ART of the TRADE post Week1 (1 Viewer)

[Crazy Tony]

This isn't a thread on managing my team.

I want to know how you as owners go about looking for trades, knowing the owner, buttering them up, citing information, countering deals, utilizing draft picks. Appear not to panic when you're totally panicked.... to get the deals that you think will help your team.

I think it's important to ID various types of owners:

1. The Used Car salesman. Loves the action. Shotguns multiple crappy offer after multiple crappy offer until someone bites...imposes deadlines etc. Wears you down so you say yes or make a mistake.

2. Not Home. Never calls back guy....never rejects or counters trade. Huh? Oh yeah...I saw that...I was busy. I want your best player for him though guy.

3. Buddy-F-cker. Tries to screw over person...it's only way he knows he's getting a good deal. Not looking to help your team. Only time trades work are when he's wrong.

4. Analyzer: can't make decision because they need to look at it and think then get too complicated.

5. Burn Victim. Past Trade faux-paus have made him leery of any deal. Can't say yes to a good/fair deal ever. It has to be lopsided or they can't say yes. afraid to pull the trigger...gets really close then backs out.

6. Handcuffed/Sleepered to death: Has 11 RBs but can only start 4 max... Can't trade any RBs because Tolbert/Mathews. Greene, McCoy/Brown, J. White, Hightower. Needs QBs and WRs...unrealistic about player's value "That guys going to be awesome..." breakout year even if he won't crack Flex line0up on a bye week.

7. Tradexiety Complexity: Can't find a deal to in roster to make a trade that works w/o making it 5 player 3 Team deal and4 draft picks...

8. Crush. Loves his players. Oh Man. Stafford, Freeman, Rice, AP could never trade them.

How do you convince an owner to break up the handcuff.

How to do get them to part with STUD at reasonable value?

How do you convince them your player is the one they want.

BS trade requests vs well thought out.

How do you sell the handcuff to an owner?

I'm being force fed Barber meanwhile I'm trying to forcefeed someone Je Harrison for highest value (rejected Harrison for Starks offer)

When to let go for value's sake...Selling little lower than absolute max value so owner can SAY yes to it. Free up roster spot and dabble.

I'd love to take all of this BUY LOW/SELL HIGH information I see and make a shrewd offer for VJAX but the owner is a wheeler/deeler used car salesman.

Another owner never trades because he LOVES his guys and won't trade them.

How do you avoid discussions about your WR1 that you have no intentions of trading but look to move WR3 or WR2 to a team that really needs a WR.

How do you do it in timely manner?

Any insight...art of the deals are great.

I do league updates w/ surprises about how bad so and so did. Predictions...so I can comment and editorial the owner's roster and sometimes start debate with the league. I try to slightly influence public opinion in this way.

But I still struggle to make a ton of great deals. I also look for team needs and perceived needs.

What I think owner needs is different than what they think they need.

Is it better to TEXT/CALL/EMAIL/Propose Trade in League/ Walk down to office....?

Look forward to comments replies in what's worked for you.

Scenarios you try to spot.

 

[comfortably numb]

When I am dealing, if the other owner wants my Larry Fitzgerald and is offering Manningham and bit more, I just say only way Fitz moves is if RRice is involved.

This usually gets them to back away with offers that don't come close, and doesn't burn any bridges by telling them an offer sucks.

If you are dealing with guy that never trades or won't respond, you're probably gonna have a hard time anyway.

These guys you have to come strong with your initial offer, and keep asking:

What do you think?

Are we close?

Is Vjax even attainable?

etc

I go about trades many ways, but the short answer is to be VERY active.

Send anything and everything.

If you think it might be low, he may not.

I have seen an owner offer player X to the league, and I do not send an offer cause I think it was a bit low, only to see a deal gone down th enext day, with what I thought was a lower deal than what I would offer.

If it is someone I deal with on IM, I may just ask about player X.

If it an owner who is not active, I try to email an idea of what I am offering, or who I want, and try to gather info on what they are looking at.

I do look at other teams needs to get an idea to what they are looking for, but this has burned me in the past.

