Of Management, players, fans, and ASFN

[BigRedRage]

We get the press releases as well and post them

yeah, but i try to post them first = )

 

[JasonKGME]

3. I think the Cards made a mistake allowing current season ticket holders to buy extra tickets. That shut out a lot of new fans and many of those tickets will end up in the enemies' hands.

Yes and no on the above, I think they should have allowed season ticket holders to buy extra tickets but it should have been done in a different manner. I think the rule should have been you can buy 1 extra ticket for every 2 season tickets you held, with a maximum of 2 additional tickets, and that they should have been bought at the same time and next to another ticket you were allready purchasing, then a second wave of open season tickets when they opened the season ticket process (after all depositors had puchased thiers) That would give us original season ticket holders about 40,000 in ticket sales, the new depositors would have then had some better selections of the other tickets, and then the remaining tickets could have been bought out.

I think alot of those extra season tickets that were bought were bougth in the cheap seats and are going to end up getting re-sold to the opposing teams fans to make a quick buck. Not necissarily a bad thing this is america after all, but I would have liked personally to have had a better seat option then I did.

 

[ajcardfan]

Yes and no on the above, I think they should have allowed season ticket holders to buy extra tickets but it should have been done in a different manner. I think the rule should have been you can buy 1 extra ticket for every 2 season tickets you held, with a maximum of 2 additional tickets, and that they should have been bought at the same time and next to another ticket you were allready purchasing, then a second wave of open season tickets when they opened the season ticket process (after all depositors had puchased thiers) That would give us original season ticket holders about 40,000 in ticket sales, the new depositors would have then had some better selections of the other tickets, and then the remaining tickets could have been bought out.

I think alot of those extra season tickets that were bought were bougth in the cheap seats and are going to end up getting re-sold to the opposing teams fans to make a quick buck. Not necissarily a bad thing this is america after all, but I would have liked personally to have had a better seat option then I did.

The thing about the tickets is they really had no way of knowing demand would shoot through the roof. They couldn't foresee things like the signing of James and drafting Leinart. What they had on hand was a new stadium and another losing season. Of course they would want to maximize their ticket sales to their own fans, so that would mean counting on their current season ticket holders as much as possible. Even on this board, the optimists were predicting final sales in the 40s.

 

[SuperSpck]

This site has become my catch-all for Card (and NFL) news, I check it daily. Having a site where I can talk with people who actually care and have passion for the world of football like I do, and can express it eloquently, makes for a truly enjoyable experience.
Searching the internet for good sites is a lot like gold panning. ASFN is not pyrite, it is the real thing.

 

[football karma]

This is an awesome site --

I like the fact that there can be a great deal of dissent, yet at the same time obvious trolls are dealt with.

Also great is the collaborative nature of the board -- you can bet that if there is something even remotely Cardinal related on the internet -- one of us will find it and share it with everyone here.

 

[Shane]

Thank you Jim!

 

[az240zz]

Just want to add my thanks to everyone elses. I drop in every day and really appreciate the job that all have done.

az240z

 

[jw7]

It's Saturday. The Suns don't play until Monday and the D'Baks play in three hours. A few things have been deserving mention and now I have the time.

OK here are my disagreements:

3. I think the Cards made a mistake allowing current season ticket holders to buy extra tickets. That shut out a lot of new fans and many of those tickets will end up in the enemies' hands.

Completely disagree. New fans had plenty of time and opportunity to purchase season tickets. Friggin Seattle games were the worst when fans would not buy seats and sell them to the enemy. I am much more comfortable in trusting the season ticket holders to only sell to Cards fans than a random scalper buying season tickets.

4. Most of the improvement in our offensive line will come from guys who have already been here, not from the rookies. Pittsburgh regularly drafts olinemen, lets them learn for two or three years, then moves them up when they are ready. We haven't had that luxury but may have it now.

I dunno. I think that if you look at Denver, they constantly draft late-round undersized no-names, yet always have a great line. I think the best o-line acquisition was coach Loney, but we will see.

5. The trees planted around the grassy area of the Cards parking are very small and won't throw much shade for years to come.

Who cares? We have an indoor air-conditioned stadium now. No more cooking on the George Foreman aluminum seats.

