The Classic:
How many Vietnam Veterans does it take to change a light bulb?
You don’t know, man! You weren’t there, man!
Today:
How many politicians does it take to change a light bulb?
Shutdown – Light isn’t mission essential.
It’s amazing the exponential increase in difficulty with the addition of the “human factor.” Hence, the angst of trades. If you’re still playing and in it, you’ve probably been working the waiver wire, but it may be time for some higher watt bulbs. Trade deadlines are quickly approaching. If you’re thinking about pursuing a trade, start the process now so there is time for the “human factor”: i.e. delays and negotiating. Typically, I like to throw out a few trade offers.
Putting together a good trade offer is a challenging part of fantasy sports. Despite having played in competitive leagues for a while,I still see bad offers from experienced players. Trades are a good tool to improve a weak position or get a higher tier-level player. It’s not just about getting what you want; it’s also about manipulating someone to give you what you want. I hinted in an earlier article that deadbeats are good targets for trades. They’re already out of the game and don’t really care.
However, the trade should still be fair. Don’t compromise the integrity of the game or integrity of your possible championship. So remember, points aren’t free – the more you want, the more you’ll have to give up. And, if you are in earnest, be prepared to let go of a good player.
I’ll share my method; but as I tell the newbies at work, this is how I do it, not how you have to.
First I look to see what I want to improve. Is one of my positions really weak, or just filled with average players? What do I need? If I can target a role, what players fit and who will be my bait? I look at my roster for depth and whoat I’m willing to give up. For example, if I have several good Wingers and know that I am consistently benching one, I’ll pick one of those to try and trade. I’m not getting any production there anyway.
Now, who do I try to trade with? If the trade is good, both teams will improve as a result, though I typically do not like to trade with close competition. Right now, I’m in 3rd place. I’m not trading with the guys in 1st, 2nd, or 4th. That’s just me.
I like to use the “rosters” page on Yahoo! which displays all the players on all rosters. Using that page also lets me the depth of my opponents. If I want a better Center,and am flush with Wingers, that gives a natural entry to negotiate.
One again, the “players” is useful to see the trend of points. If the player is on a hot streak, understand the price will be higher; but, a good player in a slump is choice. But be judicious: Check career stats and peripherals to try and project if the slump will end.
Likewise, good trade bait is a player on a hot streak. You just can’t underestimate the lure of instant gratification. and if you have a hot player up for grabs, the league becomes a bunch of three-year olds. Of course, if you traded for Chris Shelton some years back you recognize such trades don’t always work out that well. That’s when you may have to sweeten the pot (not talking California here, Lawr’s state where it is legal). But, if you are trading with a Capitals fan and you have Wilson, toss in the Caps Winger and ask for another player of equal value.
As noted, always make sure the trade is fair. If the first offer is insulting, it may be the last offer. Are the point values somewhat even? A good question to ask is, “Would I take this trade?” Don’t give up too much for a player that you just have to have. It’d be wonderful to have Connor McDavid for that last part of the season, but is he worth the price? Would YOU give up the stud Oiler? Be ready to negotiate. And renegotiate. Have the stats and any other facts ready. If a counter offer is made, make sure the trade makes your team better.