In my leagues, I would say more deals get done based on value than need.

So if you are stacked at RB and owner B has 3 starting RB's don't be afraid to offer a deal sending a RB for his WR, you just never know what they are thinking.

Lastly if any of the nerds I play FF with call me to ask about Reggie Wayne's availability, I am driving to their house (despite whatever state it is in) and punching them in the neck!

 

[the_vision]

Pretty simple for me. Try to make it so that both teams are getting better. Doesn't always work because we all view players differently but this is how most of my trades get done.

 

[solorca]

Wait. You turned down an offer of Harrison for Starks? The way I read that, you would have gotten Starks. Wow..

 

[Donsmith753]

I've had a lot more success in the last 6 months when I decided to start going in with a realistic offer. Show them you're serious.

 

[kardplayer]

It's all about framing your offer so that the other owner can see that the offer you are making is "in the price range" for a particular player. Key of course is picking the right frame to get the deal done.

For example, in my dynasty league, a "rent a player" (who can't be kept for whatever reason) is good for about a 2nd round pick while a stud RB can be 3 #1's. A second tier WR is 2 2nd rounders, etc. Not sure that everyone else agrees with me on that, but I'm usually able to say "Well, Brett Favre went for a second rounder in 200X, so it's certainly fair to trade player Y for a second rounder now". Doesn't work every time, but works a lot.

The final part of the art for that is figuring out what the price should be when there isn't a perfect comparable trade.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I monitor the league rosters. Then I try to identify a weakness in a potential trade partner so that I could improve their team. If they have D. McFadden and I have M. Bush for example, I know that Bush has elevated value to only the McFadden owner. Since I took Bush in the 12th, I package him and weak WR3 or WR4 to get an upgraded WR3 and try to finagle a flyer upside TE like Gresham or Cook to balance the trade without going to waivers.

Some tips in bullet format:

• Get to know and always know every roster. Detect strengths and weaknesses. There are going to be teams you can deal with and others that you can’t even approach.

• Identify key backups and handcuffs. Deal them above face value.

• Find the owners with “homer” tendencies. If an owner has every Cowboy but Tony Romo, and you have him, there’s a strong chance he’ll buy high to get his man.

• If an owner checks his account after a trade proposal and decides to sleep on his answer, pull the offer. He’s likely not an active owner, so don’t waste your time.

 

[Black]

Love your classifications. I think you could call #6 the "Handcuff/Sleeper Hoarder" and *8 is "Man-Crush".

To avoid overpaying, I suggest putting out feelers via email first (phone call, text, drop by is too immediate). Say something like:

'Hey, my team really needs a RB. I am interested in these players (always throw in a few extras to get the juices going). Can you look at my roster (throw a list in the bottom of the note) and let me know if there are any players you are interested in?"

You can also mention what players you would 'prefer not to trade', but I never shut any doors when we are just kicking off the discussions. If they come back with crazy stuff or say 'there's noone on your roster I am interested in', you are pretty much done. Otherwise, start gauging their interest and value placed on your (and their) players. Be ready to go in with reasonable offers, since you don't want to make this your last trade with that owner.

Another thing that has worked for me is casual discussion when watching games. I sometimes email the whole league and say 'I am heading to xyz Wings and Suds for next week's MNF, anyone want to join me?' Many a trade started after watching football together and enjoying a beverage and listening to "man, I am so frustrated with A. Bradshaw." "Oh, really? Would you be interested in trading him?"

I think trading is often about what NOT to do:

1. Don't SPAM offers. Even if you 'win' with this method, most leaguemates will think you are a dbag and you are likely closing future doors.

2. Don't throw out offers without talking about them first (gradually!)

3. Don't tell another owner what THEY need to do to improve their team.

4. Don't try to 'sell' a player to another team "Oh he's the #4 WR on Indy, which is like the #1 WR in Cincy". You will likely look stupid or like a liar or both.