6. I'm a little worried about the lack of a successful tray move into the stadium yet. And the freeway overpass has been built but the access ramps are many moons from being completed. We may have severe traffic problems this first season.

The stadium cost $450M. They will not let this fail. I am not worried about this at all.

8. Leinart may be a holdout because he'll want a QB premium and his agent is Tom Condon, if I'm not mistaken. It matters not. I'd rather he not play at all this year.

This I agree with you on. I am not getting warm fuzzies about Leinart's contract negotiations.

10. As we begin our fith ASFN year, a special thanks to Mike Olbinski and Bob (jw7) for holding things together in 2004. A further thanks to all the moderators, past and future.

Mike has done a heck of a job, but I would not trust that jw7 guy as far as you can throw him.


12.

10-6 and a wild card spot in 06

YES!

 

[Stallion]

I don't post much but I read the board all the time. It's THE site for Cardinal news and many laughs (the good kind ). You all are great!

 

[Lomax to Green 84]

Skorp,

This board is the best and you deserve all the credit. Class all the way. I've never met you personally, but a man's character comes out in his work. I can tell by the way that you run this board that you are a class act. I agree with your assessment of Rod Graves and its a shame he may be let go. Rod is a class act, a gentleman and someone the Cards need to keep around to maintain balance.

 

[JeffGollin]

Skkorp and Everyone - Thanks for keeping the ASFN "water cooler" full of fresh aqua pura along with adequate supplies of Kool-Aid and Single Malt.

Without ASFN, Cardinal fandom would regress back to 3rd World status.

SEATING:
BB Cardinals have an interesting program going. They've set up a web and phone accessed clearing house where season ticket holders who can't make it to certain games can post their seats for sale to single game fans in need of tix. Granted 8 football home games isn't the same as 81; but it might be a way to put a fanny in every seat in a more efficient manner.

MOVABLE FIELD:
I wonder if we can parlay this into a deal similar to Giant Stadium (where it's been rumored that the judicious opening and closing of the door at the north end of the field would let in the wind and help or hinder FG's). We could move the field back and forth while the game was still in play. Talk about the ball bouncing funny!)

 

[lobo]

since i am from the "original" nesting home the cards, i certainly more than appreciate the efforts that you have put forth...i discovered the site not that long ago...and NEVER posted anything...anywhere....this is indeed a pleasure...thank you so much for your efforts.

 

[Dback Jon]

Thanks again, Skorp!

 

[phillycard]

Ditto. As an out-of-state Cards fan I have to say that this site has been my saving grace. It's hard to talk about the Cardinals in Eagles country and I really appreciate having this place to come to and talk about the team. Friends and family thought it was so cool that I met so many of you guys -- in person -- when I was out in AZ in 2004. There's a family feeling here and that's a testament to Skkorp and all the mods here who work hard to make this site so great.

I don't want to talk outta turn and I think this idea might have been nixed in the past, but what about a voluntary donation option? Just throwing it out there.

Took the words right outta my mouth JG. Thanks to everyone who makes this place go.

 

[Big Red Line]

I lhave been reading this site for a long time and appreciate its relative maturity. Please allow me to add my gratitude to the heaping helpings you have already received.

When I read your comments about Michael Bidwill, though, I am forced to conclude you are (1) mixing him up with his brother, or (2) echoing the sour grapes of your friend who has recently lost his job. There is a difference between trying to understand how a specific aspect operates and micro-managing. Further, the task of transforming and energizing a down-trodden organization does call for attentive scrutiny and decisive action. We are seeing a quantum leap in quality of a franchise, not just a football team. Additionally, your concern about the grass field tray and a few other items made me feel I was re-reading the most recent Kent Somers "Sporting News Report" story about the football Cardinals. Anyway, please see my comments as a personal reaction and in no way trying to short-circuit the justifiable praise you have earned for a job well and unselfishly done.

 

[nurnay]

I don't post much but check in twice a week. You guys do a GREAT job. Keep it up!!!!!

Agreed!

 

[Big Red Line]

Though this is my first post, I have reading this site for quite a while. Please allow me to add my gratitude to the heaping helpings you have already received.

