I sometimes get frustrated easily. I admit it. Sometimes that’s totally on me. At other times though, my frustration builds because folks ask for my help but don’t give me enough data to really be able to help. In those instances, my frustration is born from a desire to lend a hand even when I really can’t. What the hell am I talking about? I’m talking about folks asking me to help them with trades. In most instances though I don’t get enough data to give an accurate answer. Let’s take a look at three examples of what I mean before I list for you my ideal scenario where I can truly offer the answer that you seek.
Considering either trading for Dexter Fowler or adding Marcell Ozuna.
- @erush710
Fowler is a .360 OBP guy who has a career best of 17 homers. However, he does have three seasons with at least 19 steals.
Ozuna is a .311 OBP guy with a career best of 23 homers. He has 10 career stolen bases.
At least we have two outfielders here, but what is the goal? Fowler is a top of the order option who gets on base, scores runs and steals bases. Ozuna is a blaster who rarely gets on base but has the potential to be a middle of the order power threat. They are completely different players, other than the position they play defensively.
*He later sent in his scoring system.
Drop Brandon Moss for Angel Pagan, Jonathan Villar or Tyler Naquin in a 20 team points league?
- @bgbandrus
So we’re talking about a couple of outfielders, a first baseman and a shortstop. Moss is the only power threat of the group. Villar can’t hit, but for now he’s starting at shortstop for the Brewers. He brings a potentially significant speed element. Pagan/Naquin are actually a fair debate as moderate outfielders who will have a hard time besting 400 at-bats if their team is healthy. Still, that’s a pretty disparate group of guys, ain’t it?
Player that you like more – Adam Eaton or Yordano Ventura in a 12-team dynasty league?
- @ksufan7227
Do we need a young veteran outfielder or a young veteran starting pitcher? I mean, without context how can I answer this one? It’s particularly difficult to do when the question is from a dynasty league.
So, here’s what I need to know when you ask a question – that is if you want me to give you a complete answer.
1 – What is the size of your league? 10 teams, mixed league, single league?
2 – What type of league are you in? Roto, H2H, points league?
3 – What positions do you use in your league? One or two catchers? Three outfielders or five? Seven pitchers or nine?
4 – Are you in a keeper league? A dynasty league? By the way, a quick disclaimer. In a “dynasty” league you keep your entire roster, all 30 players or however many fellas are on your team. No one participates in dynasty leagues. Every day I get a note from someone that says something like “I’m in a dynasty league and I need to keep six guys.” If you aren’t keeping your whole team you’re not in a dynasty league, you’re in a keeper league. They mean different things, so it’s important to use the correct term when you ask a question.
5 – This is the most important one – what is your goal with the trade? Do you need power? Do you need speed? Are you weak in the bullpen? We’re beyond the point of saying “do I win this deal.” It doesn’t always matter that you “win” the deal in a vacuum. You have to find the players that “fit” what you need. That can be more important that just getting the better performer. Folks miss this point a lot. Make sure you don’t.
Follow this link to check out the entire Player Profile Series.
Ray Flowers can be heard Monday through Friday, 7 PM EDT and Friday on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM 87). You can also hear Ray Sunday nights at 6 PM on the channel talking fantasy sports. Follow Ray’s work at Fantasy Alarm and on Twitter (@baseballguys).