5. Never say never. Always consider the offer even if for your marquee players and always 'look over' a deal.

6. Be cool even with horrible offers. If they are just nuts, just say "C'mon man, would YOU do that deal?" There will always be nutcases, and you can start just ignoring their offers if they don't get any better.

 

[glong989]

1) Know your owners. Know how they draft and how they like to build their team position wise. Know who they have had in years past that has done well for them. If they had a player last year or the year before that blew up for them that season and you think is now in for a slump then they are going to be biased towards them because they saw him get points for their team each week. Their view of these types of guys will be higher than most. They probably wished they had drafted them but you got to them first.

2) Analyze their roster and take advantage of guys freaking out in the first few weeks. If they took a guy in the first 4 rounds that isn't producing like they thought then prey on that. The opposite is also true. If you got a guy later that is blowing up and you don't see it lasting then sell high.

3) Trade from your strength to shore up weakness. Usually I like to use this thought process later on in the season when I have a better feel for my roster. If it's coming down the stretch then you should go all in for the playoffs. Having a strong bench isn't going to win you your league at this point so if you have some solid players on the bench to fill in then maybe you can trade a stud to shore up a problem area and create the strongest starting lineup possible. However, the flip side is that many say you want to have as many studs as possible for the playoffs so pick your poison as to how you build a trade with this goal in mind.

 

[JuSt CuZ]

You nailed it, as I have each one of those in my league.

 

[The Dude]

For me, the art of the deal starts before the deal.

For instance, one tactic I use from time to time - I identify somebody that I think is a little less polished and has somebody I would like to trade for down the line. Then start a little casual conversation pre-offer. "Hey, I am struggling trying to decide between starting X and Y - what do you think?" or "A guy offered me X for Y in another league - what do you think?"

Knowing that I really don't care what he thinks - but he starts to thinking that I value his opinion - which greases the wheels when I start my approach for the real deal.

 

[NeverEnough]

I seem to always get stuck in leagues where 99% of the members refuse to trade or just make stupid offers.

 

[dagwood]

This isn't a thread on managing my team. I want to know how you as owners go about looking for trades, knowing the owner, buttering them up, citing information, countering deals, utilizing draft picks. Appear not to panic when you're totally panicked.... to get the deals that you think will help your team.I think it's important to ID various types of owners:1. The Used Car salesman. Loves the action. Shotguns multiple crappy offer after multiple crappy offer until someone bites...imposes deadlines etc. Wears you down so you say yes or make a mistake. 2. Not Home. Never calls back guy....never rejects or counters trade. Huh? Oh yeah...I saw that...I was busy. I want your best player for him though guy. 3. Buddy-F-cker. Tries to screw over person...it's only way he knows he's getting a good deal. Not looking to help your team. Only time trades work are when he's wrong.4. Analyzer: can't make decision because they need to look at it and think then get too complicated. 5. Burn Victim. Past Trade faux-paus have made him leery of any deal. Can't say yes to a good/fair deal ever. It has to be lopsided or they can't say yes. afraid to pull the trigger...gets really close then backs out. 6. Handcuffed/Sleepered to death: Has 11 RBs but can only start 4 max... Can't trade any RBs because Tolbert/Mathews. Greene, McCoy/Brown, J. White, Hightower. Needs QBs and WRs...unrealistic about player's value "That guys going to be awesome..." breakout year even if he won't crack Flex line0up on a bye week. 7. Tradexiety Complexity: Can't find a deal to in roster to make a trade that works w/o making it 5 player 3 Team deal and4 draft picks...8. Crush. Loves his players. Oh Man. Stafford, Freeman, Rice, AP could never trade them.How do you convince an owner to break up the handcuff. How to do get them to part with STUD at reasonable value? How do you convince them your player is the one they want. BS trade requests vs well thought out.How do you sell the handcuff to an owner? I'm being force fed Barber meanwhile I'm trying to forcefeed someone Je Harrison for highest value (rejected Harrison for Starks offer)When to let go for value's sake...Selling little lower than absolute max value so owner can SAY yes to it. Free up roster spot and dabble. I'd love to take all of this BUY LOW/SELL HIGH information I see and make a shrewd offer for VJAX but the owner is a wheeler/deeler used car salesman. Another owner never trades because he LOVES his guys and won't trade them. How do you avoid discussions about your WR1 that you have no intentions of trading but look to move WR3 or WR2 to a team that really needs a WR. How do you do it in timely manner? Any insight...art of the deals are great. I do league updates w/ surprises about how bad so and so did. Predictions...so I can comment and editorial the owner's roster and sometimes start debate with the league. I try to slightly influence public opinion in this way. But I still struggle to make a ton of great deals. I also look for team needs and perceived needs. What I think owner needs is different than what they think they need.Is it better to TEXT/CALL/EMAIL/Propose Trade in League/ Walk down to office....? Look forward to comments replies in what's worked for you.Scenarios you try to spot.

