Grade The Trade: Peoria/Arlington

In a recent blockbuster trade, the Peoria Cardinals sent their entire starting middle infield, plus an arm and multiple picks to Arlington for long sought after SP Jon Lester and a couple of bats. Both teams are currently very much alive in this years push for the playoffs. How do you think each team fared with this transaction?

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New for the 2011 season, the Peoria Free Press is launching a new section called, "Grade The Trade", which will highlight all of the major (and not so major depending on how busy the market is) trades throughout the year in the EHCC. First up is the recent trade between the Las Vegas Doggs and Peoria Cardinals.

Needing to fill a hole left behind by Rafael Soriano's sudden refusal to close games, the Cardinals have locked up one of the most dominant closers in the game in Carlos Marmol, while also swapping two OF's hoping that a change of scenery can rejuvenate their young, but established careers.

So. How do YOU grade this trade?

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Place Your Bets

As the 2010 Playoffs start off one has to ask oneself if this is what was to be expected going into the 2010 season: Rakeville on top of the East, Las Vegas in the playoffs at all, only two Western Division teams represented, and the defending champs in the 6th seed. Let's see what we can expect from the playoffs themselves...


Place Your Bets
By Max Powers; EhSPN


Ok, so it was probably a safe bet that Quebec City would run away with the regular season championship and we all probably saw Tokyo making the leap to the top of the overall standings from a mile away. Most of us probably expected perennial playoff contender Weymouth to finally miss out on post-season glory and we weren't surprised to see Arlington and Tijuana to fight it out for the best draft picks in the 2011 drafts. But there's a few things most of us didn't see coming and wish we had put money on at the start of the season.

Lady Luck Hits Rakeville

I think its safe to say that no one expected to see the Rockets sit above not only the defending champion Weasels but above the entire Eastern Division, capping off the season with not only the Eastern Division crown, which they have publicly announced is the only award they care about, more so than the EHCC Championship, but also to grab the 1st round bye a free pass to the second round of the playoffs. Were they the best team in the division? I'm sure even they would agree that's debatable, but they pulled it off in the end with a little help from lady luck and the self destruction of eastern division rival Peoria. Whatever the case, the Rockets sit safely on top of the East ready to face off against either the defending champs or the surging Omyoujis in the second round. Hopefully for their sake their luck doesn't run out there.

How the West Was Won

Considered by many to be the premier division going into the 2010 season, the western division only has two representatives in this year's playoffs, granted they have the two best records in the EHCC regular season. Having three teams' rosters locked and then contracted around the trade deadline didn't help perhaps. The Piglets were able to run away with the division, going undefeated against Western Division opponents (their only 4 losses came against eastern Division opponents), and easily clinching the top seed in the division. They'll face off against the winner of Peoria v Las Vegas. What will be the most surprising storyline here is if Quebec City can actually find a way to not screw themselves out of the playoffs once again. This is the 4th time the Piglets have earned a first round bye in the playoffs, and the 9th straight playoff appearance, and they've only made the finals once (losing to Arlington in 2007).

If I Was A Gambling Man

The Las Vegas Doggs made no secret of their intention to rebuild during the 2010 season, shipping off most notably Albert Pujols, Roy Halladay, Ricky Nolasco, Adam Dunn, Aramis Ramirez, and Jose Reyes for the likes of Hanley Ramirez, Pedro Alvarez, Buster Posey, Hunter Pence, Joey Votto, Jordan Zimmerman, Rick Porcello, and Mat Latos before the start of the season. Ownership was ready to finish just outside the playoff bubble, ready to compete heavily during the 2011 campaign. Things change sure, but not many expected the Doggs' roster, as constructed at the start of the season, to conceivably compete for a solid playoff spot, never mind the top of the Eastern Division or even possibly the EHCC title. Vegas ownership saw an opportunity in the division - as Peoria was starting to slump and the Weasels were playing below expected - and decided they were in a position to compete, and not just in 2011. Along came Carlos Gonzalez, Billy Wagner, and Jair Jurrjens (at the cost at many of their 2011 and beyond pieces). Buster Posey taking over the starting catcher duties didn't hurt either. They set two weekly offensive records this season and are the favorites to take home the 2010 Offense of the Year award. They may be the lower seed facing off against the 2009 eastern Division champion Cardinals, but anyone that's been paying attention probably doesn't see it that way.

