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10-05-2003, 11:56 AM
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#1 | ||
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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GroupThink 3 - Kitty Hawk, 2022
GroupThink 3 – Kitty Hawk Flyers
We’re up to the year 2022, our third with this franchise. We cleaned house in 2020, and posted the franchise’s first winning season in five seasons. Last year, in 2021, we made it all the way into the league championship game, despite serious injuries (including once again a QB injury for the playoffs). If you are inclined to follow along, you may download the files below. Even without the files, all are welcome to join in the discussions and voice your thoughts or support. Here are the house rules that we have been following: PLAYER ACQUISITIONS -Players other than undrafted rookies may only be acquired during the draft and the 20-stage FA process -No initiating trades, other than tades during the draft involving current year's picks only -Team may respond to trade offers that pass the standard fairness test (alter and confirm) -Team may not accept a first round draft pick in trade for a reserve player -Every FA offer to a player requesting any bonus (not including current team members) must include a signing bonus at least as large as the highest year's salary -Team may make unlimited FA offers before the first week of free agency, and then no more than two more offers before the end of the FA process ROSTER MANAGEMENT -Team may not renegotiate or extend any player contracts -Team may not enter the regular season with a chemistry conflict -All positional team leaders must be starters for the team -All positional team leaders must receive at least a qualifying offer from the team for a new contract FINANCES -Ticket prices for each level must remain below the average of two closest teams, geographically -If team runs an operating deficit, the following year the team must remain 10% under the salary cap -The preceding effect is cumulative - two running annual deficits require staying 20% below cap, etc. -Cannot have both scout and coach in the top ten salaries of the league ACCOUNTABILITY -A coach with a losing record the season his contract expires can not be rehired -Last place in the division gets the coach fired (unless it is his first year with the team) -Last place in the conference gets the "starting" QB sacked (unless he is in his first 3 seasons) -Last place in the league gets the coach, starting QB, and scout canned. As we head into the 2022 season, the biggest question is not with our players, but rather with our balance sheet. If we lost operating revenue in 2021 (which we expect), we will be under a 20% salary cap limit this year, which means that we’ll have a serious amount of rebuilding. The decisions we can make ahead largely hinge on the bottom line. |
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10-05-2003, 12:40 PM
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#2 |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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2022 offseason
We have had two retirements from the team this offseason – both of which will have a meaningful effect on the season ahead. C R.J. Winters was the foundation player for our offensive line, and the centerpiece of our inside running game. He hangs up the cleats after working out well for us for many, many years. DE Cedric Martin was our best pass rusher, and the leader of the defensive front. He had real health problems, and his availability was erratic – but there was no questioning his effectiveness when he played. He, too, will be missed. But, the biggest issue of all is on the team’s balance sheet. With trepidation, we have a look at the books… which reveal a $15.5m operating profit for the 2021 season. By dropping our player bonus spending, we made up a huge financial gap, and got into the black for this season. That will be a huge relief for the player side of the equation – and might open up some options that we had considered completely off the table for us. Great news! And so, with all that, here is the roster situation—sorted by cap number, for our management convenience: Code:
And, for those who are following the “team chemistry” issues closely (as we are obliged to do under our rules), here is a snapshot of that stuff: Code:
The big issue here (which we did see coming) is that T Timothy Johns, as our offensive line leader, must receive a qualifying contract offer from us. In all likelihood, that means a substantial increase in salary for him. Actually, it looks like the OL will be an area of major decision-making this season, as we have a lot of players without contracts there (and only three there with contracts). TE Diana and FB Kowalski are also due new contracts - we'll see what happens there, as both are very marginal players (I doubt we'll have competition). Lots to do ahead… Last edited by QuikSand : 10-05-2003 at 12:41 PM. |
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10-05-2003, 12:45 PM
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#3 |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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File #1 of 2
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10-05-2003, 12:46 PM
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#4 |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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File #2 of 2
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10-05-2003, 09:25 PM
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#5 |
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College Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
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QS - Last "year" I attached two draft files. I think one was a TCY file from 2021 and the other from 2022. I wasn't sure which would correlate to our FOF4 dynasty. Do you recall which file you used? If you used the 2021, then we should be able to use the 2022 file. If you used the second of the two, let me know and I will sim a year and provide a draft file for our use.
Congrats Flyers on a great year. While it is a bitter pill to make it to the Super Bowl and not win, I think most of us are very pleased with making it there at all. Great news on the balance sheet!! I was prepared to say bye to most of our favorite players. Maybe we'll be able to keep the bulk of the team intact.
