Justin's Response

1.  Why do you want to join High & Tight? 

 

To an extent, I am already part of the league; I just need the training wheels taken off!  I have been part of this league for nearly three years as part of Andrew's team.  3 years ago, purely as a 'consultant' to Andrew on different deals and roster moves.  2 years ago, was equal partner with him, although he had final say on all deals which handcuffed what I wanted to do.  And this year, I pretty much ran the day to day with his occasional input and stopping me from blowing up the team.  While he did not let me make all the moves I wanted to make I got a couple done.  I wanted to blow the team up, get young players, draft picks, etc.  He wanted to sneak in the playoffs and hope to upset 3 teams on the way to the title.  I don't think we had a 3 week winning streak all year, so that logic was just off to me. 

 

While I can't promise the name of team stays or that the below .500 mark will continue, or that the affinity for steals will stay as part of the plan, I have really enjoyed being part of this league.  I truly respect the work that Adam puts into the league, breaking down of the draft, the trade analysis (even when he doesn't like mine!) and how just about everyone stays involved in the league for the entirety of a long season.  This really is how a fantasy league (regardless of sport) should be run.  I have not been part of another league like this and really do want to have my own team.  Now that I would have full control of the team and able to rebuild it as I want, I will be in the finals within 3 seasons or you can boot me out if you so wish!  Call it a trial run!

2.  Please share any information as it relates to your qualifications. This may includes leagues you are in or have been in, championships, noteworthy acquisitions/strategies, offseason activities, etc. – related to baseball only. 

 

 - A Member of Dagan's Hometown league, Sippin on Gin Andrus, highly competitive in the league with two appearances in the playoffs in 3 years with a team comprised of a slew of Rangers who have been injured.  Had to grind away all year just to make it in the playoffs.  

 - 2 years ago, orchestrated a 3 hour text-mania negotiation that ended up as a last minute blockbuster deal with Jason at the deadline that to this day he I think he is still bitter about.  For all his crazy trade offers, I do enjoy negotiations with him!

 - This past season was the ring leader in the highly publicized Josh Donaldson / Nolan Arenado deal; again with Jason.  After trying to acquire him the past two years, I got the player I wanted and hope that I will be able to build a new look team around him.  While some did not like the deal, I got the player I wanted, he got a shot to win this past season and I have what I believe is the better player moving forward.  

 - Haven't attempted any off season deals in this league yet, as I didn't think it would be fair or even allowed not yet having control of the team.  Absolutely will be involved if given the team.

 - I take the draft seriously and will be prepared as anyone outside of probably Adam (respect) once the clock starts ticking!

3.  Describe your management style (active vs. passive, aggressive trader, analytical, specific methodologies, etc.) 

 - Aggressive and very active in the trade market.  I'm not going to get into my methodologies too much as that could be used against me in a trade down the road!!

 - A deal is not going to happen unless both sides think they are winning some portion of the deal.  I am not going to ask for you top two players and then turn around and offer you my worst 4.  It's a waste of time and for a deal to happen, it should sting both sides a bit.

 - It won't matter if I am in first place or last, I will be working the waiver wire, trade market and any other possible avenue to improve my team from the start of the season to the end and in to the off-season.

 - If you send a trade offer over to me, it won't just sit there for days or weeks where you get pissed at no response and withdraw the trade.  That is very frustrating to me and as soon as I see a deal, I begin breaking it down to see if something could be worked out.  Odds are, it won't be a straight accept or decline, but a negotiation will have to take place.  If it is a decline, you will get a reason as to why I declined it in my response.  I love any and all trade offers; even some of the crazy ones!!!

You may attach any supporting documents if you choose to do so. This may include spreadsheets, rankings, recommendations/referrals, etc.  

I know my back and forth with Adam after the analysis of the Arenado/Donaldson deal got out of hand.  It really was meant as a joke in the early stages and it escalated quickly.  I did feel bad for it, apologized to Adam and I apologize again to any and all involved.  I think Dagan could verify that there has never been an issue with me in his league and I don't foresee there being another one in this league.  I understand between this and most of you knowing the other guy, I may be a bit behind the 8 ball getting into the league.  

 

I can guarantee you I will be as active as anyone and am here to win the entire thing!  I already know my team and how to improve it quickly.  I have been waiting for a chance to have my own team in this league the past three years and have seen others join without me even getting a chance to be part of it.  I can assure you that no one wants to be in this league more than I do.  I ask that the league give me the opportunity to lead this team that I have already been working to make better. Thanks to you all and I hope to be seeing some seeing off-season deals from each of you soon!