How to Weasel Yourself Into The Playoffs

Ask any fan in Bridgewater if they saw themselves as the lowest seed in the 2010 playoffs after finally walking away with the championship in 2009 and they'll all tell you the same thing, "What? The 2010 season has started?" Not one Weasels' fan has come down from the 2009 championship high to realize they barely made their way over Weymouth for the final seed in the 2010 playoffs. Weymouth on the other hand is finally getting the experience of witnesses the EHCC playoffs from the outside looking in, missing the playoffs for the first time in team history, breaking a 9 year streak of competing for the EHCC crown.

2010 Playoff Predictions (1st Round)

4 Peoria Cardinals
vs
5 Las Vegas Doggs

Dogg's offense has carried them all season, finishing the regular season first or second in R, HR, RBI, and SB. Peoria has beaten the Doggs 7-12 in the 2010 regular season, but I'd expect the Doggs to pull it out this week
Prediction: Doggs 7, Cardinals 3

3 Tokyo Omyoujis
vs
6 Bridgewater Weasels

Just in time for Weasels' fans to notice they made it into the playoffs, the defending champs have to face off against the second best team (record-wise) in the league. Tokyo and Bridgewater split their season series 1-1, but the Omyoujis outscored the Weasels 12-7. I don't see an upset here, but I do expect the champs to keep it close.
Prediction: Omyoujis 6, Weasels 3

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2009 Season Review: Peoria Cardinals

SURPRISE! 2009 was the official coming out party for the 2009 Eastern Division Champion Peoria Cardinals launch into relevancy.


2009 Season Review: Peoria Cardinals
By: Dave Grubb; Peoria Cardinals Owner


From Day 1 back in the winter of 2005/06, the Peoria Ownership made the vow that if they were to invest in a professional baseball franchise that they would not be content for that team to be mediocre. Through several long, losing seasons that saw publicly questioned draft picks and trades completed by this team’s Front Office it all paid dividends in 2009. From the very day that the 2008 Peoria Cardinals cleaned out their lockers for the last time, finishing just 4th in the league in wins, GM Dave Grubb caught many by surprise when he claimed his team a 2009 Playoff Contender, and believed that the team was just a tweak away from competing with the big boys.

“If we aren’t one of those final six teams playing meaningful ball through September, I will personally go door-to-door and apologize to every resident in the great city of Peoria, Illinois”, said Peoria Cardinals GM Dave Grubb at a recent charity sledding event hosted by 2008 Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee. –An excerpt taken from the Christmas, 2008 Edition of Peoria Free Press – “A Look Ahead To 2009”

This focus only gained momentum as the team scored big twice in the 2009 EHCC Major League Draft. While most ‘experts’ still seeing Peoria as a team still in ‘rebuild’ mode mocked the selection of a 36 year-old corner OF, Raul Ibanez, with its first pick (and 33 year-old SP Randy Wolf with its R3, P7). The nay-sayers did nothing to bother GM Dave Grubb who had the last laugh, watching Ibanez absolutely destroy EHCC pitching in the first half of the season; launching 22 HR, driving in 69 and hitting right around .310! Ibanez was slowed in the second half with injuries, but still went on to post career highs in power numbers. Randy Wolf went on to post well over 200 IP, with his numbers actually gaining momentum all the way through the season (posting a sub-3, 1.02 WHIP throughout the second half of 09). These veteran presences implanted into the young Peoria lineup was invaluable in getting the Cardinals player’s minds ready to believe that they were indeed ready to be winners.

Throughout the season, much like with every other quality EHCC team; Peoria faced tough decisions, trade opportunities, and a rash of injuries that could have easily derailed their season. SP Edinson Volquez came into the season as one of Peoria’s blue-chippers, but never could get consistent before blowing his arm off and being lost for much of 2009 and most likely all of 2010. C Geovany Soto, coming off of an All-Star Rookie season, had a little problem giving up the weed, and then mixed in some injuries to have an absolutely forgettable season. SP Chad Billingsley, arguably the hottest pitcher in the EHCC in the first half, ran completely out of gas at the turn of the season, conditioning questions that will surely need to be addressed with this 25 year-old, 250 pounder.

