[Pelican]

I have seen this - and have been a victim used to manipulate/renew negotiations with other teams, who sign the guy for more money. I'm sure it happens all the time IRL, a crafty agent's trick; but it doesn't make me any happier as a GM.

One thing I do, with some apparent success (more anecdotal than scientific), is to slightly vary my offer in response to the "can we renew". So that it goes down as something better than the original. Even if it's only a slight increase in the ASG bonus. The goal being the AI saying "gee, it's not the same". This seems to lead to continued back-and-forth, since I look interested and not stuck on a number.

I have also learned to check the master list of free agents - at the Offseason screen - that lists "interest" for each guy. Some have multiple teams supposedly interested in signing the guy. Some have me only. I gather this is meant to reflect rumors in the media, but it seems to be accurate. It gives you an idea whether you have competition to sign the guy, and who it is. In other words, he, or his agent, may be bluffing.