I've had it. I'm through giving the benefit of the doubt. Let's be clear. COLLUSION. I've been suspecting these two owners for awhile. I noticed earlier posts going back to 3/01 in other leagues. I was waiting for this last trade to speak out. I see the 2 owners still haven't responded. They never responded to the other posts either. If I'm wrong let me know. Maybe they don't feel the need to defend themselves. That's cool. More likely they know they're wrong. We all pay our money to play the game. This is like being a small market team. Who couldn't win a championship with a 70 man roster ?
Bob, I can agree with all the possible reasons you gave for the situation. But, there is a definite pattern here. For example, Anthony & his father Spiros have been in this league for 14 yrs. they don't trade to this extent. Can you get any closer than father & son ? They manage to avoid any appearance of collusion. Are these two guys brothers, in-laws, father & son or what ?
At least two other owners stated they can never close a deal with St. Pete. I have never had even a courtesy response to a trade offer. In 3 years you can't close a 2 player deal with any other owner, but with Arizona you can negotiate 21 player deals where you get almost nothing in return.
In 2001 Arizona was G4 champs, picking up Klesko & Sweeney from St.Pete for essentially a #1 rookie & Edgar Martinez. In 2002 St. Pete acquired Alomar/Aurilla/Klesko for Kennedy/Clayton/Nixon & made the playoffs. Arizona was a contender till the trade, suddenly they're the worst team in the league. They grab Prior. They also had 2 FA #1 picks this season thanks to St. Pete. This yr. Arizona trails by 1 game, St. Pete trades FA#1, Vazquez, Floyd, Strickland, McLemore, Matt Williams & Nixon for FA #8, Rookie #2-5, Shannon Stewart, Ramon Ortiz, Tomko, Fogg, Tatis, Phelps. Arizona again has 2 FA #1 picks. Wanna bet St. Pete becomes the worst team in the league this year ? They've got the 3rd worst record now. They could get Willis or Reyes with their pick & they'll end up in Arizona too.
I understand nothing can probably be done. Mike & the game need the revenue. I doubt they'll stop. I just want them to know we're aware. At least maybe the trades will be closer in value.
Should non-contenders loan some players to Cedar Rapids & Miami Beach to help keep Arizona out of the playoffs ? Just an evil thought.