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Sunday September 10th

HUNTSVILLE (Al.) - The buzz out of Explorer Stadium has been all about more sign-and-trade negotiations, though very little details could be gleaned from the tight-lipped new management. Hearing Xavier Knutten's (Squirrel, G/F) name being tossed about is no surprise, but there have been increasing whispers that Wagner Vaughters (Coyote, G) and Tyler Kiko (Goat, F), even Jorge Gonzalez (Jaguar, C), are being shopped around. Stefan Calico (Tabby Cat) is expected to return from his Canadian vacation later in the week, with a press conference scheduled for Thursday morning for a brief statement about the Mayors' future.

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Wednesday September 14th

ROHNERT PARK (Ca.) - Online furry sports forums are abuzz tonight with speculation about just what FBA analyst T. Matt Latrans (Coyote) meant in his blog when he mentioned hearing of "the biggest trade I've ever seen".

When pressed for more information by his fans, T. Matt refused to offer details, explaining that his sources were not authorized to speak about the matter in question. He also insisted that "nothing has been made final", but that "if this goes down the way I think, there is going to be some serious change in this league."

Some have suggested this "big trade" might involve FBA superstar Buck Hopper (Rabbit, G) who received his first contract offer from the Stanislaus Thrust tonight, which came in at considerably less than expected. Many have pointed out the enormous money problems the Thrust are facing, with so many fat contracts to big players the team will be forced to give up player in coming seasons. Some have wondered if these economic problems may force the team to give up their defending Finals MVP to the Mounties who have offered the bunny a maxed out contract.

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FBA News - Thursday September 15th Game-Changer: Calico's Vision by Patrick Suarez

When Chester Calico (Tabby Cat) expanded Calico Industries into the world of electronics in the early '80s, consumers were very impressed with the hand-held video games they produced, leading to the very successful release of the CalicoVision home entertainment system. With exclusive licenses to produce near-perfect home versions of arcade game titles and an expansion port that allowed the console to add on hardware that allowed it to play rival systems' games, the adaptability of the design scored huge profits for the company. One of the last releases for the CalicoVision was a six-button controller that was slated for a line of team sports games such as baseball, basketball, and soccer.

After the video game bubble burst in 1984, Calico Industries tried to resurrect their fading market share by halting development of the sports game line and releasing their own version of a personal computer. The clunky interface and recycled housing design from the CalicoVision game system turned consumers off the product, and all the profits from the previous years evaporated. Chester was forced to sell off the electronics division to save his company, and the feline faded from the spotlight and into gaming geek history.

Which brings us today to Explorer Stadium, as Chester's son Stefan Calico (Tabby Cat) stepped up to the podium in the media room to face reporters for the first time after acquiring Huntsville's FBA franchise. Even though he was just a kitten at the time, Stefan had been one of the playtesters for the unreleased basketball video game for his father's system. He had apparently never lost his love of the sport, having stepped down from a senior accounting position within his family's company to take ownership of the Mayors. Just off to the side behind him stood an easel that was covered by an orange drape, while a silhouette of another fur appeared in the frosted glass of the door through which the feline had entered the room.

"Thank you, everyone, for being here today," began the cat. "While I'm very sure that you have plenty of questions, I'm afraid that I will have to keep this short. With the free-agency period still running in high gear, I would be remiss in my duties as the temporary General Manager of the Mayors if I didn't get back to the negotiations table with the talented players that make this game so great. Or, at least their agents."

The cat's pause only garnered a couple of chuckles from the assembled media. "In any case, once the pre-season begins I will continue to review candidates and applicants for the GM position. I have high hopes that there will be someone who can appreciate the plan I have for the next few years with the Mayors.

"Firstly, as for why that plan includes Evan Ashton (Lion, F) and not Julio Onca (Black Panther, C/F), it boils down to teamwork. The black cat just didn't have the same rapport with the team here that he did in Montana, save for his fellow panther William Handon (Panther, F/C). The Alphas were the only team willing to make a bid on him, and they were more than willing to give up the lion. He'll be moved to the small forward position, only playing at power as necessary.

"Secondly, as for why my plan doesn't include Xavier Knutten (Squirrel, G/F) playing at the small forward position, it boils down to respect. I had spoken with him about staying, and even outlined what the future of the team would look like if he were to stay, but he felt that there were just too many risks and too many promises that could fall apart. And rather than embarrass this city any further by putting up a token bid, I had to look at who was willing to offer the Mayors what was needed to get back to the post-season and the championship.

"One party that I did find willing to share in my plans also had the same doubts that Zip-Nut did. It took a bit of convincing and much consideration and deliberation, and I was extremely happy when my offer was accepted. It saddens me, however, that Coach [Victor] Ermin (Sewer Rat) did not want to stay with the organization as assistant coach, so upon his resignation this morning I have brought in Howard Schnitthund (German Shepherd) as Head Coach of the Mayors for the next eight years!"

