My question is about the expansion draft. How will that effect the Sun and does a player "put in" for the transfer to new franchise? Does Couch T have knowledge of whom the Chicago team is looking at? Is any player safe? I know my one question has turned into many but any and all information about the expansion draft you can forward I would appreciate it. Thank a million to the best team in our solar system. HA HA!!
Good question! The expansion draft is in late fall. Each existing team can protect up to 6 players. Chicago can select any of your team's unprotected players with the exception of free agents, or they may decide to choose nobody from your roster. Therefore, we as a team will protect who we feel is imperative for our continued success. Chicago is currently keeping their cards close to the chest so we don't know who they are looking at - or do we? I can't tell you everything in a public forum!
Candy from Gales Ferry, CT writes:
Hi Chris, my husband and I are season ticket holders, section 26...front row! our question is about Margo....when they go on the road does she need to get a special room where the bed is extra big? how do hotels accommodate her size? just curious,
Hi, and thanks for the question. Margo, I should tell you, never asks for anything special. We offered to get her what she needed, or to bring in a special extra-long bed, but she said it was not necessary. On the road she sleeps in a king size, like all of the players, and seems OK doing it. I guess at that size, you have to make do with what you get and adapt, of which she has done a wonderful job - without complaints!
Peter from Chester, CT writes:
I just want to thank the sun for the ice-cream social they had for the season ticket holders. More people should take advantage!! Seeing the players and meeting more fans made for an excellent evening.
Thank you for your kind words. The credit goes to my staff who thought up the idea and executed it. Unfortunately due to last minute circumstances I was unable to attend. But I heard it received rave reviews. So to all you non-season ticket holders - sign up now!
Aimee from LeMars, Iowa writes:
Question: Hi, I was just wondering that when Lindsay Whalen's contract is up, will you guys try to re-sign her or let her test the free agent market. Also, go Sun and I hope to see you guys playing for the championship once again!
Well, Lindsay still has two years left with the Sun. Right now, I think we would both be crazy to part ways. If she decides to 'test the waters' that is her choice - I can not stop her. All I can do as the GM is to point out why it is best to stay in Connecticut, offer the dollars I can and hope for the best. Of course, having good teammates and a great coaching staff helps players in their decisions. I am hopeful that Lindsay will stay with the Sun and be the Cal Ripken jr. of women's basketball.
Jude from Moosup, CT writes:
Question: Kudos to you Chris, and the Mohegan Sun to have the forsight to bring such a talented coach and team into our state!!!! Our team, coach and fans are the very best. My question to you, why have we not had a ceremony of retiring the numbers of our retired players--Rebecca Lobo and Debbie Black? These ladies have given so much to the game and I feel there numbers should be retired as in the NBA. They are the pioneers of our great WNBA.
Interesting question. Numbers are usually retired for players when they have played on teams for many years or have contributed greatly to that teams' success. Taking nothing away from Rebecca or Debbie - two of my favorites - they were only with us for a short time. Both made great contributions to the game and certainly helped with the foundation of our current success, but that does not justify retiring of their number.
Lori from Middletown, CT writes:
Question: I understand that its hard for games to be televised on ESPN and local TV stations, but would it possible to be televised on PBS like the UCONN games?
PBS really is not an option. I understand that UConn fans are 'programmed' to go there to watch the Huskies games, but we are very different entities. As a major-league team, we sell sponsorships and commercial air time as part of our packages. PBS is obviously publicly funded and their requirements are not in line with what our needs as an organization are. Additionally, PBS pays UConn a lot - a REAL lot of money - to air their games. Last time I checked, PBS was unwilling to pay us even $1. Start the letter-writing campaign immediately! (kidding!)
Kelly from Westbrook, CT writes:
Question: I enjoy coming to the games but I find your Master of Ceremonies so irritating and completely un-cool. I've noticed the senior citizens sitting around me booing this guy. Why do you keep this guy? He really detracts from the experience and the team is so awesome!!!!!
This is always a touchy subject. The old phrase 'you can't please all of the people all of the time' really applies here. Some like him, some like the old host, some like peace and quiet. We are in our third year and believe me, we hear from many folks about things that they think we could improve upon and at the same time, we will have just as many saying it is the greatest thing since sliced bread (may as well stick to the 'old phrases'). We address all components of our game quite often and I am sure we will discuss this issue once again.