As quickly as chips started falling apart in Peoria however, the front office stayed on top of its business; working the phone lines, burning the midnight oil on AIM and constantly scouting talent around the league. The Cardinals were able to make several Free Agent pickups throughout the season that proved to be intrical to their run at the Eastern Division title. One of these huge additions was two-thirds of the entire bullpen. JP Howell and Rafael Soriano were brought in via Free Agency and instantly brought in much needed closer mentalities, and most importantly closer stats. Both men would finish the season with well over a K per Inning, ERA’s under 3 and solid save numbers. SP Bronson Arroyo, an original draft pick in 09 of the Cardinals but later released, was brought back halfway through the year and performed wonders. Posting a league-best ERA in the second half (2.24, 1.04 WHIP). Arguably one of the team’s MVPs in 2009 was also a Free Agent pick-up, Super-Utility Man and best nickname in the EHCC, Ben “Zorilla” Zobrist. Zobrist burst onto the scene immediately and never slowed. Zobrist saved the day once Ibanez went down, picking up exactly where Ibanez left off; finishing the season with a line of .297/.405/.543, 27, 91, 91, 17 and at still 28 the Cardinals hope they have caught lightning in a bottle. Time will tell, but for one season he was a total beast!

The trade market had mixed results for the Cardinals in 2009. The brightest trade GM Dave Grubb was able to swing, and arguably the most controversial in EHCC History, was a match made with the fire-sale minded, rebuild driven, now defunct, Winston-Salem Green Monsters. The deal centered around former top-prospects Jay Bruce, Chris Davis and Andrew Miller departing Peoria in return of OF Grady Sizemore and SP Rich Harden. At the time of the trade, the Cardinals were sitting just outside the playoff picture and knew that in order to make a legit run this trade was the only way to send the message that they were serious about winning! This trade long-term is sure to benefit both teams. One trade that I’m sure the Cardinals would love to do over if they could would be the deal that sent Ubaldo Jimenez (15-12, 3.47 ERA, 198K) for SS Rafael Furcal. Of course, with the emergence of Zorilla through the year, it is easy to second-guess the teams decision to acquire the SS, and the team was starting to lose hope that Jimenez would gain the control he showed once he arrived in Quebec City. Overall, Furcal looked pretty flat during his time with Peoria in 09, but the fans hope that with a year removed from back injuries Furcal can provide the flash at the top of the lineup they were looking for.

Everything else for the 2009 Peoria Cardinals went as close to ‘according to planned’ as plans go in Fantasy Baseball. The team expected great strides from C/3B Pablo Sandoval, 3B Ryan Zimmerman, 2B Robinson Cano, OF Matt Kemp, SP Adam Wainwright; as well as continuing to get all-star performances from 1B Mark Teixeira and SP Cliff Lee.

2009 Eastern Division Champions. Enjoy it Cardinals fans, with perennial powerhouses like Las Vegas, Weymouth and Bridgewater it is sure to be another dog fight in 2010.

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Peoria Acquires SP Dan Haren

Haren Introduced To Peoria

Peoria, Ill. – Today the Peoria Cardinals introduced its newest acquisition, SP Dan Haren, to the media. After winning its first ever Division Championship and making their first postseason appearance last season, many experts believe that the Cardinals are once again poised to make a run at the Division crown. On Wednesday evening, after weeks of back and forth negotiating with Weymouth GM Yukon Cornelius, the Cardinals pulled the trigger on a deal sending away youngsters Pablo Sandoval, Max Scherzer, and a 2nd Round Draft Pick for pitching ace, Dan Haren.

