wrveres wrote:Each and every trade is unique. I don't think you can set gerneral rules like you are looking to do.
I think wr hit the nail on the head there. For me at least there are lots of factors that go into evaluating a trade, and they are usually different for each trade, but a couple of the things that I usually consider for every trade are:
1. Position scarcity -- I probably use this too much but if I'm getting a top player at a relatively shallow position (2B, SS, C), for a top player at a relatively deep position (1B, 3B, OF), I usually take that deal since it's harder to get good production at the shallower positions
2. Players career/long term performance -- If I'm trading away a more streaky player for a more steady player I usually take the steady player even if that means the potential may not be quite as high. I don't like to have players that can carry you when they're hot and kill you when they're cold if I can help it, it's just too much headache IMO.
3. Players recent peroformace -- The proverbial buy low sell high applies here. If I can ship out a guy who's playing way over his head for either a more steady player or a big time performer who is struggling I will take a slumping star knowing he will come around eventually.
4. "Misc factors" -- Things like age (take younger players in keepers), park effect, etc. These are usualy one of the last things I consider, but they can have a great impact on who comes out ahead in a trade.
I realize I didn't answer an actual question in the thread.

Hope it helps at least a little bit.
