Frenzy (Special Report) - Insects Trade for Starter Help
 

Stung By Injuries, Insects Seal a Deal
AP

Watching the game, seeing players fall to the floor left and right, Insects' GM and coach Frank Alonzo knew a trade had to be made. Already suffering from the possibly season ending loss to starting wideout Steve Smith, the Insects saw two more of their starters go down with injury, QB Steve McNair, with a chest injury, and rookie TE Kellen Winslow Jr, out for the season with a broken leg.

Late Wednesday night Jake Atz of the Wonder Mutts announced a 6 player deal sending the Insects' QB Kerry Collins, WR Peter Warrick, and TE Eric Johnson in exchange for QB Kyle Boller and WRs Koren Robinson and Kevin Johnson. In parting with Robinson and Boller the Insects have severed all ties from their trade with division rival Brian Dead Squirrel Chasers for RB Ricky Williams, a trade made because Alonzo did not believe they could re-sign Williams and decided to deal him for future talent.

Robinson and Boller have shown glimpses of their future production, however GM Frank Alonzo is now focused solely on the present. " We made the trade because Collins, Johnson, and Warrick can come in and become productive starters for this team...RIGHT NOW. We hate to lose Koren and Kyle, but when I traded for them 2 years ago, it was with the intention of competing for a championship within 2 or 3 years." He elaborated further, "We're at the beginning of the Championship hunt and since we're starting out starting 2-1 and our division still wide-open, we'd like to keep pace. We've had injuries to key starters, starting with Steve Smith and this past week with McNair and Kellen. With that many injuries we cannot afford to wait for Koren and Kyle to fulfill their potential while we're fighting for a playoff spot. We want to keep moving forward."

Indeed this trade helps solidfy the Insects at three key positions. QB Kerry Collins has a strong arm and can get the ball downfield to Jerry Porter, Laverneus Coles, and Peter Warrick. Alonzo said of Collins, "He's a gunslinger and will fit our offense to a T. We'll pound away with Portis and Shuan and then Kerry can go vertical for the knock out blow. It was especially important to get him this week so that Steve McNair can take a week off to be fully healthy. It also helps that he's going against the Texans this week." TE Eric Johnson is a solid option at the tight end position and has been recieving plenty on oppourtunities the past three weeks. "Eric Johnson is a fine young TE, who will now get the chance to start week in and week out. Hopefully the oppurtunity means more production," the coach said, he then said about Warrick, "Oh he's fast. Possibly the fastest guy on the team. It will be fun to watch him line up next year with Coles and Steve Smith." The quick but diminutive Peter Warrick will offer an explosive 3rd option for Collins once he returns to full health.

Before he left the press conference Frank added with a beaming smile on his face, "I feel real good about this trade. This will definatley help us out in our quest to become the first Two Time Frenzy Bowl Champions." Hopefully more smiles will be in store for the Insects' GM and Coach in the future.

In order to make room for the contracts of Collins, Johnson, and Warrick the Insects' placed Kellen Winslow Jr on injured reserve and released QB Josh McCown, whom they hope to re-sign.

Re: Insects Trade for Starter Help
 

Well written Frank, very enjoyable. Good luck to both of you in the deal, it has benefits to each.

Re: Frenzy (Special Report) - Insects Trade for Starter Help
 

Whoa. I really like this deal for the Mutts. This is a short term fix for Frank. I was never really high on Boller in the first place. He'll never amount to more than a backup Fantasy QB. Koren still has potential though. EJ should fill in nicely for K2.

Re: Frenzy (Special Report) - Insects Trade for Starter Help
 

Just wondering, why you really like this deal for the Mutts, if you weren't high on Boller? You really believe Koren is worth Collins, Warrick, and Johnson? If you do, I wouldn't blame you. Koren has loads of potential dating back to his 1200 yard year in 02.

Re: Frenzy (Special Report) - Insects Trade for Starter Help
 

I made the deal because I believe it gives the Mutts both short term and long term help. I believe Boller has the potential, and his salary and contract years are right for my DS. I'll be watching K. Johnson closely in the coming weeks, but he was a last minute thow-in in this deal so he likely won't remain on my roster for long. As for Koren, I had to make a move for a WR to pair with TO if I'm going to hang in the Central Division this year. I believe he has that potential this year, as well as good RFA potential that will net me either a good draft pick or solid WR production for years to come.

Though I gave up solid back-up depth in the current year, I think the net effect is an upgrade to my starting lineup w/ Koren.

Re: Frenzy (Special Report) - Insects Trade for Starter Help
 

Agreed.

Re: Frenzy (Special Report) - Insects Trade for Starter Help
 

In the short term the trade makes sense for both sides. You needed a QB bad. You gave up youth. Jake traded away his 2/3rd QB for Koren and a young QB. Im still not high on Boller but you never know. Collins is a 1 year fix at best. But since you're making a run at the playoffs it makes sense. Koren was in his last year of his contract anyway but it would still be nice to be able to RFA him. He's got top 10 WR potential. It remains to be seen if he'll ever live up to that.

Re: Frenzy (Special Report) - Insects Trade for Starter Help
 

I see. It's just confusing when you say, "I like this deal for so and so" and then follow it with "but a player he got really sucks."

But agreed. This is a 1 year fix for me and I hated giving up the youth.