FF Presser: Let's Get it Started

ESPN.com News Services–Updated 3:05 P.M. ET

Although the Fantasy Football season is just beginning for The Court Jessters, Coach and General Manger, Jessica Bailey, is in mid-season form. As she met with the press on Monday morning, Coach Bailey showed some of her trademark enthusaism and eternal optimism about the team’s prospects for the 2007-8 season.

“We’re looking good this season. I’m really happy with some of the moves we made and some of the guys we’ve picked up. I really think we’re going to be a contender this season in the Greedy Snoody League.”

After finishing the 2006-7 regular season with a disappointing 5-8 record, last year’s team made a successful run in the playoffs, winning the Consolation Ladder. Coach Bailey hopes to build on last year’s promising finish and continue the improvement this season.

“We won that Consolation Cup, so we did figure out how to put things together at the end of the season. I’m looking to take what we learned from that playoff experience and hopefully be there at the end of the year this year...although this time in the REAL playoffs,” Coach Bailey reported.

Although there were many new additions to the roster this season, perhaps most noticable was the absence of long-time starting Quarterback, Peyton Manning. Although the Court Jessters had the Second Overall Draft pick, Coach Bailey opted to use that pick to select Steven Jackson, leaving Manning on the board. Manning was later drafted by Cornhole with Carson Palmer in the third overall round. In lieu of Peyton, Bailey selected Eli, his younger brother to fill his spot.

“It’s no secret that Peyton and I have worked together successfully for many years. Choosing him (in the first round) last season was controversial, but I don’t regret it. However, this year, with the second overall pick, it became clear to me that we needed to select a running back first,” Coach Bailey said. “By the time we came back around in the drafting, Peyton was no longer available. We wish him all the best, working with ‘Wingate’ (Coach Jennifer Wingate Soboleski) this season.”

When asked if Eli will be starting at quarterback this season, Coach Bailey was quick to point out the other QB’s on her roster.

“Yes, we did draft Eli with the hopes that he’d be our starter, but it’s still the preseason and nothing’s a sure thing. We’ve got two other great contenders out there, Alex Smith and Trent Green,” reported Coach Bailey. “Alex and Trent have been working hard in the preseason, too, so we’re going to take everything into consideration before naming a starter. It’s all open, I’m not naming any starters until opening week rolls around.”

In addition to Steven Jackson, the Jessters will feature running backs Travis Henry, Ahman Green, LenDale White and Michael Turner. At wide receiver, Coach Bailey’s perennial starter, Marvin Harrison rejoins the team, along with Lauverneus Coles, Kevin Curtis and Muhsin Muhammad. Mark Clayton was also drafted, but his status with the team remains uncertain, after sitting out the preseason with a high ankle sprain. Rounding out the team are John Kasay at Kicker and the Jaguars defense. Coach Bailey seems optimistic about her team’s chances, especially after an encouraging preseason performance.

“We’re really hoping for a great season. I know we’ve been close in the past, I’ve made some mistakes. I’m really going to put forth my best effort, and ask every man on my team to do the same. Hopefully, come January, all the hard work will be worth it, when we’re waving around that Chipmunk Trophy as Greedy Snoody Cup Champions,” said Coach Bailey.

Coach Bailey will also be available to the media later this week, and will do a Q&A session with media and fans. Please submit any questions to the Coach, via email or the blog comments.

Information from the Associated Press has also been used in this article.