AN: Greeting my good friends, here is a re-write of Comeback Captain. However the plot is entirely different, and it focuses on more than one person in a newly constructed Blitz League. Please let me know if you like it.
"Morning." a man in his early fifties greeted his subordinates as he walked into the meeting room.
"Morning Marty." another man greeted his boss. Marty smiled and nodded his head.
"Alright, what's the first order of business for today?" Marty asked his men.
"Well, there's a lot that goes into a normal rebuild of a football team, but starting a new team from scratch, that's even harder–"
"I know, I started my first business in my apartment over twenty years ago, I lasted only three months." Marty said with a nostalgic look upon his face, which was followed by a gentle laugh. "That was among the worst days of my life... so I know how hard it can be to start something. But I kept trying until my business took off, and well, the rest is history." Marty said with a smile. "Like how I saved my business... we are saving football in Southern California by recreating the Cyclones." Marty said in a serious tone.
"That's all fine and good, but the Cyclones' last owner put the team's money into his own business ventures. The fans have not forgotten, and neither have I." a tall African-American man in his early sixties said in his own serious tone.
"I know, Jamal. I was once one of those fans as well, need I remind you. Point is, San Diego is a big city with a big market. I wont lie, it will be a challenge to build the Cyclones back up, but with the right people, personnel and players, we will win, and we will compete for the Division 1 title." Marty said in a firm and proud tone.
"Marco, how are the fans reacting to the reveal yesterday?" Marty asked his man in charge of the P.R. department.
"It's almost an even 50/50." Marco answered as he looked over the papers he had been delivered. "We have a lot of positive support from younger fans and young adults–"
"And the older fans?" Marty interrupted.
"Not as positive." Marco said grimly. "Around 75 percent of the older fans remember the old ways of the Cyclones. And I'm not just talking about the losing seasons and the constant demotions to Division 3." Marco said grimly, and Marty already knew what he meant.
"Let's put this old days of the Cyclones behind us. And instead focus on building a bright future not only for this team, but for all of San Diego." Marty said firmly.
"David, how go the plans for the stadium?" Marty asked the man whom he had entrusted to build and plan the Cyclones' stadium.
"Everything is on pace for either week two, or maybe even opening day. Truth be told it just depends on if there are any construction delays." David answered honestly. Marty nodded his head in agreement upon hearing that news.
"Peter. We have the first pick for every round of the draft, since we're the leagues newest team. And thanks to the leagues new commissioner, Mr. Sorenson, we've been granted some extra money to fill roster spots. As well as signing extra veteran free agents." Marty said as he paused to take a breath. "Which brings us gentlemen to our next note of business: signing free agents." Marty said with a big smile. "Peter, who do you like?" Marty asked his friend.
"Within our price range if I may?" Peter asked Marty, who nodded his head, allowing Peter to proceed. "Personally. I'd try and bring Ezekiel Freeman back home to San Diego." Peter informed his friends, who all nodded or voiced their support for the decision.
"I thought Ezekiel was going to re-sign with the Tampa Bay Hurricanes, so he could play with the Franchise himself, Jordan Woods?" Marry asked Peter.
"Last I heard, contract negotiations had stalled between him and the Hurricanes. So there's a realistic chance if we offer him enough money, he'll come back to the Cyclones." Peter said with a big smile upon his face.
"Hmm..., Clint, what's our cap space looking like?" Marty asked the his teams' newly appointed General Manger, Clint Roberts.
"Thanks to some extra money from Mr. Sorenson, we have money to spend. However I would recommend only going after one or two big name players. Reason being is that, the bigger the name, the bigger the money. And bigger the contract, which will quickly eat up our money really fast. We can go after Freeman, he wants a twelve million dollar contract over one year, with a five million dollar signing bonus. That's a lot of money. Or we can go after a lesser known veteran who wants a cheaper contract–"
"You saying cheaper is better?" Jamal interrupted with an angry glare.
"No." Clint answered honestly. "But we can't waste all our money on big name players. Otherwise we could run out of money, and have to rely on rookies taken in the draft. I'm sure we'll have good draft picks. But can we really trust a seventh round rookie to start at any position?" Clint answered in a tone that indicated he already knew the answer. To which everyone had to admit he had a fair point.
"So. We will consider targeting Ezekiel as our top free agent, rest assured Peter." Marty said as he looked down at his own notes he had brought to this meeting. I'm seriously considering trading our third, fourth and fifth round draft picks to Baltimore. In exchange they will give us their first round draft pick, which is the ninth overall pick–"
"That's trouble." Jamal interrupted. "We need every draft pick we can get Marty. In order to build this team, we need free agents and the draft. If you trade three picks, you might get two top ten rookies. But what happens if one of them, or both turn out to be busts, and we miss out on a good third round player?" Jamal asked his boss.
"I see your point Jamal. But my mind is made up. And I have some rookies in mind for us to interview." Marty informed Jamal. "But first steps first, we need to sign some veteran free agents, and fast. While I also want Freeman, here's who I want, number one: Aces' Tight End Corbin Clark." Marty said as he wrote the name on a piece of paper.
"Old man Clark?" Jamal asked.
"Yea. You got a problem with that?" Marty asked.
"He's in his twelfth season. And he didn't score at all last season. Why do you like him?" Jamal asked.
"He's cheap, he's can bring veteran leadership, and he catches a lot of passes for someone who only costs 2.3 million." Marty answered. "If you all can excuse me, I have to call the commissioner in order to confirm the trade with Baltimore. Peter I'll text you the names of the free agents, and rookies I want us to target. Carry on gentlemen." Marty said as he stood up from his chair and exited the Cyclones' meeting room and headed for his private office to call Mr. Sorenson, in order to put his team on the right track.
To Be Continued...