“It’s not good enough just to win a Division title. After several losing seasons of course it’s nice to finally make the playoffs last year, but this year we plan on being one of the last two teams standing come Fall. We felt like last year our offense was a powerhouse, but our pitching was lacking something. It sucks that we had to deal the Kung-Fu Panda, but gaining a pitcher the caliber of Dan Haren we feel really puts us over the top. Between Wainwright, Lee and Haren we really feel like we have a three headed monster at the front of our rotation that will be tough to match. This is the most confident I have been in our team since it’s inception”, said GM Dave Grubb regarding the latest trade.

While some critics say this trade could easily turn into a regrettable one if Sandoval and Scherzer go on to become elite players in a few years, the Cardinals have made it clear that they are looking to win, and win now. Peoria fans should be excited headed into the season. There is little doubt that the Cardinals will be making more noise in 2010!

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2009 PEORIA CARDINALS POSTSEASON MEDIA GUIDE

Peoria Cardinals Media Relations Department has released its first ever Postseason Media Guide. The Cardinals are set to take on the Golden Gryphons in 2009 EHCC Semifinals.

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PEORIA CARDINALS CLINCH FIRST EVER PLAYOFF BERTH!!

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Peoria Free Press: A First For the Cardinals

3.5 Seasons Later, Peoria Makes It's First Ever Minor League Draft Pick




For years, the front office staff in Peoria has used the All-Star break as an opportunity to plan family trips, interview for new careers, or simply bum around in their pajamas for three days. Heading into this season's all-star break it looked to be another opportunity for the Cardinals to save on the office's electric bill and take a few days off. Then, out of nowhere, GM Dave Grubb started blowing up the phone lines, taking an odd interest in jumping into the 2009 Minor League Draft process. But why??

I was able to catch up to the GM of the Cardinals this afternoon and asked him that very question. "Well, we have never really been fully content with our EHCC roster, so in the past it made sense to try and trade out of the Minor League Draft and acquire young talent that was a gaurantee. We took over an absolutely abismal team when we bought out the Plymouth Bells and are just now getting to a point where we feel we can compete on the field AND now start to think about how we can grow talent down on the farm for success in the future. When I took over for this franchise, I made it clear that winning at the big league level was top priority. I believe we have our finest team in the history of this franchise blossoming in Peoria, and it is about time we start to turn the Cyclones into a franchise to be proud of as well", stated the GM.

While it was widely known that the Cardinals were in discussions with several teams in hopes to move up high enough to draft C Buster Posey, the team seems more than happy with the addition of SP Jeremy Hellickson. Scouts around the league were slow to warm to Hellickson because of his smaller stature (6'1, 185 lbs), but the Cardinals believe this 22 year-old righty has a big future on their staff. In 2008, Hellickson ranked 2nd in all of the minor leagues with an 8.1 K/BB ration, while racking up 162 K's while walking only 20, in 152 innings. Thus far, Hellickson has backed up his 2008 numbers with just as impressive 2009 numbers (through 44 innings he has racked up 53 K's, with an ERA of 2.45).

After making his first ever minor league selection, GM Dave Grubb felt so excited over it he turned around and made another trade to acquire Greg Halman. Halman, a virtual unknown is seen more of a project than a prospect. With great power and speed, the question on Halman is if he will ever develop enough play discipline and contact to ever make his mark on the Peoria club. After posting a 29 HR, 33 SB campaign in 08, Halman has followed up with a Double-Eh leading 20 HR in the first half of 2009. If the team can get this guy to increase his contact and decrease his K's, he could end up patrolling the OF in Peoria with fellow youngsters Jay Bruce and Matt Kemp for years to come.

Nobody can question the approach the Cardinals have taken. Over the past 3.5 years, fans have seen the team go from the laughing stock of the league, to a legitamite playoff contender as we head down the stretch in 2009. It looks as though the team is finally beginning phase 2 in turning Peoria into a quality franchise from top to bottom that can eventually compete with the likes of Quebec City and Las Vegas. Stay tuned folks.

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Peoria Free Press, May 2009

After a disappointing start to the 2009 season, the Cardinals are starting to show signs of life, led by their top draft pick Raul Ibanez.











Raul Ibanez - "Who's Laughing Now?"
By: Rey Bringo

It was EHCC Draft Day 2009, and to nobody's surprise youngsters were flying off the board in the first round. The Peoria Cardinals, lacking a first round pick in the draft, had set their sites on improving the ball club immediately. With a very young nucleus to the EHCC squad, GM Dave Grubb felt as though 2009 was the year that the Cards would finally break into postseason baseball.

