talking among owners (1 Viewer)

[billrob]

Do the owners in your leagues talk to eachother when it comes to trade advice???

In one of my leagues we're all friends, some closer than others...but it drives me crazy that when I'm discussing a trade with one guy he calls 2 or 3 other owners to get their opinions.

It's not like he's calling them to try and get a better deal, but he's actually asking his opinion on the deal.

I'm not calling it collusion by any means, I just think it's sad they can't run they're own teams.

 

[Creed Bratton]

Do the owners in your leagues talk to eachother when it comes to trade advice???In one of my leagues we're all friends, some closer than others...but it drives me crazy that when I'm discussing a trade with one guy he calls 2 or 3 other owners to get their opinions.It's not like he's calling them to try and get a better deal, but he's actually asking his opinion on the deal.I'm not calling it collusion by any means, I just think it's sad they can't run they're own teams.

Sure, that happens in my league all the time. Our league is made up of a pretty tight group of friends and I wouldn't say myself and the other owners do it because we can't make up our own minds, but because it's fun to have the debate and trash talk. Sure, i could keep my mouth shut and never offer an opinion on the nfl and refuse to give somebody my take on something for a miniscule competitive advantage, of course i would be missing out on the interaction that makes most of the season fun. Frankly, even if you're a skilled player who puts together a badass roster, you're still at the mercy of the fantasy football gods in a head to head league. Most of the time your season is going to end in bitter disappointment so i think it's a good idea to try and enjoy the ride.

 

[OnThInIcE911]

Do the owners in your leagues talk to eachother when it comes to trade advice???In one of my leagues we're all friends, some closer than others...but it drives me crazy that when I'm discussing a trade with one guy he calls 2 or 3 other owners to get their opinions.It's not like he's calling them to try and get a better deal, but he's actually asking his opinion on the deal.I'm not calling it collusion by any means, I just think it's sad they can't run they're own teams.

Sure, that happens in my league all the time. Our league is made up of a pretty tight group of friends and I wouldn't say myself and the other owners do it because we can't make up our own minds, but because it's fun to have the debate and trash talk. Sure, i could keep my mouth shut and never offer an opinion on the nfl and refuse to give somebody my take on something for a miniscule competitive advantage, of course i would be missing out on the interaction that makes most of the season fun. Frankly, even if you're a skilled player who puts together a badass roster, you're still at the mercy of the fantasy football gods in a head to head league. Most of the time your season is going to end in bitter disappointment so i think it's a good idea to try and enjoy the ride.

 

[HenryMuto]

Do the owners in your leagues talk to eachother when it comes to trade advice???In one of my leagues we're all friends, some closer than others...but it drives me crazy that when I'm discussing a trade with one guy he calls 2 or 3 other owners to get their opinions.It's not like he's calling them to try and get a better deal, but he's actually asking his opinion on the deal.I'm not calling it collusion by any means, I just think it's sad they can't run they're own teams.

Sure, that happens in my league all the time. Our league is made up of a pretty tight group of friends and I wouldn't say myself and the other owners do it because we can't make up our own minds, but because it's fun to have the debate and trash talk. Sure, i could keep my mouth shut and never offer an opinion on the nfl and refuse to give somebody my take on something for a miniscule competitive advantage, of course i would be missing out on the interaction that makes most of the season fun. Frankly, even if you're a skilled player who puts together a badass roster, you're still at the mercy of the fantasy football gods in a head to head league. Most of the time your season is going to end in bitter disappointment so i think it's a good idea to try and enjoy the ride.

Happens all the time as well in my league lots of owners come to me and ask about the trade offers they are getting.

 

[baldbird]

I am ask all the time my thoughts on a trade.But I dont mind it I would rather people talk and share opionions I think it makes for a good league.

What I dont like is people saying no dont deal with that guy no matter what he offers we dont want him to get better.Or no hes in my division if you do that trade it could hurt me. I always tell people manage your team to get better dont worry who its hurting in another division .

