In our pool, and as a team owner/GM, I first try to analyses’ other teams strengths and weaknesses. Then, secondly approach team(s) first on the availability of desired players and other commodities such as Free Agents Pick-Ups and/or draft picks and see if there are common grounds to negotiate from, then go from there. As an example, except for those trades that involves 1 for 1 only, I usually includes others players/commodities that I feel I got that extra advantage from the second or third players/commodities.

Like you, I too received ridiculous offers and usually I respond in such way that I thanked them for taking interests in a player(s) on my team, because you just never knows when you will need to go back to that individual owner/GMs for an immediate needs that will push your team over your competitors.

Basically, you need to outsmart/outfox your competitions first within fairness and sportsmanship of your pool. In other words, you need to go for the kill on your term not theirs!!

Good luck!