Monthly Archives: June 2010

I Can’t Comment

Posted on by

Team owners and officials can’t comment on free agency or free agents.

This is a good article. I thought it was pretty spot on.

We have articulated our plan. We are in control of our own destiny as a franchise. We have a lot of work to do to rebuild a foundation around young players — to heal, and to create a new winning culture. We have to do the work. We have to create our own upside. There is no easy magic wand to wave to make us a great team. I will have to be honest and authentic to our fan base on these matters.

But we will be in control of our destiny, and it won’t be a random plan. It won’t be filled with empty promises, and with “the best laid plans” built around unknown and third parties.

We just executed a trade that fits into our plan. We received a young player — a player with size, skill, and upside. A player who can shoot, and run the floor for a big man. A player with unique potential. A player who is working hard this off season to improve. Another small piece has been added to rebuild our team to be a better and more competitive team for next season. A good day’s work. Real. Authentic. Honest.

The New Year’s Day Winter’s Classic

Posted on by

The Winter Classic is enough of a “distraction” for us this coming season. We won’t be touring Russia.

We don’t pick Russians in the draft because we want to make “PR news.” We picked Russians because our scouts work hard and we develop a board with the best available players. That is what we do – we take the best player available, period. End of story. No PR moves. Only moves to help our team win and improve. Time will tell if the draft picks work out. I am willing to see how it all plays out.

I have received several emails from folks complaining about us picking another Russian player. Some of the tonality would be shameful if it wasn’t so uneducated, so I will just ignore the xenophobia.

Books I am Reading

Posted on by

I just finished reading “Finding Chandra,” a very well researched book by two terrific Washington Post reporters.

It truly captured what we were all thinking and feeling during the crazy days pre-”9 /11″ here in Washington DC. The book is very well done. I recommend it highly.

I also just finished reading “Red and Me” by Bill Russell. This is a powerful book about friendship, respect, dignity, and winning!!! It is all about winning, isn’t it? Read this one if you love basketball and if you want more information about the “Secret.”

It Seems to be Working

Posted on by

We are working really hard to re-bond with our fan base.

We are touching lots of people — old fans, new fans, lost season ticket holders, and potential new season ticket holders. Thank you for your support.

And we are having some success. We are selling full season tickets at a very good rate. Renewals are strong as well. Green arrows everywhere.

I wanted to note that this was the same process we experienced with the Washington Capitals. We sold all of our best seats to full season ticket holders. We sold out — we created a waiting list. The number 1 complaint received today about the Washington Capitals is the lack of good seats to buy directly from us at a fair price, as people who want to attend games must go into the aftermarket to purchase.

Hence, this is like an IPO. Think of it as a way to get in on a great growth stock at the IPO. Hold on to it and one day it will return your investment many times over.

Please consider buying season tickets today. If you are interested, email me at Thewashwiz@aol.com. I will personally handle it for you.

And thanks for the virtual support here from this blog. I love the compliments, even when they are backhanded. :-) Check it out.