The Cardinals, the only team not represented at this years Draft Headquarters, were forced to draft from the war room within their park, the Keystone Bird Cage. All along, the team had Raul Ibanez at the top of their wishlist going into the draft. When the 17th pick finally came around, and it was time for Peoria to make their first selection, the Cardinals wasted no time relaying their pick and wildly celebrating throughout the room that their guy had lasted through the first 16 picks. While Peoria was elated with their pick, it was later leaked that their confidence in Ibanez was not echoed throughout the league.

According to media sources at the draft, "all the other owners had a good laugh when Peoria chose Ibanez as their top choice in the 09 draft." Word of this disrespect wasted no time getting back to the Peoria front office and Raul Ibanez. "That's fine", said the slugger. "To be quite honest with you, I feel like Peoria is the perfect fit for me. There was absolutely no way I would have moved to Mexico, wanted to start fresh with the team in Carolina, or played for a team whose owner is more or less non-existent like the team in Arlington. The Cardinals have improved tremendously over the last few years and I am the missing link to get us over the hump", said Ibanez.

So far, so good for the left handed cleanup hitter. To date, Ibanez leads in 2 out of 3 triple crown categories. He is first in HR (17), average (.352), and only trails by one in RBI (43). Not too bad for somebody skipped by 16 other picks and then mocked for his selection. Not only is Ibanez a sure All-Star starter thus far, but he also has to be the top choice for MVP so far this season.

While the 2009 campaign has been a disappointment for the Cardinals as a whole, Ibanez has added a spark in the lineup and a veteran presence in the clubhouse to keep the young Cardinal players hungry and ready to play everyday. After a disastrous start to the season, it seems as though this years Peoria squad is starting to turn it on and look poised to making a run for the playoffs throughout the summer.

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Peoria Free Press: Lights Out - Cliff Lee

From Castaway To Consistency, Peoria Ace Cliff Lee Has Catapulted Himself Into The Conversation








Lights Out - Cliff Lee
By Rey Bingo, Peoria Free Press

The transformation that is Cliff Lee’s career has been astonishing, even for the Peoria brass. “When we picked him up a few weeks into the season we expected his veteran presence to help our young talent,” said Cardinals GM Dave Grubb. “The comeback season that has ensued is straight out of a Disney movie.”

It was just one year ago that Lee found himself unable to keep up with EHCC lineups, ultimately landing him in the unemployment office. As Peoria entered Spring Training prior to the 2008 season, it was clear that the team was determined to start improving a pitching staff that finished near last in every category in 2007. With the emergence of Edinson Volquez, Chad Billingsley, and Shaun Marcum, the Cardinals pitching staff stormed out of the gate but remained young and inexperienced. The Cardinals front office made the decision to take a chance on Cliff Lee, and have gotten so much more than they could have ever dreamed.

“Initially we thought Lee would be a great asset to our future aces, but we never dreamed the impact road would be a two-way street,” explained Peoria pitching coach Danny Graves. The fact that Lee has been able to ingest the youthful and carefree spirit of Peoria’s young arms has been the key to this Control King’s turnaround. “Prior to this year I felt as though if I wasn’t perfect one night that I would need to go out and prove my abilities the next time out, but being around these youngsters has allowed me to breathe easy and reminds me there’s always tomorrow. I no longer take my last start with me into my next start,” explained Lee on his change in mindset this season.

Throughout the month of July, Lee’s name was swirling in multiple trade rumors. While this distraction may have knocked the Lee Express off course in previous years, the now more at ease Cliff Lee continued rolling; collecting 6 wins with an ERA just over 3 for the month. While GM Dave Grubb insists that Lee was dangled only with intent of dealing him for an overpriced return, he admits that the greatest move this team may have ended up making was actually standing firm and holding onto Peoria’s ace.

