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The ticking sound you hear is Father Time closing in on the Los Angeles Lakers at Laker HQ In El Segundo California. The franchise has made what is likely a poor investment over the next 2 years at 48.5 million dollars. 18 years 51,000 minutes and over 31 thousand points scored and 5 NBA titles.
The Lakers are 2-4 since his return. My question to Laker brass. Is someone spiking the Christmas Eggnog. The Buss family is delusional if they think the artist formerly known as Kobe Bryant will return to form again. Laker Nation is already suffering under a head coach that refuses to play defense as evidenced by a 114-100 Loss to Atlanta recently. # 24 leads the NBA in turnovers and I think that is what we are seeing. The need for turnover in the Laker organization. Some in Laker Nation think they are entitled to be in the NBA finals every June. Those in Laker Nation who think that way are about as entitled to the Larry O,Brien trophy as Iran is to have a neuclear arsenal and blow Isreal off the face of the earth thus expediting the return of the Mahadi. Laker ownership appears to have pleased no one in this slow walk toward NBA atomic disaster. Laker Management has put themselves in a bind based on this contract they have limited money to spend on one and not two free agents next year. They might choose to release Steve Nash saving 9.7 million USD and possibly using the CBA stretch Clause as it relates to years and money counting against the cap
The stretch clause is explained here.http://www.hoopsworld.com/cba-scenarios-the-stretch-clause We all long for the quote glory days of yesteryear. when it comes to the teams we follow but there is a time when reality and circumstances dictate more things than we would like to admit. For Laker fans here are a few realities that need to be faced. 1. Kobe Bryant is overpaid 2. Lakers will need to go through a period of 2 years being irrelevant. 3. Look to become a shoe in for the NBA Lottery in the next 2 years 4, Install Jeannie Buss to take full control of team for Brother Jim Buss.5. Replace Mike D,Antoni The prosecution rests. It is now the defense councils turn to present a case. The 2013-14 Los Angeles Lakers have no defense but a slowly declining superstar with diminishing skills
Still Undefeated Father Time
I am Mark Janisch WWS founder you may view my webcast via Ustream on the Sports ,News Analysis and opinion Channel or reach me via twitter @wideworldofspor
Mariners respond to Seattle Times story
Post by Bob Dutton / The News Tribune on with 1 Comment »
December 9, 2013 9:10 am
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Mariners sought to move past any distraction and controversy raised in the wake of a highly-critcial story that appeared in Sunday’s editions of The Seattle Times by issuing a statement Monday at the Winter Meetings.
The story alleged a high degree of dysfunction in the club’s front office from interviews with former manager Eric Wedge and Tony Blengino, a former special assistant to general manager Jack Zduriencik.
Zduriencik issued a statement that disputed the allegations of meddling and incompetence painted by Wedge and Blengino.
The statement:
“Over the years, we have chosen to take the high road in talking about former Mariners personnel. It hasn’t always been easy but we always felt it was important to do so, not just for the club but also for the individual. And in every case, it proved to be the right way to handle things. However, we believe the comments made by former members of our organization that appeared in the Sunday Seattle Times require a brief response.
“Eric Wedge, our former manager, criticized our organization, accusing Howard Lincoln, chuck Armstrong and me of meddling.
“Everyone in our organization, including Howard and Chuck, is focused on putting a championship team on the field. We all care very deeply about this team, just like the fans do. We all see when the team is playing well, and when it isn’t.
“I’ve worked for several Major League organizations. Our upper management has suggestions and asks questions, just like CEOs and presidents in other organization do, all to be helpful and contribute to the goal of winning. We all want to win as soon as possible.
“When there are areas that need improvement, it’s my job to ask questions, suggest ideas and give direction to the field staff. When our upper management has questions or suggestions, it’s my job to respond to them. I don’t believe meddling is a fair portrayal.
“One good example is the issue of the Mariners doing extra work last September. That suggestion was mine. Everyone in the baseball department thought this would be a good teaching time to help us improve our fundamentals with a young team, and help set the tone for spring training.
“Howard, Chuck, Eric and I met every five to six weeks the past couple of seasons to make sure we were all on the same page. Never once did Eric complain about our communications during those meetings. In fact, we all agreed that this was a good time to offer and share ideas.
“Eric approached me numerous times throughout the year expressing his desire for a long-term contract. Even the day before he quit, Eric called a meeting with me and demanded a contract extension.
“I can also say that our current statistical analysis group is doing excellent work. Our dedicated staff and the tools they are using are a key component in our decision making process, and are light years ahead of where we have been. I am engaged with their work on a daily basis and very excited in the improvements made.
“We have never deviated from our rebuilding plan. We have stayed the course, and we now have a talented group of young players. We are hard at work looking into every option to add to this core group, as we said we would, and we are looking forward to 2014 and beyond.”
The story alleged a high degree of dysfunction in the club’s front office from interviews with former manager Eric Wedge and Tony Blengino, a former special assistant to general manager Jack Zduriencik.
Zduriencik issued a statement that disputed the allegations of meddling and incompetence painted by Wedge and Blengino.
The statement:
“Over the years, we have chosen to take the high road in talking about former Mariners personnel. It hasn’t always been easy but we always felt it was important to do so, not just for the club but also for the individual. And in every case, it proved to be the right way to handle things. However, we believe the comments made by former members of our organization that appeared in the Sunday Seattle Times require a brief response.
“Eric Wedge, our former manager, criticized our organization, accusing Howard Lincoln, chuck Armstrong and me of meddling.
“Everyone in our organization, including Howard and Chuck, is focused on putting a championship team on the field. We all care very deeply about this team, just like the fans do. We all see when the team is playing well, and when it isn’t.
“I’ve worked for several Major League organizations. Our upper management has suggestions and asks questions, just like CEOs and presidents in other organization do, all to be helpful and contribute to the goal of winning. We all want to win as soon as possible.
“When there are areas that need improvement, it’s my job to ask questions, suggest ideas and give direction to the field staff. When our upper management has questions or suggestions, it’s my job to respond to them. I don’t believe meddling is a fair portrayal.
“One good example is the issue of the Mariners doing extra work last September. That suggestion was mine. Everyone in the baseball department thought this would be a good teaching time to help us improve our fundamentals with a young team, and help set the tone for spring training.
“Howard, Chuck, Eric and I met every five to six weeks the past couple of seasons to make sure we were all on the same page. Never once did Eric complain about our communications during those meetings. In fact, we all agreed that this was a good time to offer and share ideas.
“Eric approached me numerous times throughout the year expressing his desire for a long-term contract. Even the day before he quit, Eric called a meeting with me and demanded a contract extension.
“I can also say that our current statistical analysis group is doing excellent work. Our dedicated staff and the tools they are using are a key component in our decision making process, and are light years ahead of where we have been. I am engaged with their work on a daily basis and very excited in the improvements made.
“We have never deviated from our rebuilding plan. We have stayed the course, and we now have a talented group of young players. We are hard at work looking into every option to add to this core group, as we said we would, and we are looking forward to 2014 and beyond.”
