That's What Cheesehead: 37.08 - Wolves Likely Done for Off-Season

[7teen]

With the announcement coming yesterday that the Wolves had signed Elroy Hinson (8/7/7/7/9 Ratings), fan excitement grew in hopes that the club was making a turn this off-season to bring in some championship caliber players. Some of that excitement was tempered today though when General Manager Chris Wilson announced that the club was likely done for the off-season on signing any more free agents.

"I'd say we are pretty much done in signing guys this winter" said GM Wilson this morning at the league's winter meetings. "At least in terms of signing any big name free agents or probably any free agents for that matter. Yes, we have plenty of cap space and some money to spend but we feel our roster is pretty solid and we have guys ready to play each position so there really isn't much of a need to spend any of that money we have at the moment."

Coming into the off-season, the Wolves actually already had 37 guys on their 40-man roster returning from last season so roster flexibility was pretty limited. After some Rule 5 protections and the additions of Hinson and the traded for Noonien Soong (6/6/10 Ratings), picking up any more names was going to be tough anyway. But with that said, Wilson understands there are still issues with the 2037 Wolves team.

"Just because we aren't seeking anyone in free agency doesn't mean I feel we are championship material. I do like the possibilities our offense could have in store this season but our pitching is still a huge question mark. Sure, we could go blow our wad on one of the free agents out there who may or may not really help our chances next season. Then it just becomes throwing money away. We are in the bottom third of the league when you look at our financial situation. I think if we ever want to return to glory status and compete regularly with the likes of Yellow Springs and California, we have to fix our financial situation. To do that, we need to be consistent in winning and also smart with our money. Hopefully this year turns a corner for us in both regards."

The Wolves currently have a payroll that ranks 14th in the league at just over $93 million. After draft allotments and other expenses, the Wolves are still projected to spend over their budgeted amount this season. Nonetheless, some freed up cash via trades and other expenditures should allow the Wolves some flexibility during the season if the team remains in the hunt to perhaps make a trade as the season progresses. Flexibility is something Wilson hopes to maintain with the team throughout the next few seasons.

[felipe]

go Wolves!

(well...not really)

[7teen]

go Wolves!

(well...not really)

I always knew you were a closet Nine fan!

[felipe]

that's a nice deal to acquire Soong