Simply put: Numbers games suck.
Granted, "suck" isn’t the most gracious word to use for that, but it fits doesn’t it?
The word "suck" is ugly and harsh—exactly what numbers games are. It’s harsh because those who win in the numbers games don’t always necessarily have the most talent or the attributes a team needs to complete a well-balanced roster, but it sometimes comes down to contract status and reputation.
A newly signed free agent isn’t going to lose their spot. Barring a complete collapse in their physical abilities, to sign someone to a big-money contract and then decide they aren’t who you wanted four months later is terrible management. That’s how teams get into cap trouble.
Then you get into a situation where players' reputations engulf themselves and their abilities. A player who has given a team a ton of great years is going to be supported by the staff, his teammates, and the fans no matter his struggles thanks to his years of service.
Again, for a player who could earn himself a spot, the numbers game is terrible.
Anton Stralman was a victim of one of those numbers ga ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Bryan Thiel
Takin’ a T/O with BT: Anton Stralman’s Success Against the Numbers Game
November 26th, 2009 by Bryan Thiel Leave a reply »
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