 

[massraider]

Do the owners in your leagues talk to eachother when it comes to trade advice???In one of my leagues we're all friends, some closer than others...but it drives me crazy that when I'm discussing a trade with one guy he calls 2 or 3 other owners to get their opinions.It's not like he's calling them to try and get a better deal, but he's actually asking his opinion on the deal.I'm not calling it collusion by any means, I just think it's sad they can't run they're own teams.

It shouldn't make you sad, and it sure shouldn't drive you crazy. What do you care if he talks to someone else? Actually, I have had owners get wind of a trade, and call me and say, I can beat that deal. So I will sometimes get more because my potential partner went looking for advice.Although, I an imagine a scenario where it might bother someone. I have played in leagues where owners didn't like that their trade partners would discuss the offer. They were usually trying to take advantage of some new sucker in the league. They would try and rip off the newbie owner (which is fine) but would get huffy when he sought counsel elsewhere. They were pretty much DBags.

 

[DropKick]

Do the owners in your leagues talk to eachother when it comes to trade advice???In one of my leagues we're all friends, some closer than others...but it drives me crazy that when I'm discussing a trade with one guy he calls 2 or 3 other owners to get their opinions.It's not like he's calling them to try and get a better deal, but he's actually asking his opinion on the deal.I'm not calling it collusion by any means, I just think it's sad they can't run they're own teams.

It shouldn't make you sad, and it sure shouldn't drive you crazy. What do you care if he talks to someone else? Actually, I have had owners get wind of a trade, and call me and say, I can beat that deal. So I will sometimes get more because my potential partner went looking for advice.Although, I an imagine a scenario where it might bother someone. I have played in leagues where owners didn't like that their trade partners would discuss the offer. They were usually trying to take advantage of some new sucker in the league. They would try and rip off the newbie owner (which is fine) but would get huffy when he sought counsel elsewhere. They were pretty much DBags.

People often don't give impartial feedback - they frequently give biased feedback based on how they think the trade affects THEIR team. That is the reality but I (personally) have come to accept it.

 

[massraider]

Do the owners in your leagues talk to eachother when it comes to trade advice???In one of my leagues we're all friends, some closer than others...but it drives me crazy that when I'm discussing a trade with one guy he calls 2 or 3 other owners to get their opinions.It's not like he's calling them to try and get a better deal, but he's actually asking his opinion on the deal.I'm not calling it collusion by any means, I just think it's sad they can't run they're own teams.

It shouldn't make you sad, and it sure shouldn't drive you crazy. What do you care if he talks to someone else? Actually, I have had owners get wind of a trade, and call me and say, I can beat that deal. So I will sometimes get more because my potential partner went looking for advice.Although, I an imagine a scenario where it might bother someone. I have played in leagues where owners didn't like that their trade partners would discuss the offer. They were usually trying to take advantage of some new sucker in the league. They would try and rip off the newbie owner (which is fine) but would get huffy when he sought counsel elsewhere. They were pretty much DBags.

People often don't give impartial feedback - they frequently give biased feedback based on how they think the trade affects THEIR team. That is the reality but I (personally) have come to accept it.

What's that got to do with the topic?The OP doesn't like it when people get advice from other owners. I don't think the reason he is driven 'crazy' by this practice is because he is concerned his trade partner is getting bad advice.

 

[Hoot&HoLLer]

It would seem that is a natural interaction for leagues comprised of close friends. I suspect this happens in my league too. Perhaps the only drawback is if Team A and B are exploring a trade and Team B discusses it with some other Team (C or D) and C or D tell Team B something that then influences Team B in such a way as to disrupt the trade negotiation tactic for Team A.

Ideally, trades should occur between two teams where both are working in their own interests free from interference from non-objective third party influences. That way, an individual owner is able to explore trades based on his/her own valuation of the trade. More often than not, that is simply not possible in a close league, so you have to be mindful of outside intereference and work that into your strategy.

 

[Crippler]

You could have a dumb owner think he is smart and impact the competitive balance in your league instead because he does not ask for advice.

I have no issue with someone seeking advice. Usually if someone wants to beat my offer, than I am okay with that also and like teams overpaying to stop me.

