Deception Detection: False Compliments

"Those who compliment you on what you do not have, are trying to take from you what you do have."

I've forgotten who said this quote, so if you are the person who said it, I'm sorry; and if you know who did say it, please thank them.

Anyway, onto its fantasy baseball relevance. I can't really explain it without giving an example; so here's the example. You have a starting pitching corp with one ace, let's say Johan Santana, and a bunch of embarrassing pitchers to own, let's say Chris Capuano, Braden Looper, and Jarrod Washburn. With Johan I guess it can be considered formidable, (it's a deep league) however without Santana, it becomes a disgraceful excuse of a pitching staff.

Now, another owner in your league is asking about acquiring Johan. You, as a knowledgeable fantasy participant say, "No way! without Santana I have nothing!" Well he (or she I guess), as a prudent fantasy player, will try to convince you that that your "other" pitchers are good enough, so that you are willing to part with your beloved Venezuelan ace.

You must not listen to his (or her) garbage that compliments your terrible pitchers. If you do, you might be convinced you can part with Johan, and have your fantasy season ruined.

Now on the other side of things, consider complimenting other people's players. Remember, you are never praising the abilities of players that you want to have on your team, but players you do not want to get. This can allow you to pay less for players, as the other manager no long feels he needs sed players as much.

Even if you are not planning on acquiring a player on someone's team, still praise players you do not like. . . . you'd be surprised what people remember down the road and how if affects their opinions. (especially if you are in first, which hopefully you are)

Fantasy baseball is not a fair man's game, acting deceitful can help you get an edge on the opposition --- most likely a small edge, but an edge nonetheless.

Cheers!

Paul