With Peoria eliminated from playoff contention yet again, Lee’s magical season has single-handedly kept Peoria fans interested, and the turnstiles moving. Cliff Lee has made it next to impossible for critics, voters, and EHCC fans to ignore his production. With a league best 18 wins, and 2.43 ERA to go along with a freakishly K:BB rate of almost 5.5, Lee has put himself front and center in the discussion for the best SP in the EHCC this season; truly amazing individual stats pitching for a team well under .500.

Lee himself readily admits that the individual accolades are nice. At the age of 29 he has proven to be a late bloomer, but his lengthy path to success continues to be a lesson in humility for young studs such as Edinson Volquez, Chad Billingsley, and company. With a full off season to work with Peoria’s young assets, this organization feels as though the Cardinals will be ready for a playoff push as soon as next season. Cliff Lee has truly helped change the landscape of this teams once atrocious pitching void.

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Peoria Free Press: April 2008

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Peoria Free Press Debut Edition

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EhP: Peoria Cardinals Hire Pitching Coach

Danny Graves takes the reigns as the Cardnals first pitching coach.



Peoria, Ill (EHP) -- Word came down tonight, the Peoria Cardinals have hired their first pitching coach in franchise history.

Former all-star closer, Danny Graves, has surfaced out of obscurity to claim the position as Pitching Coach. This season has seen the Cardinals continue to retool this staff. "With fresh faces allows for fresh starts", proclaimed GM Dave Grubb, the man responsible for this questionable hire.

Graves has rarely been heard from since flashing an obscene gesture to his home fans during a game in Cincinnati in 2005. The Peoria front office hopes that his experience with throwing the bird will allow for an immediate impact on getting these young birds to throw the ball a little better. The Cardinals currently have only one member of their entire pitching staff over the age of 30. With pitchers this young it will be vital for Graves to teach them exactly why his career fell apart abruptly, and to keep them from doing the same.

"I'm pumped", proclaimed Cardinals ace Cole Hamels. "It's not everyday that you find somebody with the same love for mullets as I do! What a good lookin' fella." Fans can only hope that this fashion sense does not spread throughout the locker room. Things have been ugly enough on the field this season in Peoria.

Terms were not disclosed.

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State of the Peoria Cardinals

We’re into the seventh week of baseball and the Peoria Cardinals have shown little to no signs of life in the standings thus far this season. Sporting a league worst record of 14-40-6, Peoria fans have had very little to cheer about on the field this year. However, Peoria’s front office has been hard at work this season building for the coming years.


So far this season the Cardinals have signed 24-year-old Jhonny Peralta (8HR, 28RBI), 27-year-old Dan Johnson (.385, 4HR, 13RBI), and top Major League catching prospect, 22-year-old Jarrod Saltalamacchia. These players help sure up a young nucleus that already includes such rising stars as 22-year-old Ryan Zimmerman, 24 year old Robinson Cano, 26-year-old Chris Duncan, and 24 year old Ian Kinsler. With 22-year-old prospect Matt Kemp eager to contribute at the EHCC level. The Cardinals offense has been nothing short of atrocious this season, but with this influx of young talent Peoria fans do have reason for optimism in the coming years.

Pitching on the other hand has been the one bright spot for the franchise this season. Led by a handful of good-looking pitchers under the age of 30, Peoria has been putting up very competitive pitching stats. Cole Hamels, Chris Young, Chris Capuano, Chuck James, and Jason Bergmann make up a formidable front five, who, for the most part, have yet to reach their prime. Additionally, Peoria has had by far the best bullpen in the league. Led by Jon Papelbon and Francisco Cordero, the Cardinals have racked up 45 saves, 10 more than the next best team. With Peoria having absolutely no chance at sniffing the playoffs this season, the Cardinals will look to trade closers Todd Jones and Al Reyes by the deadline as well as potentially other veterans.

With this team being pitching dominant, Peoria will look to sure up some offense before the deadline and certainly during the 07/08 off-season. Look for slow improvements out of the Peoria Cardinals camp as GM Dave Grubb was recently quoted as saying, “this lackluster play is unacceptable and we will be doing what we can to move this franchise into another direction. With the young core of this organization it will take a little time, unfortunately we can’t jump from 12th to playoff contenders over night. Baby steps.”

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