 

[Dave Larkin]

In one of my leagues, there simply isn't enough talking going on between owners. The chat room is always dead and I seem to the be the only owner who's actually active and trying to make deals during the offseason. It's a bit frustrating.

I agree with you that it is a little strange to have owners discussing amongst themselves about trade offers. It's always good to get a second opinion, but going outside the league circle would be a better option if you ask me.

 

[comfortably numb]

Happens a lot in all my leagues, and I have found all to be respectful.

Meaning, if I mention to owner B I am contemplating a deal for LT that is on my table, owner B will not go and try to undercut me.

Likewise myself, if an owner is mentioning to me he has offers out on a player, if I want to target that player I will make sure with the owner that his talks are off for the time being.

I enjoy it, it sparks discussion amongst owners and can be fun talking to people getting other perspectives.

It can help promote trading as well.

 

[pghrob]

We use cbssports.com as our host site. Owners will put players "on the block". Discussing trade offers with other league mates who are not actively involved in the trade would seem to have its benefits and problems depending on how the trade works out for each owner.

 

[DoubleG]

It shouldn't make you sad, and it sure shouldn't drive you crazy.

What do you care if he talks to someone else? Actually, I have had owners get wind of a trade, and call me and say, I can beat that deal. So I will sometimes get more because my potential partner went looking for advice.

Although, I an imagine a scenario where it might bother someone. I have played in leagues where owners didn't like that their trade partners would discuss the offer. They were usually trying to take advantage of some new sucker in the league. They would try and rip off the newbie owner (which is fine) but would get huffy when he sought counsel elsewhere. They were pretty much DBags.

People often don't give impartial feedback - they frequently give biased feedback based on how they think the trade affects THEIR team. That is the reality but I (personally) have come to accept it.

What's that got to do with the topic?The OP doesn't like it when people get advice from other owners. I don't think the reason he is driven 'crazy' by this practice is because he is concerned his trade partner is getting bad advice.

I see both sides. I think owners talking is fine but they do need to keep in mind that when they chat with other owners about trade offers and such, the "opinion" or "advice" they are getting is hardly unbiased and must be taken with a grain of salt. I think owners talking to each other always helps maintain competitive balance. What drives me crazy is when a guy gets traded to someone else and I didn't even know the owner was shopping him and I would have given up more to obtain that player. Makes me wish our league would actually talk more about perspective trades and such.

 

[JohnnyU]

A few owners in my football and baseball leagues get bent out of shape whenever anyone makes a comment about players publicly that's on the block. Now this isn't information about a specific trade necessarily, but they get their panties in a bunch whenever someone provides any comment or information about their players. Maybe something like, "so and so said that player x is not picking up the playbook and player y looks like the starter". God forbid if you made this statement on the league message board. What are your thoughts on this type of communication?

 

[SuperJohn96]

We're in the midst of our draft, and the 1.12 was being shopped around...he got 5 offers, one from me.

We chatted honestly about the offers, and it seemed to be between mine and one other team.

Each of us offered our 2011 1st Round, and I also offered my 2011 3rd, and the other guy was his 5th. So I had the better offer, but I'm one of the stronger teams, and the other team is a rebuilding team, so I told him straight out to take the other offer (not that he needed me to tell him).

It's just fun to chat about FF with anyone, who cares if they're in your league unless it's a big money league...

 

[roadkill1292]

A few owners in my football and baseball leagues get bent out of shape whenever anyone makes a comment about players publicly that's on the block. Now this isn't information about a specific trade necessarily, but they get their panties in a bunch whenever someone provides any comment or information about their players. Maybe something like, "so and so said that player x is not picking up the playbook and player y looks like the starter". God forbid if you made this statement on the league message board. What are your thoughts on this type of communication?

Why is he annoyed? Because someone is bringing up a nugget of dirt that he was hoping to slide by the less informed owners? I guess I understand that; it's sorta like when somebody chirps up with an injury report on a player just announced at the league auction.My local league wouldn't be very sympathetic to this owner, however. Good-naturedly trashing everyone else's players, on the block or not, while defending your own is part of the fun.