A smattering of applause accompanied the murmurs and photograph flashes as the canine entered the room through the door and stepped over to Calico to shake paws. Taking a position next to the easel that was still covered in the drape, the feline waited a moment before addressing the crowd of reporters once more. "Of course, Coach Schnitthund wasn't the only one who was amenable to setting my plan in motion."

When the dog pulled off the drape on the easel, the reaction from the entire room could be felt all the way in the Pacific Northwest. Hanging on a tripod was an orange Mayors' road jersey with a large black "6" and the letters "S-T-O-A-T" stitched in above it. Both Schnitthund and Calico nodded and smiled to each other as they showed off the newest addition to the Huntsville lockers to the nearly incessant flashes of photo bulbs and the clamor of anxious reporters looking for answers. Slowly, the Mayors' owner returned to the microphone.

"Please, everyone, settle down, your questions will be answered, but please, let me finish!" mewled the tabby. "Yes, the Rapids agreed to sign-and-trade John Stoat (Stoat, G) for a sign-and-trade of Xavier Knutten, both for four-year contracts. No, this was not entirely my idea, as Nightfire Kitsura (Squnx) was the one to approach me with the offer first. However, this gels beautifully with the vision I have for this team.

"And how does the 2010 League MVP fit into my plans? It's about growth, and Stoat can't help Spokane do that any longer. Here in Huntsville, there are some fresh young players he could mold into champions, and proven veterans he can depend on to help him lead the team back into the post-season. Much like the departing squirrel, John is a proven force in the league, and his presence alone is an inspiration to those around him.

"That being said, I am hopeful that the remaining free-agents that I have bids on will seriously reconsider my offers to be a part of the bright future for this club. I do wish Knutten the best in Spokane, as well as Eric Logan (Bull Elephant, C) in Williamsburg, but I must be heading back to the negotiations table. I do have time for one question only, so it better be a good one."

Most of the reporters still had their paws raised and their voices straining to be chosen after the feline's last comment, but he gestured toward a young calico cat sitting near the edge of the second row. "There have been plenty of references made to your plans for the Mayors, but could you elaborate on some more of the details for the future of the team?"

A twinkle seemed to dance over the tabby's eyes as he smiled at the other cat. "Excellent question, but if I were to reveal all my secrets, then I wouldn't have any advantage in the free-agent market. However, what I do want to reiterate are the three keys of my vision: teamwork, respect, and growth. In order to build on these three items I need a solid foundation that can eventually be honed into a functioning unit of professionals that could become the faces of this franchise. That's my pledge to Huntsville and to the fans of the Mayors worldwide: teamwork, respect, and growth. Thank you all for coming!"

As Mr. Calico departed to the roar of the media, Coach Schnitthund took the podium to field a few more questions, but the way that the tabby closed out his portion of the press conference was reminiscent of a quote from Chester Calico nearly 30 ago when the CalicoVision was first released: "Exclusivity, innovation, and expansion: these are the keys to our success in this market."

Like father, like son?

But who'll end up popping the Mayors' bubble?

Patrick Suarez (Jackal) is a reporter for FBA News and a correspondent for Furballer magazine.

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FBA Transactions - Thursday September 15th updated daily by T.Matt Latrans

In what will likely be the biggest trade of 2011, the Spokane Rapids have agreed to sign-and-trade John Stoat (Stoat, G) to the Huntsville Mayors in exchange for a sign-and-trade of Xavier Knutten (Squirrel, G/F).

Both former MVPs will receive identical 4-year/$91 million contracts in the player swap.

The Stanislaus Thrust have agreed to trade their one lone 2011 draft pick (#22 overall) and Michael Porter (Mallard, F) to the Santa Fe Whips for a sign-and-trade of Ryan Thatcher (American Beaver, G/F) valued at 4-years / $15.5 million.

Curiously, this news comes out just as the Huntsville Mayors modified their earlier offer to Thatcher, bringing the value of their contract down from a 5-year/$37 million offer to a 5-year/$32.5 million offer. When asked why he would accept the much smaller offer from the Thrust given that, he explained that he was advised by his agent that the Mayors would withdraw their offer on him once they had signed John Stoat and once they realized that the Whips were willing to sign-and-trade him despite earlier offering him a contract valued at $27 million.

Thatcher shortly afterwards announced that he had fired his agent.

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Furballer, Mid-September Edition Calico's Vision, Followup Interview By Reeve Alonse

Following the staggering announcement of the sign-and-trade of John Stoat (Stoat, G) from the Spokane Rapids for Xavier Knutten (Squirrel, G/F) of the Huntsville Mayors, I was fortunate enough to have been invited by temporary general manager Stefan Calico (Tabby Cat) for an interview after. I managed to get a glimpse of what his vision is and what were his reasons for the trades and offers that he had made.

I'd like to congratulate first on managing what is probably the biggest trade in...recent memory.

Calico:"Oh please, like I said it wasn't my initial idea. To be honest, I hadn't even considered it until Mr. Knutten made a passing comment about how nice it would be to play alongside Alan Chesuk (Moose, C) again."

This comes down to...respect, as you've said? And growth?

