I have tried to get an explanation from Mike but he has not provided one. I know that its better to ask Mike questions direct but since he has not answered my e-mail I am bringing it out for public opinion.


This trade has been rejected.
League Name: xx (Traditional League) xx
Trade Title: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Players

Blake Stein From (Team A) To (Team B)
Jeff Wallace From (Team A) To (Team B)

Draft Picks

The (Team B) Round 2 Rookie Pick From (Team B) to (Team A)
The (Team B) Round 3 Rookie Pick From (Team B) to (Team A)
=============================================

Team B currently trails the division leader in his division by two games and the pitchers he would receive are substantially better than what he is using for his #4 starter and his lefty relief.

In defense of the trade I suggested that Stein -- because he can start, has a lot of innings remaining, his grade 5.9 sounded to me like a #3 starter and his performance for my team. I don't think a rookie #3 for Wallace (5.9/6.9 lefty relief specialist) should be out of line so the problem has to be Stein.

Thus far the only explanation Mike has offered in response to my inquiry is that "According to actual PB performance he does not look like
a #3 to me." I have asked then what constitutes an effective #3 starter and received no response.

The median Team ERA in my league is 4.36. Stein's numbers for my team are 6-3 with a 4.53 ERA in 89 IP (12 starts). Steins grade is a 5.9 (sounds like a #3 starter) and his performance on my team is very near the league average (sounds like a #3 starter). The 4th and 5th starters on the team that would get Stein have ERA's of 5.75 and 6.23 respectively.

With all this explanation I submitted the trade again and again it was vetoed.

I am sorry to have to go to a public forum to ask this question. But can someone clue me in on why this trade upsets the competitive balance in my league? I know evaluating pitching can be tricky so maybe someone else out their has some insight that I do not possess which helps you determine what makes a decent league average #3 starter.

Can any of my fellow PB'ers help me understand this?