 

[FUBAR]

I think owners talking to each other always helps maintain competitive balance. What drives me crazy is when a guy gets traded to someone else and I didn't even know the owner was shopping him and I would have given up more to obtain that player. Makes me wish our league would actually talk more about perspective trades and such.

the reply I've gotten a few times is I should have made an offer. Well, if I don't even know he's willing to shop that player, am I really expected to make offers for every player I have some interest in, all the time, even if I think there's no way the owner will trade that player? MFL has a "trade bait" function that is useful if people use it, you don't have to actively shop the players just let people know you're willing to discuss them.I've provided input and asked an owner for his thoughts before, only once was I asked about a player I'd want to acquire and the offer was good enough that I recommended taking it and didn't make an offer myself although I stated that if he didn't like the offer, I'd be interested.

 

[spodog]

This is part of life, you best get used to it.

If you owned a roofing company and you gave somebody an estimate to replace their roof, are you going to get upset when they go talk to 2 or 3 other companies and ask about the information that you gave them when you estimated the job?

You can actually work this to your advantage. There was a guy in my league a few years ago that was scared of looking bad whenever he did a trade, so I always knew that he would go ask another member of our league, call him Rob, for advice.

So before I made any trade offers to scared guy, I always ran it by Rob first to see what kind of opinion he was likely to offer scared guy, and then I might adjust my offer to account of the inevitable advice that Rob was going to dole out to scared guy.

work the system, or it will work you.

 

[FunkyTeaParty]

My league is all old friends and there are clusters of owners that run stuff by each other all the time.

I don't partake because it is a pretty cut throat league and I would assume any advice I got would have an ulterior motive.

Also, why do I want advice from these donkeys? I know more than all of them.

 

[Andrew Garda]

What drives me crazy is when a guy gets traded to someone else and I didn't even know the owner was shopping him and I would have given up more to obtain that player. Makes me wish our league would actually talk more about perspective trades and such.

I hear this a lot and here is my pushback to it:If you want someone - make an offer. Sometimes a guy ISN'T being shopped actively and an offer comes that for whatever reason, the owner of said player likes.

Could you have beaten it? Maybe. But you never asked, so you never know.

I don't use the trade blocks much - if someone wants a player, come make an offer. I'll let you know if they are off limits or not but most owners have few guys who are and will listen to a fair offer.

You can't complain you didn't get a chance at a guy if you never ask about him. It's not other owner's responsibility to kep you up to date on everyone they MIGHT trade at some point.

At worst the owner now knows you are looking to trade and can start a dialogue.

 

[DoubleG]

What drives me crazy is when a guy gets traded to someone else and I didn't even know the owner was shopping him and I would have given up more to obtain that player. Makes me wish our league would actually talk more about perspective trades and such.

I hear this a lot and here is my pushback to it:If you want someone - make an offer. Sometimes a guy ISN'T being shopped actively and an offer comes that for whatever reason, the owner of said player likes.

Could you have beaten it? Maybe. But you never asked, so you never know.

I don't use the trade blocks much - if someone wants a player, come make an offer. I'll let you know if they are off limits or not but most owners have few guys who are and will listen to a fair offer.

You can't complain you didn't get a chance at a guy if you never ask about him. It's not other owner's responsibility to kep you up to date on everyone they MIGHT trade at some point.

At worst the owner now knows you are looking to trade and can start a dialogue.

Like Fubar said - owners can't send out emails regarding every player they might possibly be interested in. Most of us have normal jobs and commitments and can't be sending out emails 3-4 times a day. Most owners wouldn't want to get dozens of emails a week from other owners about their players - that's what the "trading block" or :trade bait" functions of leagues are for. Don't get me wrong - I think there is a happy medium, but to take a "fair" offer from an owner simply because it was the only person who contacted you is also down right silly as you may be short changing yourself. There may be other owners in your league who are willing to pay more for that player. If you use the trading block function, you will often get inquiries from more than one owner - which will not only help you gauge "fair value" but also give you multiple options.

 

[Andrew Garda]

Like Fubar said - owners can't send out emails regarding every player they might possibly be interested in. Most of us have normal jobs and commitments and can't be sending out emails 3-4 times a day. Most owners wouldn't want to get dozens of emails a week from other owners about their players - that's what the "trading block" or :trade bait" functions of leagues are for.

