arbitration question

[chriskelly]

Sometimes, I'll offer a young player a deal while he is still eligable for arbitration. Many times, I'll get the answer "I'll test the market", when in reality, the player doesn't have the years to be eligable to do so. Sometimes, the player will also cut off conversation with me.

My questions are:
-Does the player "know" he isn't really free agent eligable, due to his service time, and he's going to end up with me anyway?

-Does shutting down talks with me change his attitude? I could understand if I was low balling, I could piss off one of my players. but....if I am making an offer that will likely be better than arbitration, and the player is evaluating based on falsely thinking he can really test the market, it could cause a problem.

I hope that makes sense....it's hard to juggle asking intelligent ODCS questions while making a token effort to do my job!

[rem]

Originally Posted by chriskelly

My questions are:
-Does the player "know" he isn't really free agent eligable, due to his service time, and he's going to end up with me anyway?

No not really. His young age will effect contract talks....somewhat.

Originally Posted by chriskelly

-Does shutting down talks with me change his attitude? I could understand if I was low balling, I could piss off one of my players. but....if I am making an offer that will likely be better than arbitration, and the player is evaluating based on falsely thinking he can really test the market, it could cause a problem.

I wouldn't worry.

Sorry no one answered your questions sooner.