Re: Potapenko the Answer?

["Starke R. Farrell" <sfarrell@tsixroads.com>]

It will be tough to see DeClerq leave, since he had the heart of a lion.
Having Battie, Riley, and DeClerq, however, made one of then expendable.
DeClerq currently had the best trade value because of his low price and
hustle.
	The 'Ukraine Train'  brings enough size to fill the middle.  He will
also add toughness since he's as mean as a rabid dog.  He's also
durable, playing in every game this season.  Although Potapenko is not
an all-star center, he is an upgrade at the 5 without giving up one of
the big 3.  In addition, there would be no comparable choices to fulfill
our needs with the draft.  So the worst thing that can happen is that
this guy will really suck and we can release him at the end of the year,
using the cap space on someone else. The best thing clearly is that he
could be solid and help us get some wins.  
	I think it was a pretty smart move.