Looking to cash in on Hunter, Jones, and Cruz’s good starts. We start 3 OF positions and a Util, so I can start 4 of Soriano, Hunter, Rios, Adam Jones, Nelson Cruz, Fowler. My targets are Markakis or Beltran because those are teams with little OF depth. I’m looking to spin 2 of mine for either of those guys.

Is it too much to give up 2 out of Hunter, Jones and Cruz? Should I just hold? Find another target?

People can easily look at Peavy (great starter) and Jar-Jar or Wandy (goodish starters) and see that the difference is very obvious — it’s a clear downgrade. It’s like asking someone for a shiny apple by offering them a crappy shriveled apple. But if you offer them an orange instead…

For example, a few years back I had an extra SS (Carlos Guillen, before he sucked) and an extra closer (Bob Wickman, before he sucked/retired). So I looked for the team with the worst SS and targeted a player I liked (Peavy), then offered Guillen/Wickman for Peavy.

The guy accepted, mostly because a) he had Santana too, so figured he had “extra” pitching and b) needed an SS AND a closer, so it filled two needs for him, not just one. Nevermind that he was giving up by far the best player in the deal.

P.S. I then flipped Peavy to a guy needing Ks who had a slumping Sizemore. So I got Sizemore — a 2nd round pick — essentially for Guillen and Wickman, 7th and 12th rounders respectively. This was a perfect example of climbing the ladder — trading up by swapping two-for-one.

P.P.S. Peavy went on to win the Cy Young, so my Sizemore trade wasn’t exactly a home run. I, however, went on to win the league so it all worked out in the end. For me.

@Scott Williams: These trades are both wrong and should be vetoed. They suggest either a) collusion or b) massive incompetence that threatens the integrity of the league.

I also don’t believe in vetoes, but if I was in a league where these went down I’d find a new league.

@Eli: You weren’t wrong to take the trade. You can’t not take a trade because the other guy is dumb. But if people make moves this dumb, it’s a very weak league, and I think both of you will enjoy playing in a stronger one.

Hi, I have never been to this site and it seems like there is some good opinionated stuff on here. I will explore some more.

My comments are related to Scott’s from above. First, I’m that guy that got the better deal in the 2nd trade (Phillips for Bailey and Kurdoa). Listen, I found a pot of gold…actually it was given to me. Should I give it back or keep it?

I feel terribly guilty for taking Philips but you know I also would have felt like a total schmuck if I didn’t take Phillips. You have to assume the owners are competent and diligent in their work. So he made the offer and I said yes. Scott you would have too.

Scott, I actually voted to have a veto in the league last week when it came up. You and I are totally on the same page. I actually need you to come back to the league. You make it challenging and insightful. So please come back.

2nd trade — Should be vetoed.

And I’m very opposed to vetoes.

First trade: Ichiro Suzuki for Joel Hanrahan (done 2 days before Hanrahan lost his job)

Second trade (just done today) Brandon Phillips for Andrew bailey P OAK and Hiroki Kuroda P LAD

Neither of these trades seem reasonable to me. I questioned the Ichiro one and others didn’t like it either but felt like if both owners agreed on it they’d let it go since they don’t think that anyone is trying to be unfair…but I think there are times some trades just shouldn’t be allowed – am I wrong here?

@Zebo: Cause Salty’s hurt, Shoppach’s PT is all over the place the other two guys are dreadful and Ramon’s hitting well in the last 7 games (.360).

EDIT: Word.

Haven’t actually picked him up yet. I have Hanson stashed already – probably don’t need Cecil, do I?

I’m trying to think of a Beany and Cecil pun. Nothing yet.

@Steve: Bench Cecil tomorrow.

I have Wainwright, Haren, Bills, Wandy, Lowe to come later in the week…

I hate nights like this.