general trading philosophy/frequence Topic

begonias
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I'm curious if there is any pattern to the way successful owners use trades. I ask because I've been moderately successful (lots of playoffs, one WS, no championships), and in two of my last four seasons I made no trades. I'm not against the idea of trading, but I have fairly specific ideas about valuation, and end up turning down most offers. Partly I've been lucky ... I took over a dreadful team, got 4 1st-round picks in my first draft and the #3 pick in my second draft, and have been able to build a nice, still-young team from there.

I'm guessing there are as many trading strategies as there are successful owners ... just wondering what some of those strategies are.
1/26/2010 7:59 PM
MikeT23
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I trade to fill a need. I usually "lose" the deal because I'm just intent on getting what I need at the moment. It doesn't bother me if I get less value.

I reject almost every offer sent my way because the sender doesn't do any homework. 9 times out of 10, people propose trades that are good for them but offer no value to you. It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine. DO SOME FRIGGIN' WORK!!!
1/26/2010 8:07 PM
iain
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In terms of frequency, I go in fits and starts with trades.

But, regardless, I always try to get a dialogue going. Unsolicited trade offers are almost always pointless for both parties.

I try not to offer trades that I wouldn't accept, since I try to play in worlds where I can trust and respect those I'm playing with/against.

With the above, I rarely have to go back and forth more than once or twice to get a deal done.
1/26/2010 8:30 PM
a_ersberg
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I look for any 'inactive' players that could be worth while. I include the line 'must not want him/them if they're inactive'. I made a pretty good swap recently using this method.
1/26/2010 8:32 PM
begonias
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One area I figure should be fruitful for trades is when two smart owners differ on the importance of this or that skill. I'm not much for "closers," so I'm always ready to deal whoever I have in that role to someone who values them more than I do. Having said that, my current closer is in his 6th ML season for me, so perhaps my fellow owners share my feelings on the value of the role.
1/26/2010 9:01 PM
travisg
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Quote: Originally posted by a_ersberg on 1/26/2010
I look for any 'inactive' players that could be worth while. I include the line 'must not want him/them if they're inactive'. I made a pretty good swap recently using this method.

I baby my top prospects to avoid injury, so I'll inactivate those guys as soon as they show signs of fatigue. Which is basically the opposite of what you've assumed.
1/26/2010 9:12 PM
jonas1102
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I'd look for a newb, offer him the bad players with high overalls for his #1 pick from last year.
1/26/2010 9:20 PM
pstrnutbag44
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Quote: Originally Posted By MikeT23 on 1/26/2010
I trade to fill a need. I usually "lose" the deal because I'm just intent on getting what I need at the moment. It doesn't bother me if I get less value.

I reject almost every offer sent my way because the sender doesn't do any homework. 9 times out of 10, people propose trades that are good for them but offer no value to you. It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine. DO SOME FRIGGIN' WORK!!!

I couldn't agree more.
1/26/2010 9:31 PM
trobone
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i like trading to sell...

horrible at trading to buy...
1/26/2010 9:46 PM
spudpicker
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If I have a specific need on my team, I look over rosters of losing teams about 60 games or so in and check with the owner to see their interest in dealing a player I could use for prospects I have.

1/26/2010 11:30 PM
crickett13
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He does too cause I am one of those teams...... which is kind of depressing....sigh.
1/27/2010 3:01 PM
domiisgod
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Quote: Originally Posted By pstrnutbag44 on 1/26/2010
Quote: Originally Posted By MikeT23 on 1/26/2010

I trade to fill a need. I usually "lose" the deal because I'm just intent on getting what I need at the moment. It doesn't bother me if I get less value.

I reject almost every offer sent my way because the sender doesn't do any homework. 9 times out of 10, people propose trades that are good for them but offer no value to you. It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine. DO SOME FRIGGIN' WORK!!!

I couldn't agree more




This wouldn't happen if more people kept their trade needs listed on the trade needs page...that way we could know who needs what...and not just during spring training too, throughout the season keep it up to date....
1/27/2010 3:09 PM
MikeT23
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So, if I don't have any trade needs listed, you think you should just send me an offer that does nothing for my team?

Maybe I don't have any needs.
1/27/2010 3:10 PM
phillyfan009
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Domiisgod.... excellent point....In my other world....I try to send a proposal, etc. But either the player is not on the block, or the needs are not updated. It is not hard to adjust them....maybe a mu="inute" or so.
1/27/2010 3:12 PM
ardthomp
Posts: 210 (0)
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Quote: Originally Posted By phillyfan009 on 1/27/2010Domiisgod.... excellent point....In my other world....I try to send a proposal, etc. But either the player is not on the block, or the needs are not updated. It is not hard to adjust them....maybe a mu="inute" or so
It also takes a minute or so to send a trade chat asking the other owner if they are still interested in trading player X or need position X. It works both ways.
1/27/2010 8:35 PM
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