trading ethics

[mjl]

One of my leagues has a rule that many other leagues have, where if you have a guy who still has rookie status (under 150 AB/50 IP in the majors) and who has never been active for any roto team, their contract is handled differently. We represent that with an (R) next to their contract amount on the web site. That tends not to be updated until just before the next season, and hasn't been yet for this year.

I was offered a trade where the other person asked for one of a couple of players from me. I am pretty sure he's asking specifically for an R player, but not completely sure. One of the guys he's asking about is Matt Harvey, who instead of being able to be hidden on the bench is going to be $10 on the active roster for the auction.

I think this is a pretty good deal I'm being offered. I think I might feel like a jerk if I don't mention it to the other guy, but on the other hand I would feel like it was my responsibility to check that if I was going to make an offer for someone, so I wouldn't be angry at the other owner if someone got me with this.

I've already made my decision, but what would you do? It's a league of nice people but nobody that I actually know beyond their email address, and the guy in question isn't a member here (afaik) if that makes any difference.

p.s. to umjewman: this isn't about you, but you probably ought to know this also. On the other hand, Harvey has looked very good in spring training and you're probably a massive Mets homer and an Amway salesman just because they opened a store at the ballpark, so I doubt it bothers you too much.

[popeye]

If I had reason to believe that a potential trading partner was under the wrong impression regarding the eligibility of the player, I would let him know.

[heyelander]

I think i would mention it as well

[Vecmizer]

I would mention it as well. You may not get the deal done, but the other owner will appreciate the honesty and be more apt to work with you in the future. If you burn a bridge now you may not be able to build it back.

[Stephen]

This is one of those things that I struggle with in fantasy baseball.

The owners who win consistently every year are likely the ones who say, "It's an owner's job to know what they are trading for. It isn't my job to run my team and his team." I completely agree with this notion too. It's hard to buy and sell a player a the same time.

Unfortunately, I have to sleep at night so I tend to tell people.

[The Dane]

I depends on league context. I'm in a couple of leagues where I would just assume they knew what they were doing and it's 100% buyer beware. And I'm also in a league where I would assuredly tell.

[Judge Jude]

yes, depends on league dynamic.
also, it's 130 AB, not 150....

[Gregg]

I just told a guy that Archer wasn't free this year. He thanked me, then nixed the deal.

Now the amazing thing to me is that he would think I would take what he offered if Archer had not lost his rookie status.

I have no regrets. It was the right thing to do.

[umjewman]

The ethical thing to do is forget that other trade and deal him to me.

And for the record, my résumé is still under consideration with Amway. No formal employment yet...

[Riff Raff]

I depends on league context. I'm in a couple of leagues where I would just assume they knew what they were doing and it's 100% buyer beware. And I'm also in a league where I would assuredly tell.

I agree with Dane on this.

Fantasy baseball is a competitive activity where we are trying to win. In some instances you increase your chance to win by being cut-throat and in other instances building bridges will further your ability to succeed. League history would play into this heavily.

[swampdragon]

I agree with Dane on this.

Fantasy baseball is a competitive activity where we are trying to win. In some instances you increase your chance to win by being cut-throat and in other instances building bridges will further your ability to succeed. League history would play into this heavily.

fantasy baseball is cut-throat - really?

fantasy baseball is nerdy, fun, ridiculous, played by 40 year old men, silly, brilliant, something that drives wives and girlfriends crazy, a fun diversion, a game for people who are cooler that civil war re-enactors, sociable

got any more?

[Moonlight J]

the trade offer I have to you in your inbox is on the up and up

[Hornsby]

fantasy baseball is cut-throat - really?

fantasy baseball is nerdy, fun, ridiculous, played by 40 year old men, silly, brilliant, something that drives wives and girlfriends crazy, a fun diversion, a game for people who are cooler that civil war re-enactors, sociable

got any more?

Couldn't agree more...always be honest. A lie of ommision is still a lie, no matter how you cut it.

[heyelander]

Couldn't agree more...always be honest. A lie of ommision is still a lie, no matter how you cut it.

I don't think it's necessarily a lie of omission. the info is out there and the guy who is making the offer should have researched it, but I'd still say something.

[dslaw]

I agree with pretty much everyone else. Let him know you like the offer but that Harvey isn't an R player just to make sure he still wants to do it. If you get a bad reputation no one will deal with you in the future.