The Real Secret Of Trading

I said, "What'll you give for him?"

"Oh, about $25,000."

I said, "I'll call you back."

Now the wheels are spinning about 7,000 rpm in my head. I'm figuring that $25,000 isn't much money but, on the other hand, it was pretty obvious that Zimmer was ripe to be dealt, and I can't play favorites to the point where I turn down a good deal for the ball club. So I figure, the Cubs are in Mesa, I'll just give John Holland a call and see what he'll offer. "John," I said, "Zim's available."

He perked up at the mention of Zimmer; this was just the kind of shot in the arm the Cubs needed. John says, "How much do you want for him?"

I said, "I'll see you at the ball park."

Right away I called Bing and I said, "Bing, I've got a chance to deal Zimmer to the Cubs. I don't know what they're going to offer, but if you don't mind I'd like to leave it up to Zimmer. He's meant a lot to the Dodgers, and I think he's got it coming."

Bing said, "O.K." To tell you the truth, I knew that the Cardinals now had no chance to get Zimmer. Every ballplayer wants to play for Phil Wrigley, because every ballplayer wants to play as many day games as possible and Mr. Wrigley has not had lights installed as yet. I called Zimmer, and he confirmed my reasoning.

So now I have a talk with John Holland and Charlie Grimm, and they want to know the price on Zimmer.

I said, "Oh, let's say $27,500 and three ballplayers."