lolI know these guys. And they are my friends.

 

[Abraham]

I find that making realistic offers is a good starting point. People tend to take you more seriously when you don't treat them like idiots. Most people in fantasy leagues now either have a completely unrealistic view of their own players or a completely spot-on view of their players. Either scenario means that getting over on someone is nearly impossible.

 

[Shutout]

That IS a pretty good list of trading personaities. I can relate (I probably AM that guy in some leagues).

I think my best success overall is to genuinely try to find something that works for both. All the other stuff (getting crazy lowball offers or someone constantly pushing the same line of players down your throat, etC) just does nto seem productive.

One thing that hasn't been said yet that I will add: When you DO make a bad trade, remind people of it. Let them know that "you can trade with me and make out well". I think sometimes people look at the most active traders in their leagues and will shy away if they don't feel really confident. So reminding Owner A that he (or another owner) made a trade with you previously that really worked to their advantage can be a good thing. Might as well get something out of your loss, right?

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

It starts way before the season. Be nice to people. Encourage them during the draft. If they solicit advice, provide it freely. Build credit incrementally. Then when you are ready to move always couch it in terms of what the player you are dealing does for him, not what the player you are recieving will do for you. Heck, make them believe you are practically doing them a favor by doing this trade - all because you are such a swell guy. Be willing to take a loss in ancillary trades so they get the feel they know how to get one over on you. That way when you are going for the big trade they nevver see it coming.

 

[rocketsauce]

Just sent out a few:

1 owner feels burned at RB (Hillis, Moreno, Mathews) and advertised that Roddy & Vincent Jackson were available. I sent Tolbert for Vincent Jackson, and Tolbert & Wayne for Vincent Jackson & Hillis. We shall see. He's a classic overreactor. I have Foster & Bradshaw as my 1-2, so I'm okay with moving Tolbert if it means a top tier WR (PPR league).

Offered Tolbert & Driver for Mendenhall. Sure, its a lowball offer, and borderline offensive, but who knows. The guy lost week one with a pathetic number from Mendy, so maybe he is jaded. If nothing else, gets talks started.

Offered Pierre Thomas for Jeremy Maclin in the most boring trade ever proposed. Guy lost week one, and has Peterson & Turner, with virtually nothing behind them (Gerhardt, Jacquizz Rodgers, and Alex Green) so he could really use even a low level RB talent like Pierre. He needs something and is flooded with WR3/WR4s.

Really enjoy this thread, but its much easier to discuss HOW I operate by just showing my offers.

Also plan to make a push for Gronkowski this week, as his owner has Finley. Have a feeling he'll ask too much though.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Last year, when Vick had just been named starter, the guy who outbid us all shopped Vick for the best offer. A lot of people were upset that he would dare shop a "waiver wire" guy to the high bidder. This was not taken very well and most balked at the Vick owner's crass offer. But I took a chance and sold my WR2 (Santana Moss) for Vick + Pettigrew. He thought he "sold high" and I looked like a nut to the entire league. But it led to a championship.

 

[Trizzler]

Last year, when Vick had just been named starter, the guy who outbid us all shopped Vick for the best offer. A lot of people were upset that he would dare shop a "waiver wire" guy to the high bidder. This was not taken very well and most balked at the Vick owner's crass offer. But I took a chance and sold my WR2 (Santana Moss) for Vick + Pettigrew. He thought he "sold high" and I looked like a nut to the entire league. But it led to a championship.

