Matt >> Dan

I’m definitely not saying the future isn’t bright, because I think it is (esp. if we can hold onto Freddy for another year) and we’re definitely light years from the finish of the season before that, but I still think that we should be playing today instead of sending each other emails. Surely next year HAS to be playoffs or bust then, right?

My new-ish theory on what I will now start referring to as “The Edwards Conflagration” is that people, especially fans, like to/want to be able to pin the blame for any failings on one solitary person. Rongen was popular with the fans, and Campbell is as well, and the players are our heroes so the next guy on the list is the owner. In general, it seems like people want more info out of the club (which is the case probably everywhere) and they don’t want to hear it from Bill. This is another role the GM could fill – or even a guy like Lee Cohen, expanding his public presence. Farrukh was already a beloved figure, and coming out to the tailgates each game was kind of a big deal. People could talk to Farrukh at tailgates or listen to us and hear Rongen – it made the fans feel closer to the club, that their voices could be heard too. Repairing/replacing that public connection will go a long way to healing the wounds some perceive to be there. Keith Savage made appearances as time went on – hopefully he can get back on the field next year but if not, I hope he stays involved with the club in some form.

Back to the original topic though – if the season wasn’t a failure, were the expectations too high? I honestly don’t think so. Even with all the madness of the Fall, we were still breathing on the very last day of the season. One road win in Indy, in either season, and we’re playing today. Something else that occurred to me today – all 4 teams in *cue the music* THE CHAMPIONSHIP had the same coach they started last season with. Sure, Gunter Krankypants took a little break, but his return ended up making the difference for FTL. Hopefully we’ll reap the rewards of some consistency next year.