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Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz |
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10-05-2003, 10:19 PM
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#6 |
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Lethargic Hooligan
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing
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rules proposal
team leaders must play if probable or better team leaders must be slotted for at least "3" playtime.
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donkey, donkey, walk a little faster |
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10-05-2003, 10:42 PM
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#7 | |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: North Carolina
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Quote:
Sounds like a good set of rules. The only change that I would make is the situation where we have a team leader who is actually a really good player and who is probable and who we would like to rest in a "meaningless" game (such as we had at the end of last season). In other words, as in all of our rules, I would like the ability to bend them when it is realistic and in the spirit of the game. |
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10-05-2003, 10:44 PM
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#8 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: North Carolina
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Looking at last season, I see some really positive things on which to build.
We gave the ball away less than any other team. We took it away more than every team but one. We were the third highest scoring team in the league. We were the second best defense (in terms of points allowed) in the league. |
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10-05-2003, 10:50 PM
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#9 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: North Carolina
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It is also cool that Harden and Rubble both got end of season awards despite the fact that one of them started one game and the other started 6 games. Good use of the backups by Fritz.
Also--a DC's best friend is a good running game. I am happy to see so many of our O-linemen in the pro-bowl. |
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10-06-2003, 06:02 AM
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#10 |
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College Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
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We'll need to hire a scout this year as Roosevelt Doyle is out of contract. Doyle is a very good scout, but I think may be too pricey for us. Some good alternatives might be Jeffery McCarthy or Donovan Ursino.
My thoughts regarding scouts: Whether we realize it or not, we depend heavily on our scout. When deciding who to start, we look at our team through his eyes. When deciding who to draft, we look at the draftees through his eyes. When signing free agents, we look at the available players through his eyes. When evaluating our opposition, we look at the other teams strengths and weaknesses through his eyes. As a result, I generally like to get a darn good scout. However, with our financial restraints, I don't think that is the best alternative. It would be great to get Doyle back, but I think he would absolutely submarine our balance sheet. Therefore, with reluctance I support either of the two cheaper alternatives with a preference for Ursino. Jeffery McCarthy - $430,000 * 45 = $19,350,000 in scouting costs Donovan Ursino - $520,000 * 45 = $23,400,000 in scouting costs Roosevelt Doyle - $820,000 * 45 = $36,900,00 in scouting costs
__________________
Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz |
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10-06-2003, 07:10 AM
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#11 | |
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College Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
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As a refresher
Quote:
And our CURRENT position leaders are: Code:
DE Martin was a Taurus, in case we want to consider finding a replacement for him other than Littlejohn. Also, scrub DT Mario Preston has a little problem with Littlejohn being named Defensive Front leader. If Littlejohn stays as D Line leader, Preston will have to go (no great loss).
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Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz Last edited by Buzzbee : 10-06-2003 at 07:13 AM. |
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10-06-2003, 07:20 AM
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#12 |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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Since this year is a "free spending" year, perhaps it would make sense for us to be a little reckless with our immediate funds... sine it's pretty likely that we will have to pay out plenty of bonuses this year, and we're pretty likely to run a loss for the year anyway... why not spend it while we've got it now, and then cut back for next year when we have no choice?
Just a thought... after getting to but losing the Superbowl, it would be understandable to have a "go for it" mentality. |
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10-06-2003, 07:56 AM
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#13 |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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Welcome, friends to the meaningful stages of the offseason.
We have brought aboard a new director of scouting, and welcome Donovan Ursino to our ranks. I don't find any particular weaknesses in his acumen - he is rated "good" or better with every position group. He's our kind of guy (as in, he is the cheapest working scout in the league). We have advanced to the free agent stages of the game, where we can start assessing the moves that we seek to make in the coming season. Picking at #31 in the draft (of course) we shouldn't expect to find many immediate impact players that way - so we probably need to fill holes by way of free agenst wherever possible. A file update will follow this message. |
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10-06-2003, 07:58 AM
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#14 |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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File #1 of 2
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10-06-2003, 07:58 AM
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#15 |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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File #2 of 2
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10-06-2003, 08:07 AM
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#16 |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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Here is a quick synopsis of our players currently without contracts, and the initial demands that they have to re-sign. (Shown is the 2002 contract amount and the duration of the requested deal)
Code:
You will quickly note that our “position leaders” generally have a pretty high view of themselves, and the three guys there are seeking a collective $12.5m this year, with Johns’ contract escalating nicely into the out years. This is probably the starting point for our considerations – we are obliged to submit a qualifying offer to each of these guys, and I have to think we’ll end up getting all three. Last edited by QuikSand : 10-06-2003 at 08:07 AM. |
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10-06-2003, 08:28 AM
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#17 | |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Maryland
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Quote:
I don't think it helps that Diana has a loyalty of 100, and wants a winner of 81. Hmm, Johns' loyalty is pretty high too.