Wow, that has to be one of the worst fantasy trades I've ever seen. Even if you weren't convinced that Vick was going to remain the starter, or stay healthy for the majority of the season, Santana Moss was no equal.Congratulations on correctly reading that owner and giving him the ripoff he deserved.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

The key has to be speaking the same language. My language is based a lot on statistical analysis while quite a few guys in my league who are solid players, base trade discussion solely on either their opinion or conventional opinion. I find those owners the most difficult to trade with because I spend my draft finding statistically undervalued assets. Conventional thinking has them slotted lower than I would have

While I think my analysis is superior than their opinion, that can't be an absolute statement because ultimately, it's my opinion too. I just used more statistical scrutiny to get there. However, I've learned that trading with this type of owner profile for me at least is futile. I don't mean that condescendingly either, just that we struggle to ever find a middle ground.

 

[dagwood]

Just sent out a few:1 owner feels burned at RB (Hillis, Moreno, Mathews) and advertised that Roddy & Vincent Jackson were available. I sent Tolbert for Vincent Jackson, and Tolbert & Wayne for Vincent Jackson & Hillis. We shall see. He's a classic overreactor. I have Foster & Bradshaw as my 1-2, so I'm okay with moving Tolbert if it means a top tier WR (PPR league). Offered Tolbert & Driver for Mendenhall. Sure, its a lowball offer, and borderline offensive, but who knows. The guy lost week one with a pathetic number from Mendy, so maybe he is jaded. If nothing else, gets talks started.Offered Pierre Thomas for Jeremy Maclin in the most boring trade ever proposed. Guy lost week one, and has Peterson & Turner, with virtually nothing behind them (Gerhardt, Jacquizz Rodgers, and Alex Green) so he could really use even a low level RB talent like Pierre. He needs something and is flooded with WR3/WR4s. Really enjoy this thread, but its much easier to discuss HOW I operate by just showing my offers. Also plan to make a push for Gronkowski this week, as his owner has Finley. Have a feeling he'll ask too much though.

Wow. I would not accept any of those. I know which of the OP's trade personality buckets you fit into.

 

[dagwood]

Pretty simple for me. Try to make it so that both teams are getting better. Doesn't always work because we all view players differently but this is how most of my trades get done.

You will get trades done and you won't be tagged with a negative reputation.

 

[Crazy Tony]

Wait. You turned down an offer of Harrison for Starks? The way I read that, you would have gotten Starks. Wow..

The STARKS owner turned down my offer...never called back....was dealing it for 2012 potential 1.01 draft pick.

 

[dagwood]

Wait. You turned down an offer of Harrison for Starks? The way I read that, you would have gotten Starks. Wow..

The STARKS owner turned down my offer...never called back....was dealing it for 2012 potential 1.01 draft pick.

Makes more sense. Who the heck would trade Starks for Harrison. That is just silly.

 

[Crazy Tony]

I'm a bit of an analyzer and complicate deals.

I look to help other players. I give good draft advice for the bozos. (Take James Starks in 5th round rookie draft 2010 and Emmanuel Sanders).

That good will got me Jack Squat. So I won't give him free advice anymore. Look you pick my brain but don't every wanna do deals. You're getting rich off the players I helped you draft and you don't throw me a bone when I send an offer.

Other owners...I traded Gerhart for 3rd Rd. I needed roster space. It was something I new he could say yes to w/o a lot of thought during the draft.

before 2010...w/ Hardesty My RB#2 draft choice and starter out I sold Manningham Low for Chester Taylor figuring I should insure my weakest position and top RB. I had Steve Smith and Nicks was the other guy. Now I regret that move but it was a good deal at the time.

He politely rejected the offer prior to this season...Chester Taylor for Manningham back.

Vick was sold for 2011 1.04 & Colt McCoy by the owner than had Brady Big Ben.

