It depends...

Most of my trades start with email communication. Most times I will say what I am looking for and ask what they might like in compensation. I've found this to be the best way. I'm also always upfront. I mention what a player is doing this year, if he is under contract, or even if he is injured. I was shopping Jarvis around and I mentioned that was out with rotator cuff surgery, but still signed through 2003 with his team for example.

I have on occasion offered a team a player who is playing well this year, but not the next - or a player who is playing well an may do so for a couple years, but is 37. In exchange I ask for a rookie who basically hasn't done anything but has a strong upside. To me, these are one sided in my favour PROVIDED the rookie pans out. I don't feel guilty because usually the player I trade away is filling a hole for the team as they make a playoff run.

Rarely, however, do I ever just make a trade offer cold turkey. It is usually consolidated before the offer is sent.