Although there should not be any policy about making trades that benefit one team more than another I think many owners somewhat follow this philosophy. I know when I'm in a race for a playoff berth, I tend to give up whatever it takes to get me there, within reason of course. I've given up some promissing rookies for guys in their late 30's, just to make the playoffs.

I think we see more trading by the top teams, and that may be why they are the top teams. Their owners pay more attention to them. I think each owner should make at least 2-3 trades during the off season.