Warrior Beat: Duluth Times Blog

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Re: Warrior Beat: Duluth Times Blog

#91 Post by DrewV »

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Charron Traded

Slugger Garry shipped to Shin Seiki for prospects, pitching talent, and a 3rd round pick

Just days after the game-changing Bakersfield deal for Mendoza and Carter, Warrior Hall announced that power hitter Garry Charron is headed to Shin Seiki in exchange for a 3rd round pick, prospect Noah Hill, AAA outfielder Patrick Woods and PEBA RP Chris Acevez.

The move follows several rebuilding signals ahead of the deadline, adding additional salary relief to the franchise. However, it's not the ideal way for fans to come off a 7-game winning streak. Charron leaves Duluth with a career 4.1 WAR and 123 WrC+ for the Warriors.


Amanda Scott is a Staff Writer and Senior PEBA Analyst for the Duluth Times.

Follow us on Twitter: @MandyScottDT

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Re: Warrior Beat: Duluth Times Blog

#92 Post by DrewV »

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A June for Dreams--And then, July came

Weekly Recap

In a fashion that can only be described as "typically Duluth," the Warriors followed up the unloading of their team talent with a midsummer hot streak, losing only 2 of 13 games in the second half of July. Rookie Sean Kirkland blasted five homers with a .331 BA in June, driving in 12 over 93 appearances. Fellow rookie John Howe blasted three homers against Reno on June 25th, completing a month dominated by the rookie duo.

However, whatever fire fueled Duluth in June seems to have died, as the team went 1-6 last week, swept straight by Canton and losing 2 of 3 to Fargo. All bats cooled, with a 3-Hit game pitched by Canton's Vittore Simari on Independence Day.

Rumors of infighting within Duluth's Front Office cast the remaining two months in a dubious light, as sources reveal tension over GM Ricky McCoy's decision to strip the team assets in favor for 2030 draft picks and young prospects. Warrior Hall did not choose to comment.

Transactions

No major transactions in the first week of July.


Minor League Notes
  • Recently acquired 3B prospect Noah Hill (SA-19 years old) posted a 1.124 OPS over 42 plate appearances for the Hanso, keeping the team at the top of the HL Aloha.
  • 2029 Draftee Donald Bradford is 3-0 for the Hanso, posting a 0.36 ERA over 24 innings.


Final Thoughts

With International Free Agency open in PEBA, it's likely Duluth will make moves with recently-acquired cash to add prospects to their complex.

Duluth's lone All-Star, Closer Geoff Lawson, will head to Fargo for an otherwise Warrior-free All-Star game.


Amanda Scott is a Staff Writer and Senior PEBA Analyst for the Duluth Times.

Follow us on Twitter: @MandyScottDT

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Re: Warrior Beat: Duluth Times Blog

#93 Post by DrewV »

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After another lukewarm season--Duluth looks to 2030



Just a day after the Shin Seiki Evas sealed their 4-1 Rodriguez Cup win over the Kentucky Thoroughbreds, Richard McCoy fielded a few questions in an informal breakfast event in Pat’s Bar and Grill above Right Field. McCoy, who missed the series to attend his father’s funeral in Swansboro, North Carolina, focused primarily on the coming seasons.

“Obviously, we were hoping for eighty, maybe even ninety wins this season,” McCoy explained from the podium. “Last November, directed a strategy based on analysis of midrange-salary players, and we saw some mixed results. But more importantly, we’ve finally found the culture of leadership and respect needed in Duluth to build the foundation for a great team. And for the first time since I came to Duluth, I don’t see red ink when R.J. Emola emails a budgetary report out.”

In 2028, there were talks of bankruptcy when the team’s finances collapsed, leading to the worse loss in PEBA history: over $75 Million.
“We exceeded profit goals for 2029. People are coming to the ballpark again.” (McCoy distributed several budgetary charts to the media). “With sales up well over 40% of last year, I’m happy to report a considerable profit for the franchise at the close of this fiscal year.”

When asked about the decision to sell off young talent mid-season, McCoy commented that the choice came down to money.