In my opinion, however, your characterization of Michael Bidwill is unfair. I hope this is not personal. Perhaps you have confused the management actions of Michael with those of his brother, who has been difficult. Or perhaps you are echoing the "sour grapes" of your friend so recently dismissed.

I find it fair to note the difference between micromanagement and the process of a new CEO familiarizing himself with every aspect of his operation. I will also note that someone determined to dramatically improve a floudering franchise will carefully examine every nook and cranny and do what's necessary to upgrade and motivate.

The football Cardinals are improving as a franchise as well as a football team. Michael Bidwill deserves our thanks for his role in making our lives happier. That's the bottom line.

Again, I thank you for your work and sacrifice. The maturity of the board speaks to your own, and represents the kind of a person you are.

 

[Skkorpion]

I lhave been reading this site for a long time and appreciate its relative maturity. Please allow me to add my gratitude to the heaping helpings you have already received.

When I read your comments about Michael Bidwill, though, I am forced to conclude you are (1) mixing him up with his brother, or (2) echoing the sour grapes of your friend who has recently lost his job. There is a difference between trying to understand how a specific aspect operates and micro-managing. Further, the task of transforming and energizing a down-trodden organization does call for attentive scrutiny and decisive action. We are seeing a quantum leap in quality of a franchise, not just a football team. Additionally, your concern about the grass field tray and a few other items made me feel I was re-reading the most recent Kent Somers "Sporting News Report" story about the football Cardinals. Anyway, please see my comments as a personal reaction and in no way trying to short-circuit the justifiable praise you have earned for a job well and unselfishly done.

Welcome Big Red Line. Kent Somers is a friend too, but I didn't discuss Michael Bidwill with him.

And I wasn't fishing for compliments, although all of us at ASFN appreciate your kind words. Rather, I was lamenting the possible imminent departure of Rod Graves, my most reliable "insider" and a friend.

 

[Big Red Line]

Sorry for the double post. I didn't realize the first one went through and figured it was lost in cyber-limbo, so I had to start from scratch. Pretty close though. I hope Rod Graves doesn't leave the Cardinals.

 

[MadCardDisease]

First of all it's been fun working with you on this site for the last 5 years. Thanks for putting together the best Cardinal site on the Web.

3. I think the Cards made a mistake allowing current season ticket holders to buy extra tickets. That shut out a lot of new fans and many of those tickets will end up in the enemies' hands.

I disagree. If the season ticket holders didn't buy up the extra tickets then the Scalpers would have done it.

I purchased 4 extra tickets so I can bring some extra friends and family to the games. They are already lining up and asking me to bring them to the games.

 

[Shane]

First of all it's been fun working with you on this site for the last 5 years. Thanks for putting together the best Cardinal site on the Web.



I disagree. If the season ticket holders didn't buy up the extra tickets then the Scalpers would have done it.

I purchased 4 extra tickets so I can bring some extra friends and family to the games. They are already lining up and asking me to bring them to the games.

I happen to believe that you will be one of the few. It was very clear to me when current season ticket holders were still buying up extra tickets and I stareted seeing a very large amount of tickets for sale on E-Bay more than I had ever seen before in fact. The new ticket holders couldnt be selling as of that time so it had to be current ticket holders who were buying extras and selling them for cash IMO.

 

[CardLogic]

1. Rodd Newhouse's firing. Rodd was a friend and a nice man but Oliver Ross, Orlando Huff and our failed FA kick returners got him fired, methinks. Rodd's job was to scout the other NFL teams for talent and tendencies. We have not chosen free agents very well since we stole Bert Berry so I'm not surprised Rodd was fired. I wish him well.

So Edge doesn't count??? There are a myriad of possible reasons why Newhouse was fired. Unless you or someone else has information from the principals speculation is useless.

