player_news

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It adds behavioral context by specifying the data source as polled ESPN feeds in news.duckdb, suggesting periodic updates, and indicates a time-limited scope with 'recent.' However, it does not disclose return format, ordering, failure behavior, or permissions.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, well-structured sentence that immediately states the tool's purpose, with no redundant words or filler.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's simplicity, the description covers the core purpose, the key input, and the data source. It doesn't explain the days parameter explicitly or outline usage boundaries, but the essential information is present for an agent to select and invoke the tool.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema has no property descriptions (0% coverage), so the description must compensate. It clarifies that name_or_id accepts either a name or gsis_id, which adds meaning. The 'days' parameter is not explained in the description, though its default of 7 and role in recency is lightly implied by 'recent.'

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool retrieves recent news and injury-report entries for a player, explicitly naming the input type (name or gsis_id) and data source, distinguishing it from sibling tools like league_news and news_search by being player-specific.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage when player-specific news is needed, but it does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like news_search or league_news. No exclusions or alternative tool references are given.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.