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10-06-2003, 08:59 AM
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#18 |
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Lethargic Hooligan
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing
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How can we not bring Sparks back at that salary?
of the other non-leaderhsip manadated players, I would like to see Peterson and Hausermann return. I think they can be upgraded in FA or the draft, but they will do.
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donkey, donkey, walk a little faster |
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10-06-2003, 09:04 AM
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#19 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: North Carolina
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Mills and Shon are both getting a little long in the tooth. However, after losing Martin this offseason, I don't want to completely gut our front seven.
Mills played above his ability last year, and, if I had to choose between the two, I might be inclined to pick him. Shon has done well, however as WLB (though not quite as well as I would have liked). If we were to somehow keep them both, then we are set at starting LB with them on the outside and Daniels in the middle. Perhaps it would make sense to offer to them both. If they both accept for next year, then Shon is gone after this year anyway (when we need the money). Also (and here I am role-playing as the DC who wants players and damn the costs) WE NEED AT LEAST ONE SERVICEABLE DE. As far as the secondary goes, I think that they played well last year, and I don't see a need for big upgrades there (from what I remember). |
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10-06-2003, 09:20 AM
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#20 | |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Maryland
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Quote:
Sparks is also idolized by the fans. Is it against the rules to pick up someone like QB Ethan Francis? 6th year guy, played very little, REAL cheap. Of course, he's dumb too. Or is this guy basically a bust waiting to happen?
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10-06-2003, 09:50 AM
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#21 |
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College Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
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Quik - Where are we on ticket prices? Are Norfolk and Ocean City going to show us a little love and jack up the prices? Also, since Quik is in a spending mood, what are peoples thought of upgrading the turf? It is in fair condition now. It might help alleviate injuries if we upgrade it. Don't know how much it will cost, but thought I would throw it out for consideration.
Also, where are we regarding draft files? Are we going to be able to use on of the draft files I posted in last year's thread, or will I need to sim another TCY season and post that file? I'm curious to find out what the draft class looks like. I'm hoping there is more talent at DE than last year. We could use some D Line depth.
__________________
Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz |
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10-06-2003, 09:56 AM
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#22 |
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College Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
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Also, another thing to consider - Diana (14yrs.) and Kowalski (13yrs.) are both nearing retirement. I'm guessing they will retire at the end of the next contract they sign.
I think we need to do some serious succession planning so that we don't end up with a situation like we have on the O Line with Johns. It's not a horrible situation, but it could have been. This also goes with the D Line. With Littlejohn around 77 (I think) we need to be cautious with who we bring in. I suggest going after a young, quality, proven free agent DE with very high leadership. Someone we WANT to be a starter until he retires. Of course they should have the appropriate sign so as to not disrupt the current chemistry.
__________________
Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz |
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10-06-2003, 10:58 AM
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#23 |
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Lethargic Hooligan
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing
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QBs (not looking at chem)
Billy Joe Mason - he may the ideal QB for what I want to do. Ellis Comeaux - A fair fit and affordable A.J. Freuler - a guy I can work with, but exactly the type the GM is not fond of (INTS). Very affordable. Ethan Francis - guy to grow with, but he only wants 1 contract year. My suggestion is to bring him in for a look and use him as a back up. If we like where he is ina year we can offer him a multiyear extension to start. Terry Blair - another high INT type that would otherwise be a fantastic fit. Wanting a two year contract on the cheap this guy would be great fit.
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donkey, donkey, walk a little faster |
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10-06-2003, 11:24 AM
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#24 |
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Lethargic Hooligan
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing
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I give you G Mickey Lester. Affinity, and hyper lopsided to run. At $7,710,000, 3 yrs he is affordable.
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donkey, donkey, walk a little faster |
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10-06-2003, 11:26 AM
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#25 |
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Lethargic Hooligan
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing
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I give you LT David Huntley
At $7,600,000, 3 yrs he is very affordable. No affinity, but no conflict. I really want this guy.