Don't get me wrong - I think there is a happy medium, but to take a "fair" offer from an owner simply because it was the only person who contacted you is also down right silly as you may be short changing yourself. There may be other owners in your league who are willing to pay more for that player. If you use the trading block function, you will often get inquiries from more than one owner - which will not only help you gauge "fair value" but also give you multiple options.

I hear you guys, I do.All I'm saying is, don't be reactive, be proactive. If you see a guy you like, OFFER something for him before someone else does. Can you do this for every character? Of course not, no more so than other owners have the tiem to think of every scenario where they MIGHT trade a guy. Nobody has the time. Maybe he wasn't thinking about trading Sidney Rice before you emailed him.

A lot of people are willing to more than they are actively looking to move.

You're right - there is a happy medium. I should use the block more. Maybe others should depend on it as the end all be all is as well.

(now I'm going to post some guys on the trade block. Damn you G. You ruined productivity for the afternoon....;-) )

 

[twistd]

Do the owners in your leagues talk to eachother when it comes to trade advice???In one of my leagues we're all friends, some closer than others...but it drives me crazy that when I'm discussing a trade with one guy he calls 2 or 3 other owners to get their opinions.It's not like he's calling them to try and get a better deal, but he's actually asking his opinion on the deal.I'm not calling it collusion by any means, I just think it's sad they can't run they're own teams.

It is like playing poker. You get advice from a guy, but you have to take his advice with a grain of salt because he either can gain or lose as a result of your trade. You give advice, sometimes encouraging because the trade might help you, or advising against because it will hurt. I think it is part of the game. And I think becoming someone people look to for advice is something you can use to your advantage. Just as trash talking on a message board, or busting someone for making a stupid trade is all part of the game. Have fun with it, and learn to use it to your advantage.

 

[Tanner9919]

Do the owners in your leagues talk to eachother when it comes to trade advice???In one of my leagues we're all friends, some closer than others...but it drives me crazy that when I'm discussing a trade with one guy he calls 2 or 3 other owners to get their opinions.It's not like he's calling them to try and get a better deal, but he's actually asking his opinion on the deal.I'm not calling it collusion by any means, I just think it's sad they can't run they're own teams.

It shouldn't make you sad, and it sure shouldn't drive you crazy. What do you care if he talks to someone else? Actually, I have had owners get wind of a trade, and call me and say, I can beat that deal. So I will sometimes get more because my potential partner went looking for advice.Although, I an imagine a scenario where it might bother someone. I have played in leagues where owners didn't like that their trade partners would discuss the offer. They were usually trying to take advantage of some new sucker in the league. They would try and rip off the newbie owner (which is fine) but would get huffy when he sought counsel elsewhere. They were pretty much DBags.

I think the DBags are the ones who, upon hearing you talk of an offer you've received, tell you that they can offer you more...if you call the owner of Team A and ask him his opinion about a deal you've been offered, shouldn't he just give you his opinion and not step on the feet of the guy who offered you a trade in the first place?the guy who made the offer to you would be pretty ticked-off to know someone else caught wind of it, and decided to trump his trade offer..I know this kind of stuff happens all the time in FF...it's really frustrating to the owners who are trying to make deals, that someone else keeps one-upping them..

 

[Ned]

Happens a lot in all my leagues, and I have found all to be respectful.Meaning, if I mention to owner B I am contemplating a deal for LT that is on my table, owner B will not go and try to undercut me.Likewise myself, if an owner is mentioning to me he has offers out on a player, if I want to target that player I will make sure with the owner that his talks are off for the time being.I enjoy it, it sparks discussion amongst owners and can be fun talking to people getting other perspectives.It can help promote trading as well.

Osi says hi

 

[Creed Bratton]

Do the owners in your leagues talk to eachother when it comes to trade advice???In one of my leagues we're all friends, some closer than others...but it drives me crazy that when I'm discussing a trade with one guy he calls 2 or 3 other owners to get their opinions.It's not like he's calling them to try and get a better deal, but he's actually asking his opinion on the deal.I'm not calling it collusion by any means, I just think it's sad they can't run they're own teams.