“Carter and Mendoza, they’re both great guys. And great pitchers. But before I came in 2028, they were both called up, and their clocks started ticking toward arbitration and Free Agency. And those kind of players—I won’t call them ‘damaged goods’—but they don’t fit the long-term goals of the organization in the same way an outstanding draft class does. This is about 2035, not 2029.”

McCoy had little to say about Andy Sharp—the $28 Million Third Baseman, whose lukewarm season earned chagrin for McCoy’s leadership from many. He called 2029 “an off-year” for the Canadian star and says that Sharp has several plans to reset this offseason.
When questioned on reports on internal dissatisfaction with McCoy’s management of the Warriors—specifically, that some executives are actively seeking his resignation—McCoy refused to comment.


Amanda Scott is a Staff Writer and Senior PEBA Analyst for the Duluth Times.

Follow us on Twitter: @MandyScottDT

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Re: Warrior Beat: Duluth Times Blog

#94 Post by Sandgnats »

Bravo! :clap:
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#95 Post by DrewV »

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Christmas Comes Early for Duluth


December 20th, 2029

The Warrior Nation Twittersphere exploded this morning when rumors of a preliminary agreement between Duluth and 5-time all-star Yosuke "Bus Driver" Imai leaked out of Warrior Hall. By 7 AM this morning, the Front Office announced a 3-year, $30 Million deal for the aging slugger--adding yet another popular PEBA star to the Duluth lineup.

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1B Yosuke "Bus Driver" Imai

The contract runs it's own risk, with a third-year player option that almost guarantees seeing Imai into his decline. However, if Imai can maintain his numbers through 2032, he will be a notable improvement to the Duluth lineup.

No sooner had the Front Office announced Imai's contract than the wires went hot again with confirmations of Left Fielder Scott Wiggins signing a 4-year, $22 Million deal with the Warriors. Wiggins is an elite Left Fielder with a dangerous pull against left-handed pitching. At 34, Wiggins provides Duluth the same risk as Imai--and many other expensive players on the Duluth roster--that of decline.

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LF Scott Wiggins

"It's certainly a calculated risk," claims James Carrigan, Editor of the Interlake Register. "there's a prevalent strategy in Duluth to bid on aging players that bring in the crowds. The strategy seemed to work last season, with drastic increases to revenue--and a $100 Million swing in profits that were closing in on an $80 Million loss last season. The goal is clear: Keep the fans coming while the team rebuilds the farm."

Carrigan added that both players could be attractive deadline sales for draft picks in the upcoming season--a strategy that stocked the Duluth draft this offseason.

With two improvements to OBS secured from Free Agency, Duluth was relatively quiet coming out of the Winter Meetings, conducting no trades. Given the team's stacked draft class, the Front Office likely will defend their picks to stock a powerful inaugural class to the recently-formed Suwon Morning Swords.

Ricky McCoy spoke briefly with the Times via telephone, calling the two signings "strategic victories" for the franchise.


Amanda Scott is a Staff Writer and Senior PEBA Analyst for the Duluth Times.

Follow us on Twitter: @MandyScottDT

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Re: Warrior Beat: Duluth Times Blog

#96 Post by DrewV »

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More Roster Moves: Santos acquired, Cordova signed


December 26th, 2029

As most of the PEBAverse enjoys a well-earned Christmas holiday, Warrior Hall quietly announced a trade with the Neo-Tokyo Akira to acquire 2029 Golder Arm runner-up José Santos. Santos, 36, produced a scintillating 2.50 ERA last season over 32 starts, with a WHIP of 0.96. In return, Duluth provided their second round pick and $1.5 Million.

With a year left on his contract, the popular sidearm pitcher fills a gap in the Duluth rotation created by the perpetual injuries of Won-Taek Kim, whose inability to recover from a torn UCL haunts the franchise's yearly budget.

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José Santos, 2029 Golden Arm Runner-Up

On the same day, the Front Office announced the signing of RP Jorge Córdova, a 2-year, $8 Million deal. Cordova, 30, has a career 4.01 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. He enjoyed a career-high 145 ERA+ last season.

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RP Jorge Córdova


The aggressive signings by Duluth come in the wake of freed up cash and a stocked draft class, thanks to the selling of future stars Henry Carter and Jeffrey Mendoza to Bakersfield.