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donkey, donkey, walk a little faster |
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10-06-2003, 11:28 AM
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#26 |
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Lethargic Hooligan
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing
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C Chuck Drake
Not as good as winters, but he will do as a solid backup and can take over if the time comes after this season. No affinity. $2,700,000, 2 yrs but with no bonus. How can we say no?
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donkey, donkey, walk a little faster |
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10-06-2003, 11:34 AM
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#27 |
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Lethargic Hooligan
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing
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Our reserve FL Matthews is developing into a nice looking WR for a 7th rounder. I hope we can do as well with his replacement.
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donkey, donkey, walk a little faster |
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10-06-2003, 11:39 AM
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#28 |
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College Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
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Before we go signing anyone, I want a thorough check on their sign and their leadership. Lets continue thinking big picture, for the future, metagame and all those cliched terms.
__________________
Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz |
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10-06-2003, 11:47 AM
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#29 | |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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Quote:
As I noted above, and you will discover when you have a chance to get the most recent files, we have already moved past these stages. Our ticket prices increased very modestly in keeping with our competitors', and we did not take any action with stadium enhancements. I have used the second of the TCY draft files, and double-checked to ensure that none of the players looked familiar. I have not yet done any studying of the incoming rookie class, but this is already underway. Hope that helps. |
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10-06-2003, 11:48 AM
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#30 | |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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Quote:
Where do we play this guy? We have a stud at LT, our position leader has to start at RT, and a fairly promising youngster as our 3rd tackle. What do we do with a $2+ m investment at this position? Start him at a guard spot? Last edited by QuikSand : 10-06-2003 at 12:15 PM. |
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10-06-2003, 11:48 AM
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#31 |
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High School Varsity
Join Date: Sep 2003
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Quicksand:
You mentioned that the team made $15 million last year and beacause you didn't have too many signing bonuses that helped keep costs down. How mcuh did the playoff games help? everyone: Sparks looks pretty reasonably priced to me. He didn't happen to gain back the 2 TE set did he? Wylie got hurt at the end of the year but I think theis guy has star written alll over him. He caught just about everything thrown his way and had a pretty good YPC for a TE as a rookie. Great job turning around a morbid franchise quickly guys! |
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10-06-2003, 11:56 AM
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#32 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: North Carolina
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Doing this without the game file in front of me:
Daniels was a first team pro-bowler last year. However, depending on how much he is making--relative to other middle LBs--does it make any sense to release him and use the money to pick up a stud DE (who can be expensive) and a cheaper replacement at MLB? I like Daniels a lot. He makes 100+ tackles a season, and he stays healthy. An 8 year vet, he also probably has another 3-4 solid years in front of him. I would like to keep him. However, as we are examining our finances, I can't help but notice that the second highest paid player on our team is a MLB. |
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10-06-2003, 12:00 PM
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#33 | |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Maryland
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Quote:
I'd agree that this is a bit of a need. There are a couple of studs in the draft, but I don't think they'd be available at 31st pick (there are 4 top DE's, then a dropoff). Someone we might want to keep an eye on though is Brian Jefferson, LDE out of Brigham Young. He's a Virgo, so he'd have an affinity with Littlejohn (assuming he's still the leader), and is26/95 for PR technique and 76 for PR strength. Not as good against the run though, and not much endurance. Rated 29/49 overall, so obviously not a first rounder.
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10-06-2003, 12:07 PM
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#34 | |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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Quote:
Let's see here - a few follow-up notes: -Bidding for Billy Joe Mason starts around $20m a year, with a monster signing bonus. Unliikely we can do that. -Comeaux can be had for around $3m/yr, and is chemistry-neutral -Freuler is a conformed pick-thrower with more Int than TD for his career, including 22/29 last year... he'd have an affinity with DE leader Littlejohn -Francis is young and unproven, might make a solid backup, I agree... probably would take a two year no-bonus offer, very palatable... he'd be chemistr-neutral (same sign as two leaders) -Blair doesn't have the track record of interception problems that Frauler has, but our scout says he will be careless... wants $3m+... chemistry neutral Looking around, I don't see anyone who really would help out much as a chemistry influence (Bobby Griffin is best I could fine, but he'd be a very shaky #2)... so my inclination might ne to pursue Heath Sparks for something like $4m/yr to return as our top option, and then to go after Ethan Francis as a decent, developable #2 for as long as deal as we can get with him. If we do that, we probaby don't need to make QB a priority for the draft, though we may need to consider waiving Bennie Tittle for salary reasons (and presumably replacing him with a rookie). |
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10-06-2003, 12:10 PM
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#35 | |
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College Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
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Quote:
I have complete faith in my Assistant Scout. I taught him everything he knows. And as mentioned in last years thread, he works cheap!  