It shouldn't make you sad, and it sure shouldn't drive you crazy. What do you care if he talks to someone else? Actually, I have had owners get wind of a trade, and call me and say, I can beat that deal. So I will sometimes get more because my potential partner went looking for advice.Although, I an imagine a scenario where it might bother someone. I have played in leagues where owners didn't like that their trade partners would discuss the offer. They were usually trying to take advantage of some new sucker in the league. They would try and rip off the newbie owner (which is fine) but would get huffy when he sought counsel elsewhere. They were pretty much DBags.

I think the DBags are the ones who, upon hearing you talk of an offer you've received, tell you that they can offer you more...if you call the owner of Team A and ask him his opinion about a deal you've been offered, shouldn't he just give you his opinion and not step on the feet of the guy who offered you a trade in the first place?the guy who made the offer to you would be pretty ticked-off to know someone else caught wind of it, and decided to trump his trade offer..I know this kind of stuff happens all the time in FF...it's really frustrating to the owners who are trying to make deals, that someone else keeps one-upping them..

I can't agree with this at all. I don't think there's anything wrong with trying to one-up one of your opponents to acquire a player. Trade negotiations don't have some sacrosanct first come-first serve policy. If some owner puts his stud RB on the trading block on the league message board, he isn't obligated to deal with the first owner who contacts him with an offer and then the others just have to back off.The only way that it can be DBag move is by lying and going behind people's backs and acting like you're aren't during the process of trading. I think it's a pretty good policy in fantasy football, as in life, to be as open, honest, and straightforward as you can be. Generally, people aren't going to have a problem with that.

 

[DoubleG]

Do the owners in your leagues talk to eachother when it comes to trade advice???

In one of my leagues we're all friends, some closer than others...but it drives me crazy that when I'm discussing a trade with one guy he calls 2 or 3 other owners to get their opinions.

It's not like he's calling them to try and get a better deal, but he's actually asking his opinion on the deal.

I'm not calling it collusion by any means, I just think it's sad they can't run they're own teams.

It shouldn't make you sad, and it sure shouldn't drive you crazy. What do you care if he talks to someone else? Actually, I have had owners get wind of a trade, and call me and say, I can beat that deal. So I will sometimes get more because my potential partner went looking for advice.

Although, I an imagine a scenario where it might bother someone. I have played in leagues where owners didn't like that their trade partners would discuss the offer. They were usually trying to take advantage of some new sucker in the league. They would try and rip off the newbie owner (which is fine) but would get huffy when he sought counsel elsewhere. They were pretty much DBags.

I think the DBags are the ones who, upon hearing you talk of an offer you've received, tell you that they can offer you more...if you call the owner of Team A and ask him his opinion about a deal you've been offered, shouldn't he just give you his opinion and not step on the feet of the guy who offered you a trade in the first place?

the guy who made the offer to you would be pretty ticked-off to know someone else caught wind of it, and decided to

trump his trade offer..

I know this kind of stuff happens all the time in FF...it's really frustrating to the owners who are trying to make deals, that someone else keeps one-upping them..

I can't agree with this at all. I don't think there's anything wrong with trying to one-up one of your opponents to acquire a player. Trade negotiations don't have some sacrosanct first come-first serve policy. If some owner puts his stud RB on the trading block on the league message board, he isn't obligated to deal with the first owner who contacts him with an offer and then the others just have to back off.

The only way that it can be DBag move is by lying and going behind people's backs and acting like you're aren't during the process of trading. I think it's a pretty good policy in fantasy football, as in life, to be as open, honest, and straightforward as you can be. Generally, people aren't going to have a problem with that.

Sorry Tanner, couldn't disagree more with your post. I don't get the thought that only the one who made the first offer has the "right" to make a trade. If all owners are active and competetive (which is a good thing) they should be trying to out-do one another for a player they want. As the owner who has the player in question, I'd want multiple owners trying to outbid one another for my player - drives up his value and increases my options for what I get back.