For the third year in a row the Baltimore Monarchs lost in the JL Cartwright Cup series. For a lot teams this season would have been called a success. In Baltimore it is just another of the ever more crushing playoff loses. The facts are that since my reign as GM started before the 2001 the Monarchs have been in the playoffs 11 times (in twelve seasons). Surely by now a handful of games might have swung our way to a championship season? Out of the 11 playoff appearances (in my time) only once has the team even made it to the Landis, a 2005 lose to Las Vegas. So what next? Where do I go from here? It’s becoming clear that another approach may be necessary.
The Baltimore strategy has been focused on being competitive for the long term. I’ve never made all or nothing moves and have focused on just simply acquiring as many above average players as I could through all means. With my JL Atlantic rivals in various stages of rebuilding projects over recent seasons this approach has proved successful as Baltimore has reached the playoffs consistently. Reaching the playoffs however has not brought a championship. Maybe it’s time to simply hit the reset button and try an all or nothing approach? With most of the big contributors on the team becoming old it might be a good idea start over, get what I can, and aim to dominate in a future season rather than be competitive from here on. I mean the playoff appearances have been nice but the lack of a championship have been driving me crazy.
The offseason should be interesting in Baltimore. Maybe an overhaul will happen, maybe not. Does this group have another gear in them for next year? I’m going to take some time and see what FA and the rule 6 draft look like and then decide. An interesting offseason is ahead for the Monarchs.
