Re: In pursuit of #17 (LONG)

["j.hironaka" <j.hironaka@unesco.org>]

At 03:54 02/07/01 -0400, Mark Piotrowski wrote:
>Looking at the current makeup of the C's and our cap numbers, i think we 
>should shoot for making our move in one of 2 windows of opportunity:  The 
>first being 2002-03 when Kenny comes off the books and the second being in 
>2004-05 when Antoine, Vitaly and our 3 #1's this year become free agents 
>(as do all the HS kids in this draft!).
>
>So, i think we should look at personnel moves to maximize our opportunity 
>with an eye toward  those 2 windows.

That's a good point Mark. Nice analysis. I hope we have a new owner by the 
summer of 2004-05. ;-)

I think Pitino came in thinking it was wise to lock up your core players to 
long-term contracts (like the Red Sox) and to stagger free-agency (can't 
"afford" to sign both Chauncy and Mercer etc.). But under the new 
collective bargaining agreement, it became obvious the best way to go is to 
have as many FA contracts coincide in a given year, provided you can afford 
to re-sign the players you want after taking a dip in free agency, and that 
you are an attractive team to play for. That's what John Gabriel did in 
Orlando did last year.

The new luxury tax, especially in Boston, clouds the picture considerably. 
It seems that first round picks are now the more valued commodity among the 
cheaper teams. Even knowing draftees don't always perform right away, we 
still get three lottery-caliber rookies tied up long-term for less than the 
cost of a 4.5 million per year veteran's exception. This is another reason 
why the whole Bonzi scenario was so preposterous.

But I do agree one needs to do these kinds of objective analyses about the 
future rebuilding opportunities and obstacles. I appreciate that you did 
this. I'd love to get my hands on a copy of Chris Wallace's 4-year plan. We 
know enough about Pitinochio's 4-year plan, that's for sure. ;-)

Joe

***