2. Rod Graves. Another friend and as fine a person as I've ever known. His contract expires in 11 days and I'm wondering if he'll be back. Rod was hired by Bill Bidwill years ago as his personal assistant and worked his way up to VP of Football or whatever term they are using these days. He spent over 20 years in scouting, starting with the Philly USFL team and then working for various NFL franchises, including KC and Chicago.
Rod is a consensus builder, a good organizer, and had Bill's trust enough to talk the old man into start giving bells and whistles in contracts and into changing the Cards antiquated rookie insurance policy.
As Michael Bidwill has assumed most of the power within the organization, he used Rod Graves as his de facto GM but remember that Graves wasn't Michael's hire. Graves may be too smooth and measured for Michael.
Michael's reputation is not only that he's hands-on, but that he tends to interfere or micromanage many things. If Mike wants to assume a Jerry Jones role, he may not need Rod Graves, especially if super-scout Steve Kiem is ready to become head of player personnel.
Newhouse's failure reflects badly on Graves but the last few drafts reflect well, because Graves revamped the whole scouting department and built the boards that Denny Green has mined so well.
If I had to guess, I'd say Graves will get kicked all the way up to GM where he can smooth Mike's rough edges, or he'll be let go. Michael ruffles many feathers, if what I hear is true.

I believe that Graves has been part of the solution, not part of the problem. If my assesment is accurate, Graves ought to be in solid with Michael. Additonally, Graves seems to be a man not interested in the spotlight, that also makes him ideal for his position, i.e. - not competing with Michael and Dennis for media attention.

3. I think the Cards made a mistake allowing current season ticket holders to buy extra tickets. That shut out a lot of new fans and many of those tickets will end up in the enemies' hands.

I agree with your assessment. I have mentioned before and know for a fact that a local business interest bought an additional 80 season tickets to bring in guests from the region of the Cardinals opponent each home game. I figure that particular business isn't the only one...

4. Most of the improvement in our offensive line will come from guys who have already been here, not from the rookies. Pittsburgh regularly drafts olinemen, lets them learn for two or three years, then moves them up when they are ready. We haven't had that luxury but may have it now.

Hopefully, the biggest improvement will come from coaching and consistancy! Otherwise it may be another tough year.

5. The trees planted around the grassy area of the Cards parking are very small and won't throw much shade for years to come.

Can't say it better than jw7 - "Who cares? We have an indoor air-conditioned stadium now. No more cooking on the George Foreman aluminum seats."

6. I'm a little worried about the lack of a successful tray move into the stadium yet. And the freeway overpass has been built but the access ramps are many moons from being completed. We may have severe traffic problems this first season.

I would guess that small scale test have already been conducted But: I agree that we will all feel better knowing that the tray works properly!

7. I banned nazaquad because he was a troll. Trolls will always be banned. We have a smack board and trolls can go there. That rule will never change.

8. Leinart may be a holdout because he'll want a QB premium and his agent is Tom Condon, if I'm not mistaken. It matters not. I'd rather he not play at all this year.

Agreed. I figure if Lienart is not playing then things will be going well for the Cardinals.

9. The off-seaon doldrums start now and will be worse than ever because there isn't even the usual Cards worry about signing draft picks.

Only 82 days until the opening of Cardinal Stadium!

10. As we begin our fith ASFN year, a special thanks to Mike Olbinski and Bob (jw7) for holding things together in 2004. A further thanks to all the moderators, past and future.

11. The posters make this site. The knowledge, humor, and shared misery have brightened many of my days. If you still lurk, don't be shy. Join us.

I know full well that you don't host this site for accolades of any type. But you should know that all of us are grateful that you choose do so!!! Thanks also to the mods, admins, etc.

12. 10-6 and a wild card spot in 06.

Nah, I want division champs!!! GBR!

 

[NEZCardsfan]

Only 82 days until the opening of Cardinal Stadium!

Looking forward to a nice, frosty beer.

 

[MadCardDisease]

I happen to believe that you will be one of the few. It was very clear to me when current season ticket holders were still buying up extra tickets and I stareted seeing a very large amount of tickets for sale on E-Bay more than I had ever seen before in fact. The new ticket holders couldnt be selling as of that time so it had to be current ticket holders who were buying extras and selling them for cash IMO.

Just checked out Ebay. If my friends want to go to the game with me they will now have to place a bid!

 

[Shane]

Just checked out Ebay. If my friends want to go to the game with me they will now have to place a bid!

Hey I think it was a mistake. But whats done is done. There is still going to be a hefty # of opposing fans in that stadium IMO.