Amanda Scott is a Staff Writer and Senior PEBA Analyst for the Duluth Times.

Follow us on Twitter: @MandyScottDT
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#97 Post by DrewV »

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2030 Preview


March 30th, 2030

With opening day just hours away, the Times takes a comprehensive look at the freshly-branded Warrior franchise.

With an offseason defined by early free agency grabs and improving a weak bullpen, Duluth managed to add some firepower to the lineup. However, Ricky McCoy was unable to produce on a solid starter for the franchise, losing out on several key bids.

Starting Rotation

It's no secret that Duluth lacks the firepower to be truly competitive in the Great Lakes. Rumor has it the Warriors lost out on several free agent battles this winter, unwilling to match the prices for more reliable front men. With a lack of lefties and the absence of a true ace, the Warriors rely on a lineup of reliable veterans that will get the job done without turning any heads. Trujillo, Nakamura, Acevez, and Hirai return for 2030, and the OBS-thirsty Great Lakes will continue to expose their lack of early-inning dominance.

1. Orlando Trujillo

A developing finesse pitcher with excellent control and promising talent, Trujillo's 2030 will be defined by whether or not he lives up to his ace potential. While his velocity is lacking for a #1, Orlando's control is superb, and his stuff nasty enough to generate friction across the SL.

2. Kata Nakamura

The old warhorse refuses to fade, posting an undefeated 1.35 ERA in the preseason over 20 innings. While Kata's lost a few mph on his fastball, the 41-year-old RHP continues to put up sub-4.00 ERA. However, he's not the pitcher he used to be, and his slow decline will continue into 2030. With two years left on his contract, the best that can be hoped for is a perpetuity of the "slightly better than average" performances that Kata maintained in 2029.

3. Chris Acevez

Another low-velocity starter with a plus curve and slider, Acevez has fit in nicely in Duluth since his exchange for Charron at the deadline. Lacking the endurance to last into the latter innings, Acevez is the current champion of Duluth's constant competition for a regular 3-hole performer. When Acevez is on--like he was throughout Spring Training--he is nearly unhittable. However, he has a tendency to fade quickly as early as the fifth inning, and will tax the bullpen regularly this season.

4. José Santos

Coming off a career-defining season that saw him #2 in Golden Arm voting, Santos offers a fastball-cutter combination that registered a 0.96 WHIP last season for Neo-Tokyo. Certainly a candidate for regression, the 36-year-old is worth the gamble if he can come close to repeating last year's performance.

6. Soetsu Hirai

Lefty Soetsu Hirai's strength is a plus-plus changeup that can dupe the keenest of batters, but his lack of control is a continual problem for Duluth. If Hirai struggles early again, look for the Front Office to come in quickly with heavy-handed solutions.

Bullpen

Duluth spent a fair amount of its offseason capital on improving the impoverished bullpen, bringing in Jorge Córdova, Enrique Fonseca, and Eitoku Tamura. The relief squad seems several steps ahead of 2029, but is sorely missing a show-stopping closer. Look for disappointments late in the game as Duluth is unable to shut games down.

Lineup

Duluth dished out a fair amount of cash this offseason to bring a handful of veterans to the team. A new catching platoon in Scott Francis and Gerald Murdoch should see a drastic uptick in productivity. Yosuke "Bus Driver' Imai and Scott Wiggins are two key pickups from free agency that should see a drastic rise in OBS for the rebuilding team. Dimitri Hill is one of the best defensive shortstops in baseball; 2030 will tell us if his standout offense last year was a fluke. Likewise, the Klein-Montoya platoon at second base should continue to work wonders for the Warriors. Andy Sharp and Dewitt Barry both nose-dived into unforgivable slumps last spring--if they can prevent a repeat of that performance, the Warriors will be a force to be reckoned with at the plate.

Down on the Farm

In the last year, Duluth has added a considerable wealth of prospective talent to the farm system. A clear priority of the front office, the loss of Carter and Mendoza can be consoled with a loaded 2030 draft and a slough of talented young contenders.

