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."