Simulation leagues incorporate the team-building aspect of fantasy drafts with the realism of actually managing those players in action. Mike Cieslinski is the designer of the popular Dynasty League Baseball simulation game. He recently spoke with USA TODAY Sports' Steve Gardner about what makes simulation baseball so popular and offered some tips on preparing for the new season.

SIMULATED WORLD SERIES: Giants sweep Tigers for 2012 crown

USA TODAY SPORTS: What's the biggest difference between a traditional fantasy league and a simulation league?

Mike Cieslinski: I think it's the level of realism and the increased number of real life factors that GMs have to consider. It's the closest thing to simulation training for being a real-life MLB GM. There are so many real-life factors to consider, such as building your team based on your ballpark, infield/outfield defense or pitching staff.

USATS: Teams in sim leagues actually play games, batter by batter, so you have to make the decisions that managers do as well.

MC: It's all head-to-head play with you either playing live vs. your opponent or having the computer manager profile play for you.

USATS: So as we move toward playing the new season, how different are the lists of top fantasy players from a list of top simulation league players?

MC: For the most part they would be similar. The differences would tend to be in positions that are skew highest at the defensive spectrum like shortstop or catcher.

USATS: It seems to me the outstanding offensive season Mike Trout put together in 2012, plus his excellent defense would make him the guy you'd want over everyone else. However, a great defensive catcher like Yadier Molina can impact a game much more on both offense and defense.

MC: Andrew McCutchen is pretty close to Trout. On a Win Shares basis McCuthchen had 40 win shares to Trout's 38. Right about Molina. Yadier is much more valuable in a simulation league because of his defense.

USATS: I do love having a strong team up the middle ... catcher, shortstop, center fielder. That's how I like to build my ultimate simulation team. And of course, you have to have good pitching.

MC: There are different ways to build a pitching staff. R.A. Dickey may be more valuable in a simulation league because he is also a high ground-ball pitcher who induces a lot of double plays and has an excellent Endurance rating.

One other big difference in simulation leagues is that you need to have a balanced left vs. right lineup, bullpen and bench.

USATS: So as we wrap things up here, how about we have a mini two-team draft? We'll alternate picks and give a little bit of a justification for our selections. You're on the clock.

MC: First pick is Troy Tulowitzki and here's why: There is real scarcity at shortstop. Tulo has terrific offense, defensive range, fielding percentage and the ability to turn the double play.

USATS: 2. Mike Trout, CF. Historically great offensive numbers in all categories. Has game-changing speed and has great range at a premium position.

MC: 3. Miguel Cabrera, 3B. I love the way he hammers right-handed pitching, which is not always the case with a right-handed hitter. His fielding percentage is above average at the hot corner despite his below-average range.

USATS: 4. Robinson Cano, 2B. Far and away the best offensive second baseman in the game. Plus, he plays Gold Glove defense.

MC: 5. Ryan Braun, OF. Can do it all the same way Trout can, but with more power. With B+ range in left field, he is not far from being Gold Glove caliber there.

USATS: 6. Yadier Molina, C. He stops the opposing running game dead in its tracks. Slugged .501 and is also excellent at the hit-and-run.

MC: 7. Justin Verlander, SP. No one else is as reliable as a No. 1 He doesn't tire easily and can still be tough in a jam in the late innings.

USATS: 8. Joey Votto, 1B. Not only do you get great offense (.474 OBP last year), he also is an outstanding fielder with B+ range.

MC: 9. Joe Mauer. Yes, Buster Posey was the MVP, but Mauer had an OBP of .416 and hit .336 vs. right-handers. He gives my team balance with his left-handed bat.

USATS: 10. Giancarlo Stanton, RF. Adds massive right-handed power to balance Votto/Cano. Plus, he's got great range and a plus throwing arm.

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