In Suwon, the much-covered Antonio Herrera looks to recover from a lackluster start at Short-A. With superstar potential, the Argentinian discovery should find better company to grow in the newly-formed rookie league. He'll be joined by Scotty Weeks, who led the Interscholastic Federation in homeruns last year before being drafted in the third round and getting banged up in Kailua. International acquisition Marvin Schoe will also get the start at shortstop in Suwon,with the sort of contact-hitter potential that should see him soar through he minors. Dominican discovery Juan Velasquez is a left-handed power hitter with five-tool potential.

Donald Bradford, a 6th-Round pick, surprised everyone with a dominating season in the 1-spot for Kailua. He finished #3 in MVP voting.

In Rapid City, 3B Noah Hill will likely make his move to AA in the late Spring. The utility spray-hitter eats RHPs alive and can play nearly every position on the field.

Pedro Gonzalez will own the #2 spot in AA Medicine Hat--a team he joined late last season after a dominating performance in A-ball. This young Dominican may have the nastiest changeup in all of the minors. Pedro will likely make his way to AAA this season and perhaps even see some pro-ball, if he keeps destroying batters across the minors.

In AAA, SP Bob Hodge seems just about ready for PEBA. He looked poised and clean over 10 innings during Spring Training, but gave up a few too many hits. Catcher Jose Castillo has the potential to be an above-average backstop, and 2030 is his defining season.

Conclusion

Duluth's assembled a talented corps of veterans and should see drastic offensive improvements this year. While the bullpen has improved significantly, the Warriors lack a reliable rotation and will pay for it in the early innings. With drastic increases in attendance and revenue, the Warriors hope to improve anywhere from ten two twenty games this year. A healthy draft should continue to build on a growing farm. Expect a commendable--but ultimately lackluster 2030 from the emerald pinstripes.

Amanda Scott is a Staff Writer and Senior PEBA Analyst for the Duluth Times.

Follow us on Twitter: @MandyScottDT
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Re: Warrior Beat: Duluth Times Blog

#98 Post by Ghosts »

A lot of eyes will be on Herrera in rookie ball, but I'll be eager to see how my man Pedro develops.
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#99 Post by DrewV »

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Season Update


March 30th, 2030

Coming off a 17-11 May, the Warriors are still right where projected--in 3rd and 11 games behind.

Some controversy swirls around the serious injury of slugger Scott Wiggins--whose 1.5 WAR and 148 OPS+ will be sorely missed. Wiggins was likely purchased as a deadline piece for the Warriors, and the center of many trade rumors. Even worse, there are anonymous reports that the front office ordered the player's benching on account of hip soreness just hours before the injury, which will see Wiggins out the rest of the season. So far, Warrior Hall has not released a statement.

Chris Acevez, who posted a 2.85 ERA this season, was traded to Shin Seiki (where he continues to dominate) in exchange for a handful of prospects--including #7 PEBA prospect Yoshitaka Masuda.

Otherwise, Duluth's numbers show notable improvement over last year--particularly in offensive production. However, the rotation is plagued by injuries and suspensions (both Orlando Trujillo and Kata Nakamura have been suspended so far this season--after a suspension-free 2029). Left Soetsu Hirai was recently added tot he 60-day IL after repeating back spasms. At AAA, three pitchers were moved to the IL in the last week--and former Minor League Pitcher of the Year Andres Holguin was taken out for the season for elbow decompression surgery. Bob Hodge will come up in relief from Racine to help cover the gap. In his last option year, this is Hodge's last chance to earn a starting role on the team--so the callup is make-or-break for the young starter.

Dmitri Hill, 32, is posting a breakout 144 OPS+ over 183 at-bats, swinging .355/.387/.454 from the plate. Right Fielder Dewitt Barry is back to his old form, with 16 home runs and 33 RBIs. Rookie Francisco Munoz is beating out veteran Jim Morrison for the 1B start, slugging .505 in 107 at-bats. Francisco Montoya and Jim Klein, who platoon second base, are both under-performing this year.

Heading into the draft, Duluth hopes to continue building their arsenal of talent in R-AA ball.

Amanda Scott is a Staff Writer and Senior PEBA Analyst for the Duluth Times.