I sold Kolb for 1.06, 1.09 and two 3rd rounders. Knowing I'd get LeShoure and either Little or Cobb. LeShoure gets hurt the next week.

Owner still had a 1.05 pick...I thought about buying up to the Ryan Williams RB sweepstakes. Our draft was THursday.... I didn't do it and took Little over Newton...then Murray #9... 18hrs later Ryan Williams was out for the season. That happened to me last year. HAHA.

I don't have lot of luck trading Handcuffs to players. Best Owner not super interested in Harrison.

I used to have Lynch and wasn't interested in FJAX for 1st or 2nd round pick or whatever the guy wanted. 3rd rounder sure.

I have Forte and one owner is serving me Marion Barber KoolAid...he could be great but not if he costs too much. I'm rather have an upside guy on aother team for the same value than my handcuff.

Same Team Delimma.

This seems to be the black hole.

Needing a QB2 I've had Garcia, Gradkowski and Russell on my roster. Eventually, happily cutting ties with all. Gradkowski was OK. But trying to trade the player was hard because no one wants a guy who's going to lose his job or who also sucks or both. Even for peanuts.

Hardesty Injury...2010 preseason I have JeHarrsion and pick upJ. Davis...I don't have any more spots and don't sweat that the guy that beat me to the Karim Huggins FA lottery in TB during preseason snagged up some DEN full back named Hillis. I couldn't trade Harrison and Hardesty would be dumb choice 1.05 draft pick. He just offered me Ryant Grant for Hardesty...I almost countered for Amendola but never did. (Analyzer)

At least I got Blount before everyone else. Problem is...now I have Blount.

The point was...chasing after a specific Team Situation was a bad choice and the more I dug...the deeper I got...the harder it was to cut losses.

Waiting for those situations to work out is annoying. I'm still waiting on Alex Smith....because I dropped Freeman during a injured bye week 2 yrs ago in a short sighted move.

I would trade for Ryan Mathews or Tolbert. but those guys are on the same team and the owner can't break up the duo. He's afraid to trade away the wrong one. "Mathews is a stud top10 RB potential break out year"....then you won't mind trading me Tolbert.. "Can't he's the main guy" so trade me Mathews... I can only have 1. I already have Rivers, Gates...."I wish I never traded you Gates..." What are you talking about I traded you Carlson, McCoy, Garcon for Harvin Gates Burleson at the draft... Gates was hurt, Carlson stud rookie. Garcon D3 Freak at combine Burleson was FA pick up end of the year for you and You've got WEstbrook...you know you need McCoy.....Are you saying you'll trade me McCoy for Gates? "No..." OH...You just want to trade me Carlson for Gates...sorry man. I'm happy with Harvin and I think McCoy is the highest ranked player out of everyone so sorry you don't feel like you "won" I still think it was a fair deal all the way around. Garcon is still good and young. QB is gone for now. ...."I want Rivers...I need DJax" But those guys are my key players and I wouldn't be able to give you a fair deal for them. Are you willing to overpay for those elite players? You're trying to give me MSW and Barber for Steve Johnson and 2nd rounder. No thanks I like MSW for improved year but I can't pay elite prices for a high risk sleeper.I don't want Barber, I'll pick him up when you drop him for a WR or you could get something out of it by lowering the price.

THere's been great advice/scenarios. Too often I find that email too much with details and data. Phone calls and text work a little better. But definitely phone call follow ups. Sometimes my unsolicited opinion is unwelcome and gets ignored. I can be very WORDY as posts would indicate.

I like too many guys and get impatient. I'm realizing now that my PANIC MOVES weren't because SO & SO sucked.

It's the domino effect. My RB2 is out for the year...instead of panic, I'm going to INSURE my RB1 w/ and pay to do it. Manningham for Chester Taylor.

The better deals are when I've had a pretty good understanding of what the owner wants and I have a surplus at that position.

But we're talking on the phone or in person. The owner that has Manningham still just complained about recipe for mediocrity. Trading away studs before they're good to get washed up players drafting Spiller over Best and yadda yadda yada. I'm going to Remind him that he's still got good deals with me.

