season?

MP: Play the 3 teams, as you need to get off to a good start to have any shot.

FJ: What advice would you give to anyone considering playing in the Fantasy Jungle?

MP: Draft well, and use your waiver wire money early, or you won't need it later.

FJ: Lastly, and the most fun question, how do you plan on spending your prize winnings?

MP: I'll just roll it right back into the fantasy "business".
 

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