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Re: Warrior Beat: Duluth Times Blog

#100 Post by DrewV »

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Duluth Draft Review: Rounds 1-6



June 7th, 2030

In what can be described as a lukewarm draft pool at best, Duluth's hard-won draft picks can't help but underwhelm for the pricetag of Carter and Mendoza.

Round 1, Pick 8: SP Gary Murphy-Eastern Carolina University

Securing 2-time USCB All-Star Gary Murphy from Eastern Carolina University can be seen as an organizational victory. Murphy, who took over Henry Carter's spot in the rotation four years ago at Eastern Carolina, posted a career 2.11 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. He is the record holder for season WHIP at 0.73. Furthermore, Murphy is second only to Henry Carter in all-time wins at ECU at 20 and WAR at 9.1; he has both the second and third-highest all-time WHIP for the Sea Dawgs.

Known as a hard worker, Murphy slipped under the radar in a sparse draft pool centered on the Arizona starter Bill Knight and Outback State's Yoshiteru Endo.

"Given his record and pitching style, we're thrilled at the opportunity to select Gary," GM Ricky McCoy told reporters in Asheville. "Duluth needs more young, powerful starters who can develop into our next generation of front-liners, and Gary is the perfect man for the job."

Murphy is expected to receive significantly above slot in negotiations.

Round 1, Pick 18: CF Onne Alberts -Bowness High School

In a surprise decision, Duluth selected 18-year-old Center Fielder Onne Alberts of Bowness High School with their second first round pick. A talented defender with utlity skill all over the diamond, Alberts posted a laudable 165 OPS+ in 2030, despite only hitting .206. While this pick is viewed as overtly risky by most analysts, GM Ricky McCoy insists that Alberts has the potential to be a first-rate Center Fielder with a hot bat.

Round 3, Pick 65: SP Keith Parks -Katy High School

Another risky pick, Duluth rolled the dice on 18-year-old Keith Parks, a 2-time IF Outstanding Pitcher and All-Star. An over-the-top finesse pitcher, Parks is known in the IF for a diverse repertoire of pitches that includes a curve, slider, splitter, and forkball. While he receded significantly from his freshman to junior year rampage, Parks still pitched at 2.08 ERA this year with a 0.88 WHIP. Time will tell if his control issues will be to much to keep him in a finesse role at the back of a rotation.

Round 3, Pick 66: CF Sergio Rosas-Pontifica Universidad

An elite defender and average bat, Rosas was recently named Division Series MVP in Pontifica's 3-1 series victory over Aix-Marseilles (Marseilles' Center Fielder from the series, Jim Cox, was also drafted by Duluth). Rosas shows some weaknesses in his eye and swing, but has the potential to become a reliable utlility outfielder if he can hit for average.

Round 3, Pick 81: CF Pedro "Chopper" Perez-Louisville

Another high-speed outfielder with good work ethic, Perez collected a respectable career 124 OPS+ for Louisville, despite low OSA reports on his offense.

Conclusion

It's no secret that Duluth budgeted a small fortune for the draft this year--and while no one expected the Warriors to start winning last summer (and move down from 3 to 8 on the draft board), the collection of talented utility outfielders and a couple decent starters is a small recompense for the loss of both Henry Carter and Jeffrey Mendoza in 2028. However, the low-level clubs in the Warrior franchise have some diverse players headed to SA and Rookie Ball this year--and overall the draft was not a total disaster.

Amanda Scott is a Staff Writer and Senior PEBA Analyst for the Duluth Times.

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Re: Warrior Beat: Duluth Times Blog

#101 Post by Ghosts »

Warriors wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2020 8:33 pm Round 1, Pick 18: CF Onne Alberts -Bowness High School

In a surprise decision, Duluth selected 18-year-old Center Fielder Onne Alberts of Bowness High School with their second first round pick. A talented defender with utlity skill all over the diamond, Alberts posted a laudable 165 OPS+ in 2030, despite only hitting .206. While this pick is viewed as overtly risky by most analysts, GM Ricky McCoy insists that Alberts has the potential to be a first-rate Center Fielder with a hot bat.
Bakersfield liked the selection here. We think his defense will progress smoothly to a plus level and he has more batting potential than the consensus gives him credit for.
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#102 Post by Borealis »