I've made some dumb moves. I think It would be good to save my dumb moves in a file on my laptop. I have to read it before I make any deal.

I traded Shonn Greene for Curtis & Lofton and 1st rounder and selectec McCluster.

Chad Johnson and 3rd ROunder for Chad Pennington 2007.

Dropping 2nd Rounder Josh Freeman for Josh johnson during a bye week.

Trying to corner the market in CLE RBs after Jamal Lewis retired and Draft pick goes on IR.

Trying to corner the market on OAK QBs.

Being impatient with knucklehead talent: trading Bowe and Britt for WR2 Steve Smith and others.

My first few primary draft choices had great Rookie years. Forte, Djax, Harvin. It's not typical for rookies to do this out of the gate but I expect it. So When McCluster, Hardesty, Gerhart, doesn't payoff don't get impatient. Bradford did and you didn't even want him.

Wait on Little, Blount Murray, Don't get impatient with injured SSmith. He's still young and good.

You'll gladly trade away a player if you believe you're helping your team long and short term and you like the guy you're trading with.

The same probably goes for him.

 

[johnadams]

A couple of guys I deal with:

1) The Bully. You tell him that you're going to consider a deal after sleeping on it and you get a text at 5 AM asking why you didn't accept. When you tell him that you considered the deal and don't like it, he says something like "I didn't think you are the kind of guy to go back on a deal. Good luck, #######."

2) The Explainer. I swear, there's at least three in every league. This guy sends an offer, usually on the lowball side, with a five paragraph essay as to why it is the deal is so good for your team and how it kills him to part with Golden Tate.

As to trading, I find each league is a bit different. I got one dynasty league where I get four or five offers a day (and I make about that many myself). It's a huge feeling out process to guage where individual owners value people. We see three or four deals a week and EVERY offer is countered or rejected with information as to why. Good stuff and pro managers all around. In another league, I see almost no counters except from the same three of four guys. Interestingly, the playoffs for the last three years have been dominated by the active guys.

I try to be courteous when responding to even junk offers, though a couple of guys who have ticked me off in the past will get a snide remark or two after my obligatory "Thanks for the offer." Though sometimes it's something like, "I really appreciate the concern you have for my team. I'm sure it's sincere and this offer is only designed to make my team better, but I think I'll wait on trading for Tiki Barber once he's actually in the NFL."

 

[Tanner9919]

I've had a lot more success in the last 6 months when I decided to start going in with a realistic offer. Show them you're serious.

Good post. Always come with a solid offers and they'll respect it, because most others come with lowball offers. I just traded Foster for Roddy White. I initiated the trade talks.I needed a wr they needed a rb.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

It starts way before the season. Be nice to people. Encourage them during the draft. If they solicit advice, provide it freely. Build credit incrementally. Then when you are ready to move always couch it in terms of what the player you are dealing does for him, not what the player you are recieving will do for you. Heck, make them believe you are practically doing them a favor by doing this trade - all because you are such a swell guy.

This is the description of another "trade guy" that should be in the OP--a guy that I hate. And a guy I've occasionally been, when circumstances demand it. The guy that talks up the players he's trying to trade away, making them sound like sure-fire studs/upgrades to the other owner, while conveniently being quiet about the players being acquired. As if both owners don't know that whoever offers the trade, likes the players they're getting better for their team.Only time this works and ISN'T insulting to someone's intelligence, is when you really are trading a better player for a less-valued one that you value more, because you have the depth to do it. Then, its understandable on both sides. But no matter if a deal gets done or not, I personally hate being talked to like you describe in the post I quoted. Have I been this guy? Yes, but only towards certain owners in certain leagues, that I know are susceptible to treatment like this, and won't be offended. Generally, they aren't smart enough to think for themselves. They like that you spoon-feed them justifications for a trade.

 

[Oh Yes!]

got an email from a fella saying he wanted tolbert

offered him a big trade not expecting him to accept. welker/tolbert for rice/m williams

he countered with a low ball offer on my package

i countered with tolbert for djax.

done deal.

think im a multiple offer guy.