__________________
Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz |
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10-06-2003, 12:13 PM
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#36 | |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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Quote:
Tough to say... our ticket and suite revenue were up 32% and 41%, respectively, and that accounts for soemthing like $30 million. That certainly helped. That revenue, though came from three sources in theory: (1) improved attendance overall, (2) higher ticket prices, and (3) an extra home playoff game to boost receipts. Our attendance report shows us down to 53,700 from 55,500 the prior year -- I cannot explain why that would be, other than some respone to ticket price increases overwhelming the presumably higher interest in the team from our successes. As for the playofff game - we got to host only one game in 2021... and I honestly cannot recall whether we played at home in 2020 (I think we were on the road only). So, that extra game certaibnly played a role... presumably increasing our attendance-related revenue by something like 12-14%. Bottom line seems to be that we increased ticket prices, managed to hold our attendance per game pretty even, and earned one extra game -- all of which contributed to our bailing out of the red for the year. |
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10-06-2003, 12:16 PM
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#37 |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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The free agent market at DE looks pretty shabby, gang. Unless we're willing to lay out really big bucks, I don't see many guys worth the mid-level contracts they arer seeking.
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10-06-2003, 12:19 PM
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#38 | |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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Quote:
I don't think we can - Drake is definitely going to get an offer from us. We start at his asking price of 2yr, $2.7m - good value. |
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10-06-2003, 12:24 PM
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#39 | |
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College Starter
Join Date: Jun 2002
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Quote:
Just to keep a watch on these things, what is his leadership, and how old/young is he? I would look, but am at work and don't have access to the game. My apologies for having to ask.
__________________
Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. - Lou Holtz |
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10-06-2003, 12:47 PM
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#40 | |
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Lethargic Hooligan
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing
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Quote:
What do we do with him? We play him! For now I would set him as the top BU to the T position and drop Johns playtime. We are are at a point where having a quality backup with some years ahead of him is needed at the position. Andrews is getting up there a little and will want 12mil next season. Having an alternative in place would be nice. Plus Huntley can swap in for another line position if needed. Again, I feel he is a good talent at a modest price who can help us for at least 3 seasons.
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donkey, donkey, walk a little faster |
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10-06-2003, 12:50 PM
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#41 |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: North Carolina
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What about Finley? He tailed off production wise a bit last year. If we can find another steal in the draft (a'la ROY Harden) to platoon with Harden, is it worth keeping Finley at his salary?
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10-06-2003, 01:05 PM
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#42 | |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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Quote:
C Drake is a 5th year player rated 54 in leadership, very little likelihood that he assumes the position leader level. |
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10-06-2003, 01:13 PM
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#43 | |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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The trouble with Finley is that he is currently receiving the benefit of "overlapping" deals, and so his contract consists of $5.5m in salary this year and next, plus $4.36m in bonus prorated to each season. If we cut him, we clear out $5m in cap space, but that's all-- and we eat the $4.26m this year and next. I think it's unlikely we'd find a RB who is superior to Finley for the $5.5m in cap space that we'd release -- guys like Wesley Woodard are about as good as we can do there, and are less proven than Finley, I think. I think if we were going to cut Finley, it woudl have to be with an eye on making RB a "cheap" position - and intending to use Harden, Strong, our FB Rubble, and whatever we get from the draft as ous main weapons there. With RB seeming like a deep position in the TCY drafts, this might be a defensible decision -- but it's tough to deny that Finlay has been there when we've needed him. 31/32 starts, and over 2.500 yards rushing in the two seasons we've been at the helm...plus he is an affinity guy with our position leader, and is a fan favorite. Plenty of reasons to suck it up, and keep paying him. |
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10-06-2003, 01:15 PM
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#44 | |
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Head Coach
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Maryland
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What $$ range are we talking? RDE J.C. Sinclair might be ok, he's asking $9,300,000, 2 yrs. 1st round choice in 2017. 11 sacks his first year, demoted in his 2nd, 11.5 his third, injured and/or demoted his 4th. Scouted 47/53 over all. An upgrade over what we have. LDE Lenny Boykin looks like he would be ok - 75/75 run, 75/75 pass (also $9,300,000, 2 yrs.), but he has NO endurance and is a light hitter. LDE C.J. Benton is even cheaper, but looks to have a history of injuries (but as a Saggittarius would mesh with Littlejohn).