Calico:"Indeed. I complied with the squirrel's wishes, as he actually wanted a shorter contract than what was being offered out there to him. By matching contracts, I've also shown that I respect Mr. Stoat's skills as well. He's most definitely grown into a fan favorite in Spokane, but that half-season away allowed Blanc Mange (Wolf, F) and Chesuk become the superstars of that team."

So this is why you haven't made any other offers to stars....

Calico:"Don't get me wrong, I had plans to sneak in bids for the other top talent out there, but Nightfire [Kitsura]'s (Squnx, GM, SPO) willingness to work with me allowed my plans to solidify much more easily."

Why was Knutten so hesitant on staying in Huntsville? Adding to that; why did he not want a long contract? Did he have plans to retire?

Calico:"Well, most of it was covered in his interview with T.Matt (Coyote) for the Furballer article [see Vol.6, issue #35 -ed], but I think he just felt alone and overworked. Nobody else on the team was stepping up their game, even his fellow 2009 teammates. The shorter contract offer was to ensure that he didn't get locked down to one team that had big promises that fell short. Zipper had his time in the spotlight as a franchise player, but I think now he just wants another championship."

So your vision of leading the Mayors to the championship didn't sit well with him, then?

Calico:"Unlike Spokane, who probably does have the talent right now to get to the playoffs in the next season, we don't have that yet. Hence my focus on growth: the players that I'm trying to assemble all have potential that's not being fully utilized on their current teams. Knutten wasn't going to stick around to be a coach on the hardwood. Stoat, on the other paw, can, and has been. With him, the possibility of making the playoffs increases, so that instead of waiting for a few years, we have a good chance of making a run this year."

So Stoat will be the crux of your plan to bring the Mayors to the playoffs? Supporting the growth of the team with him as the leading figure?

Calico:"Stoat will lead from the floor, with Coach Schnitthund leading from the sidelines. And when Stoat isn't on the floor, my other 'generals', [Bailey] Brisbane (Catahoula Leopard Hound, G) and [William] Handon (Panther, F/C), can hold down the fort."

And you believe that Stoat - as well as your planned additions to the team - would be able to work together, then?

Calico:"No, I don't believe so, but I do know so, and Howard [Schnitthund (German Shepherd, Head Coach)] agreed with me. Sure, there are definitely some interesting personalities that will be gathered, but teamwork and respect have to go paw-in-paw. I've even reminded Coach Schnitthund to come directly to me if he feels there's any problem with any player on the team."

Drawing away from the surprise that came with Stoat, I'd just like to say you've made quite a few bold offers here and there; quite a few analysts have wondered if you were serious or straight out taking a chance.

Calico:"All my offers have been serious, and they have definitely been risky chances too. Free agency is not as easy for those running the teams as it is for the players who are fighting to get a job this coming season. Needless to say, I've had to make adjustments to various offers based on the future of the franchise. As much as I want to have everyone, down the line I won't be able to afford them with the current salary cap rules."

Do you feel that with the salary cap as is, some players have just become too expensive?

Calico:"No active player in this league is worth the maximum salary every year of their contract, not even Buck Hopper. The problem lies within the roster sizes and the salaries that players are getting. Last year, the average salary for an FBA player was a little over $4.5 million. That's more than what the top two draft picks get in their first two years. Over 1/3rd of the league is above the average, and over 10% of the players were getting double the average salary. I've based my offers to ensure that the players understand why I'm paying what I am, in values that will encourage them to develop that growth and teamwork with furs they can respect."

In that sense, if you were to make an offer to...say, Buck Hopper (Rabbit, G) or Cheeto Wolfote (Wolfote, G), how much would you offer?

Calico:"Well, what Stoat is locked in for is a 4-year contract and it's paying $20.5 million this year with raises of $1.5 million each year. If I hadn't made the deal, I probably would've offered a 7-year contract starting at $16 million with the same $1.5 million raises each year. Stoat has proven himself as one of the top players in the league, but he still has room to improve. Same goes with Hopper, and probably the same values and contract terms would've been headed his way. Speculation aside, the free-agent market is still open wide for players like Hopper and Wolfote. I can understand why some of the other franchises haven't made their moves and offers, but the window is closing soon."

I think that's about all the trade-related FBA questions I got, but maybe I'll ask one more - I know you said you won't tell about your future plans to the press earlier, but maybe you could say a bit about that, or maybe a hint beyond your three aims of the year?

Calico:"My goals for the year are my goals for the franchise in general: teamwork, respect, and growth. If we make the playoffs this year, mission accomplished ahead of schedule. But like Coach Schnitthund, I'm in for the long haul, and I'm hoping that my players will be too."

That was all the time I was able to have with Mr. Calico. Rewatching old videos of his father during the days of Calico Industries' prime, it's pretty easy to see how they're very alike - it's captivatingly spine chilling, giving a brand new look on what this may bring to Huntsville and their Mayors.

Reeve Alonse (Calico cat) is a graduate of the University of Kansas with a degree in Journalism.