If you dont like to watch train wrecks, fist fights, or just generally have a quezzy stomach you should not read this. The Cutters were a force. They possessed an inside outside threat that was tough to prepare against. The "look inside" offense was predictable, but not many teams could match up with the size and skill of Gavin' and Wilbur. The team played three all-stars las season and things looked bright. Season 10 the Cutters were able to post a very respectable 16-6 record against some very talented teams and coaches. Cutters fans enjoyed common household names such as Gavin, Wilbur, Rondilla, Mazzullo, Colburn and Salas. The franchise was able to sell out its first game in its built up 10 thousand seat arena. Gavin marched to his third, yes third, consecutive MVP award. Life was pretty damn good.
I believe the demise began when the ever so confident Coach Wem decided to pull back on scouting. This decision was based largely on the rather lucrative deals that GM was able to pull off on the open market. Stars were purchased, deals were made, and stars were sold for a profit. The bank roll skyrocketed to over 2 million dollars.
The second element of the fall came when the Cutters were defeated several times by Rival (not "hated rival") Bay Harbor Warriors. The Provisionals took out the Cutters in the playoffs. Both teams have great coaches, and great players, and prepare well for every game. The Hamburglers, also well coached, posted a respectable 13-9 regular season recored. The St. Louis River Rats were a force with a regular season 20-2 record and won the Championship. Basically, at this point, Coach Wem panicked... cut of recruiting, and vowed to hit the open market for new players and salaries that could push the Cutters to a Season 11 Championship. The Cutters purchased aged players with high salaries in hopes of building a team worthy of beating the best in Buzzerbeater. Problem. High salaries dont equal team chemistry. It was destroyed. Free agents came and went, meanwhile, the Fan Surveys dropped like President Obama's ratings. People stopped coming to the games. Ticket prices had to be lowered. Revenue dropped. The losses started piling up.
Some lessons. Build teams with young affordable talent. Groom several players for superstars; build around them cautiously. Keep the fans happy. Recruit. Keep your arena packed. Play the free agent market with caution. Compile local talent that the fans can root for. If you must put a player up on the selling block, realize that it will ripple through your team and create discord.
How we will come back. We have gone heavy on recruiting. Season 12 will have new younger talent. Local names now adorn the roster. The staff is in place. The arena is still over 10 thousand (largest in either league??) strong. Defense will be a priority for training.
Coach Wem