I'd agree. That said, 18-year olds are so hard to predict - but perhaps with the new Rookie League, we will see a shift in that.
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Re: Warrior Beat: Duluth Times Blog

#103 Post by Lions »

Warriors wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2020 8:33 pmIn what can be described as a lukewarm draft pool at best, Duluth's hard-won draft picks can't help but underwhelm for the pricetag of Carter and Mendoza.
That's an interesting perspective. I definitely notice that a lot of contenders stay there by trading draft picks for mostly developed players and current stars.
Warriors wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2020 8:33 pmRound 1, Pick 8: SP Gary Murphy-Eastern Carolina University

Securing 2-time USCB All-Star Gary Murphy from Eastern Carolina University can be seen as an organizational victory. Murphy, who took over Henry Carter's spot in the rotation four years ago at Eastern Carolina, posted a career 2.11 ERA and 0.85 WHIP. He is the record holder for season WHIP at 0.73. Furthermore, Murphy is second only to Henry Carter in all-time wins at ECU at 20 and WAR at 9.1; he has both the second and third-highest all-time WHIP for the Sea Dawgs.

Known as a hard worker, Murphy slipped under the radar in a sparse draft pool centered on the Arizona starter Bill Knight and Outback State's Yoshiteru Endo.

"Given his record and pitching style, we're thrilled at the opportunity to select Gary," GM Ricky McCoy told reporters in Asheville. "Duluth needs more young, powerful starters who can develop into our next generation of front-liners, and Gary is the perfect man for the job."

Murphy is expected to receive significantly above slot in negotiations.
I really debated taking Murphy... I think you'll be quite happy with him. I had him above Endo and on the same level as Knight, although I think I was less confident on Knight than some others.
Warriors wrote: Sun Jan 19, 2020 8:33 pmRound 3, Pick 66: CF Sergio Rosas-Pontifica Universidad

An elite defender and average bat, Rosas was recently named Division Series MVP in Pontifica's 3-1 series victory over Aix-Marseilles (Marseilles' Center Fielder from the series, Jim Cox, was also drafted by Duluth). Rosas shows some weaknesses in his eye and swing, but has the potential to become a reliable utlility outfielder if he can hit for average.
I liked Rosas, too. I think he was good value at this point of the draft.
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Re: Warrior Beat: Duluth Times Blog

#104 Post by DrewV »

[accidentally deleted this...whoops!]
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#105 Post by DrewV »

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Ricky's Back


November 10th, 2034

Duluth fans across the nation woke up today to an unexpected headline. Richard "Colonel" McCoy, Warriors GM from 2028-2032 and former U.S. Army Officer, was seen yesterday evening leaving Warrior Hall with his former-assistant-turned-wife, Tania McCoy (née Polinski). Owner Jason Bong, who represents the majority share of the owning Arne Bong Foundation, offered a brief comment to the Times via email:

The Warriors are happy to welcome Ricky McCoy back to the organization. With the departure of Scott Hortness, Ricky was a logical replacement, as he provided the framework for Duluth's rebuild and is well-acquainted with the staff.

While Jason Bong seems to have a short memory, the departure of McCoy was less than cordial, as he was sacked following a string of Front Office scandals and unpopular trades. While Warrior Hall is running a tight ship, many speculate that the return of Ricky McCoy was very much to the chagrin of the Board of Directors--and very much a hand forced by majority owner Jason Bong, heir of the Arne Bong Water empire.

McCoy, 49, spent a brief stint with the Charleston Statesmen before vanishing to Europe for three years. He returned a newlywed with his former assistant, taking a brief GM position with the Hartford Harpoon before moving back to his original franchise in Duluth.

When reached for comment regarding the in-house drama between owner Jason Bong and the Board of Directors, McCoy responded "Is what is is, Mandy. Let's build a ballclub."

"Let's build a ballclub" is the slogan set in stone above the lakeside statue of Warriors founder Arne Bong, World War II ace and Duluth entrepreneur.

Amanda Scott is a Staff Writer and Senior PEBA Analyst for the Duluth Times.

Follow us on Twitter: @MandyScottDT
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