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10-06-2003, 01:23 PM
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#45 | |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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Again, playing devil's advocate here... But what is the real value of a $2.5m OT who's pretty decent? Look at how many of them there are this year - maybe ten or so guys out there? Just like two years ago, when we made the decision to sign T Johns, because he was decent and cheap. It just seems like this is how teh game works-- this position is always ripe in free agency, including plenty of guys who are willing to work for less than 2x the veteran minimum. I agree that Huntley is the best of tis year's lot, sure. But what are we paying for? $2.5 million would make him one of our top 20 salaries... and all we'd do is reduce the starter's playing time to give Huntley a chance to play a bit? With real problems at other positions on the team (DE, QB, WR?) it's hard for me to accede that this is the most important place for us to spend some real money. Yes, $2.5m is modest in the sense that it's not $8 million... but that's at leats as much as we paid most of the guys we have brought in to start for us in past year -- starters at LB, DT, WR and even OL. I think the only way that I can get behind Huntley at this price is if we think that he is so good that he will play for us right away at LG. He's a run-heavy guy, he fits with what we want to do with ouur OL - if he'll contribute right away, then fine - I'm good with bringing him in at that price. But I don't think we need a $2.5 million benchwarmer (at a position that traditionally sufferes by far the fewest injuries in the game). Alternatively, if we think that we need to cut our current LT to save cap space, then Huntley might make loads of sense - to step right in and play for us at LT. That would be plenty sensible in my mind as well. I don't hear that argument at this point... That's where I am on this. If it turns out that we don't have players we really need, and that we have money to burn this year, then I might well revisit my thinking on him. But as it is, I just don't see backup offensive tackle as a "need" position. |
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10-06-2003, 01:28 PM
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#46 | |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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Looks like the best of the mid-priced lot, there. I think Sinclair is the most promising of the bunch... we're talking about putting up at lest $4-5 million in signing bonus to this guy, though. I have some trepidation, especially since I just see him as an "adequate" player, nothing too special. Last time we pursued a decent DE in free agency, we ended up laying out a huge deal for Todd Biegen, who we cut the following season and ate a big chunk of his bonus. Maybe that's my fear here. |
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10-06-2003, 01:30 PM
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#47 | |
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Lethargic Hooligan
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing
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follow on to follow on notes: - I didn't think we would make an investment in a Billy Joe Mason, just pointing out that he was close to perfect for what I am trying to do. - I know management has an issue with interceptions, and Freuler has thrown a ton of them, but the coaching staff is comfortable with them. Freuler would be a nice addition, and I am sure we could get him on the +side of TD:Int. - Francis is an absolute must go after type. If he stinks we can send him packing at very little cost to the club. - Blair careless? I think he just gets excited.
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10-06-2003, 01:33 PM
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#48 |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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I don't think we have any great options at DE for this year, honestly. How would people feel about heading into the season again planning to staff at least one DE position with guys who are nominally OLB?
Since we have a number of decent players at that spot (OLB) it's a natural thing to consider. Re-signing LB Mitchell would just give us one more guy to use there, as well. Switching to the 3-4 probably should be back on the table again, I suppose. Nominally, we could move DT Peters or DT Littlejohn to the DE position, and then we could start four LBs behind them. That would give us only one DE spot to worry about, either by way of free agents or by rookie additions. Probably need to think abouut this one... before we commit big money to a decent DE in free agency. |
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10-06-2003, 01:37 PM
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#49 |
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lolzcat
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Annapolis, Md
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Fritz, what kind of financial investment do you think is reasonpable for the QB position in total?
If we pursued Francis as our #2, put him behind Sparks or one of the other $3-4m/yr guys you have pointed out, and had cheap guys as our #3 and #4... we'd have something like $7 million in that position. If we pursued a veteran to be our #2 guy in addition to Sparks, then we'd be talking about $9-10m there. Any input on how important the #2 QB job is... or do you defer to the greater will there? (We've obviously had to resort to our #2 QB at criticl times each season... so that might color our decision) |
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10-06-2003, 01:47 PM
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#50 | |
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Lethargic Hooligan
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing
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Let me try this approach... The offensive staff does not clamor for high profile top shelf players, but we do like to have depth. Huntley give us depth. We like to have our potential starters on the roster before they are needed, and Huntly gives us that as well. I hope management reviews the gamelogs and realizes that the coaching staff makes good use of players, even ones in a reserve role. This guy will improve the team and is very affordable. Lets afford him.
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donkey, donkey, walk a little faster |
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