Trade Block Guidance
Jan 4, 2016 11:04:50 GMT -5
St. Louis GM (Bert), Pirates GM (TJ), and 2 more like this
Post by Rangers GM (Stephen) on Jan 4, 2016 11:04:50 GMT -5
1. How do I value players?
Carefully!
In the MBL, the value of a player is determined by a combination of three components - how long they are controlled for (ie when they will next be a free agent), their production, and their salary. In addition to this, each of these components has their own considerations.
For example - although the contracts of a sixth and a guaranteed contract expiring this season finish at the same time, they may not necessarily have the same value. Non-guaranteed contracts can never have negative value - if necessary those players can be unprotected and removed from a roster at any time their salary outweighs their performance - whereas guaranteed contracts can only be terminated before their conclusion if the player officially retires, regardless of how big the salary or how poorly the player performs.
When considering production, depending on the length of the player contract it may be necessary to focus on any or all of the player's past, present, future and/or potential contributions.
When considering salary, remember that every team in the league plays under a fixed salary cap. Salaries for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year players are set and absolute. Salaries for 4th, 5th and 6th year players vary determined by the player's performance in the previous season. Salaries for guaranteed contracts are set during free agency auctions, and can never change or be reduced.
2. What should my trade block include?
"Everyone is available for the right price" (or a similar variant) is not sufficient for a trade block entry. This will not be accepted as an initial trade block allowing trading to commence.
Sharing some indication of your current strategy and aims is not akin to leaking state secrets to North Korea. In fact, it is in your benefit. For example - telling people that you are playing for 2018 indicates to others who you might be looking to move (expiring players) and who you might be looking to acquire (players for 2018). Indicating which players you are looking to sell helps you to engage in multiple streams of dialogue and increases the chances of multiple offers and increased returns. Indicating a specific position or scoring category you desire can invite other owners to come to you.
In regards to selling players - is strongly recommended that any high value player you engage in serious trade discussions over be added to your block, even if it is for a day or two and all talks fade into nothing (why not try "I'm in serious talks to trade Babe Ruth. I'm looking for SP/prospects/whatever - see if you can make me a better offer than the one I'm considering"?). Nobody wants to announce a trade and be greeted with a barrage of "I didn't know Babe was available - I would have given you more" messages, and very rarely does someone want to get 60 cents in the dollar when they could get 90, 100 or 120 elsewhere. Give yourself the best chance of receiving full value for a player you trade, and remove the excuse of "I didn't know he was available".
Help your leaguemates, help yourself, get full value and remove your opponents excuses... post a good trade block.
3. Do I need to know anything else about trading?
Yes.
Player valuation is difficult and can vary wildly from owner to owner. Especially early in a new owner's tenure, TC will closely monitor trade activity to try to ensure that new owners are not making deals based on inaccuracies (such as mis-understanding the rules) and/or not making fundamental mistakes in player valuations. New owners should not be offended by this behaviour - it is purely in your interest and in the interest of your team and the long term health of the league.
Regular and effective use of the trade block will help make sure that you receive the best offers for players you may be looking to move.
Once a trade has been agreed, it is strongly advised that you follow the 'Trade Reasoning Guidance' (http://mlbbaseballleague.proboards.com/thread/733/trade-reasoning-guidance). Showing considered and logical reasoning will help the TC gain confidence that you are knowledgeable about the rules, and show that the motivation behind your trade is considered. Strong reasoning will be especially important in any trade where you may be deemed to be 'overpaying' for a player you strongly desire. Whilst it is TC's desire to allow owners to manage their own teams as they see fit, effective use of trade reasoning may be necessary to give them the confidence to support you.
Lastly, if you're not sure - especially when selling a high value piece - it's probably best to leave it. Common wisdom dictates that you regret the deals you make more than the deals you don't, and with 28 other potential trading partners out there there's just about always another offer just around the corner.
Carefully!
In the MBL, the value of a player is determined by a combination of three components - how long they are controlled for (ie when they will next be a free agent), their production, and their salary. In addition to this, each of these components has their own considerations.
For example - although the contracts of a sixth and a guaranteed contract expiring this season finish at the same time, they may not necessarily have the same value. Non-guaranteed contracts can never have negative value - if necessary those players can be unprotected and removed from a roster at any time their salary outweighs their performance - whereas guaranteed contracts can only be terminated before their conclusion if the player officially retires, regardless of how big the salary or how poorly the player performs.
When considering production, depending on the length of the player contract it may be necessary to focus on any or all of the player's past, present, future and/or potential contributions.
When considering salary, remember that every team in the league plays under a fixed salary cap. Salaries for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year players are set and absolute. Salaries for 4th, 5th and 6th year players vary determined by the player's performance in the previous season. Salaries for guaranteed contracts are set during free agency auctions, and can never change or be reduced.
2. What should my trade block include?
"Everyone is available for the right price" (or a similar variant) is not sufficient for a trade block entry. This will not be accepted as an initial trade block allowing trading to commence.
Sharing some indication of your current strategy and aims is not akin to leaking state secrets to North Korea. In fact, it is in your benefit. For example - telling people that you are playing for 2018 indicates to others who you might be looking to move (expiring players) and who you might be looking to acquire (players for 2018). Indicating which players you are looking to sell helps you to engage in multiple streams of dialogue and increases the chances of multiple offers and increased returns. Indicating a specific position or scoring category you desire can invite other owners to come to you.
In regards to selling players - is strongly recommended that any high value player you engage in serious trade discussions over be added to your block, even if it is for a day or two and all talks fade into nothing (why not try "I'm in serious talks to trade Babe Ruth. I'm looking for SP/prospects/whatever - see if you can make me a better offer than the one I'm considering"?). Nobody wants to announce a trade and be greeted with a barrage of "I didn't know Babe was available - I would have given you more" messages, and very rarely does someone want to get 60 cents in the dollar when they could get 90, 100 or 120 elsewhere. Give yourself the best chance of receiving full value for a player you trade, and remove the excuse of "I didn't know he was available".
Help your leaguemates, help yourself, get full value and remove your opponents excuses... post a good trade block.
3. Do I need to know anything else about trading?
Yes.
Player valuation is difficult and can vary wildly from owner to owner. Especially early in a new owner's tenure, TC will closely monitor trade activity to try to ensure that new owners are not making deals based on inaccuracies (such as mis-understanding the rules) and/or not making fundamental mistakes in player valuations. New owners should not be offended by this behaviour - it is purely in your interest and in the interest of your team and the long term health of the league.
Regular and effective use of the trade block will help make sure that you receive the best offers for players you may be looking to move.
Once a trade has been agreed, it is strongly advised that you follow the 'Trade Reasoning Guidance' (http://mlbbaseballleague.proboards.com/thread/733/trade-reasoning-guidance). Showing considered and logical reasoning will help the TC gain confidence that you are knowledgeable about the rules, and show that the motivation behind your trade is considered. Strong reasoning will be especially important in any trade where you may be deemed to be 'overpaying' for a player you strongly desire. Whilst it is TC's desire to allow owners to manage their own teams as they see fit, effective use of trade reasoning may be necessary to give them the confidence to support you.
Lastly, if you're not sure - especially when selling a high value piece - it's probably best to leave it. Common wisdom dictates that you regret the deals you make more than the deals you don't, and with 28 other potential trading partners out there there's just about always another offer just around the corner.