Jul 19, 2006
http://0rz.net/501KA



WASHINGTON - There are nine to 10 teams in both the American and National
leagues with legitimate postseason hopes, including every Western division
team in both leagues. Therefore, there are a lot more buyers then sellers as
we approach the July 31 trading deadline.


With our plan of building for the future, we are reviewing and negotiating
trade proposals from most of the contending clubs.

In addition to scouting talent, it's important to know the different types
of general managers. There are several different styles and most can be
grouped into one of the following four areas:


1. The Straight Shooter

Examples include John Schuerholz of the Atlanta Braves, Billy Beane of the
Oakland Athletics and Brian Cashman of the New York Yankees. They are always
honest and to the point. They don't play games. You always know where you
stand with them. They let you know what they will and won't do. Deals can be
done in a reasonably quick fashion with them, especially if your teams match
up in terms of player needs. They never make ridiculous offers and always try
to propose trades that are fair and equitable for both clubs.


2. The Negotiator

Most general managers fit this category. These GMs take longer to complete
deals because they're always trying to make the best trade possible. They
try to get something for nothing until reality sets in and equal value is
achieved. These GMs are often as successful as the Straight Shooter; you just
need the patience to wait for them to execute the fair value transaction.


3. The Deadline Dealer

These GMs wait until the deadline to complete a deal, hoping the price of
players change at the buzzer. They are often reactive. When other clubs in
their division make a deal, some panic and become susceptible to making a bad
trade. Unlike these GMs, the upper-tier GM will make the same deal on July 20
they will on July 31 at the deadline. There are Deadline Dealers who will
make a deal earlier than the deadline but won't officially announce it until
one minute before the deadline so contending clubs in their division won't
have time to react and counter.


4. The Do-nothing GM

These GMs are few and far between. Most don't last long in the position.
However, they still exist and it is frustrating working deals with them
because after putting a lot of time into research, scouting and negotiating,
they rarely make a move.


The reality is a good trade should help both clubs. In our case, we are
looking for good, young talented prospects. We're trying to trade veteran
players — especially those in their free agent year or ones who have
long-term financial exposure — that will help contending teams win now. In
return, we want players who are going to help us win in the future.