It's interesting to me that they would do this. Since he's well known to be a negotiator, and it seems like every year Rod Graves shows he at the very least isn't in the top half of the league at that
When I think about Rod Graves purely from a non-verbal communication and (with verbal communication) his tone, inflection and such, it just appears to me that who he is and how he is, hampers him. I wouldn't of necessarily singled that out but I agree with you Carddan that it would fit the impressions we've received in recent years involving our contract negotiations.
We're used to being seen as cheap, I don't feel that way. I know our history and such, but I truly believe we turned a corner when we went out and signed everybody we could that one off-season with Booty, Cecil, etc.
So if it isn't that we're cheap, it's something else, which to me would lead credence to some of the rumblings the players have had, like saying they were lied to or what not.
I'm not trying to accentuate Graves' negatives, I'm just pointing out some potential flaws. Ones that the Cardinals it appears on the surface realize.
I'd rather focus on the positive and seeing how Graves with all his criticisms still helped build a team that went to a superbowl. He's been very frustrating at times, but at this point you can't just say he's worthless. So after taking into account his apparent weaknesses, the Cards go out and hire a guy whose specific strengths seem to be our GM's weaknesses (or mediocrity).
Who knows we might start a trend in the league. 2 GM's to split the duties. Each one taking on a role they are better at, if it is so needed.
I'm a dem, and can't agree with Jerry Colangelo about pretty much anything politics wise. But the one thing I've ALWAYS been impressed about, and if ever have the chance would try to conduct myself in such a manner, is the way Jerry Colangelo handles things. I used to talk to an old guy who ushered at Suns games. He stated him and everyone of them loved Jerry C. He treated them like a person, would come down and say hi. Sometimes the best way to run a business is to do things in a classy way, personal way where you set up a culture where everyone is valued from the top of the organization down to the janitors.
If you want to be frugal, and get some sort of a discount going, you don't usually get that from ramming your position down their throats. I have a feeling Sundqvist's personality will lead to greater acceptance to frugal offers. In addition, being maybe a bit more flexible and such we don't constantly reach impasse. I have little doubt that a better negotiator would get even better deals than Graves gets, does it faster, and leaves everyone without a bitter taste. It sort of seems Graves might be able to sometimes get the job done, but it can leave a bitter taste.
The reason I bring this up, is that Sundqvist appears to have in some respects a little Jerry C. in him via his ability as reported to be great at player, agent, other team interactions. Of course it may be apples and oranges when comparing agents versus janitors, but I have no doubt that Jerry C. with his style was a major factor of what made the Suns a destination spot for players. Because he treated his players like he treated the janitors. That sounds bad, but the way he treated both were excellent, so it's actually a good thing.
If Sundqvist can capture even some of that, bright days are ahead.
I'll never underestimate the power a well-liked person can make in any business. In many business' that is the difference. Seems like we just hired one to take care of some very important aspects of the Cardinals future, and removing those duties from a GM where it wasn't his strength.
Thoroughly solid move imo.