Will's Trading Guide

Do you trade for the future? Or do you trade for the instant gratification? That's the age old question.

Develop A Style of Play

Decide on whether you want to be an offensive team, a pitching team, or a small ball team. Only trade away and for players who fit your philosophy.

Honestly Appraise Your Team.

If they don't complement each other after two months, they won't complement each other after two years unless they're young and inexperienced.

You can't teach an old dog new tricks. He is what he is, and accept it or trade him.

Don't idolize your team, appraise them. That is to say, don't look at them as your heroes, look at how they produce on the field, and decide their future, but...

Be Consistent.

It does no good to trade if you're not trading to meet objectives. You have a year long objective, and you have the larger picture. When you start your club, develop a long term objective and do not betray that at all. Short Term objectives should complement these Long Term objectives, and should move the team forward.

Remember, one World Series is fun while you're in it, but if you want a dynasty, plan and take short term losses in stride.

Don't Trade Quality Pitching.

Quality pitching means young, promising talent that has steadily gotten better over time, solid, consistent pitching that hasn't gotten worse over time, and marquee pitching that will all but surely leave a void.

If you are trading for youth, don't give away consistency. You're trading apples and oranges. If you can swing a deal, only trade pitching that doesn't have a long term benefit to your club, or which you can not, under any circumstances, resign down the road.

Don't Trade Quality Catching.

It's easy to stress pitching, but almost as important, if not moreso, is your catcher. Look at the 2001 Boston Red Sox. What did they have before Jason Veritek went down to injury vs after he went down?

If you've got a catcher that hits reasonably (.260-.290) don't trade away for an outfielder or first basemen with power. You may just end up with another Scott Hatteberg, which will in turn make your pitching less consistent. Finally, ask yourself:

Can I Win A World Series in Five Years With My Present Team? Can I Win 2 or More in 10 Years?

If the answer is no to either or both of those questions, plan around that goal. You should be in contention and winning a pennants by your third and fourth years respectively. Sooner if you're a veteran club in the thick of things. You should also be thinking at least 1 Series in five years, and another one or two after ten years.

Think of it this way. You bring up a 20 year old prospect. He needs to be in the thick of things by 24 if he's as good as you think he is. He'll only be a top class player if he plays against the best and gets some post season play.