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The Doppelgangers have been more active on the player market recently, initiating 5 transactions in the last week alone. The shake up has spurred a frenzy of speculation in the local media that there is a black cloud hanging over the Doppelganger's locker room.

There has been chatter that an excess of partying and decadence has created some discord between players and team management. Other outlets have gone as far as suggesting impropriety involving the girlfriends of several team members.

So yesterday, when I bumped into a few members of the organization’s leadership, and took the opportunity to ask them what’s been going on… and if there’s any truth to the rumors floating around.

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Head Youth Sporting Director, Lance Cotton claimed much of the responsibility for the recent roster movements. “I’ve really been pushing to get more space on the roster,” he said. “The last couple of seasons, we’ve been at or near the player cap probably 95% of the time. It’s made it hard on us at the Sports Academy… recommending players for the team when we know they don’t have a real shot at earning a roster spot. It has really dispirited some of the kids training with us.”

“With the recent player sales, several of our best prospects are really busting their asses to earn one of those spots on the squad. I think it’ll really pay off big for the organization."

Asst. Scouting Manager Serge Lyles added that the roster cap has made it difficult to justify making many meaningful roster additions via the market as well.

“Just look at the two Polish guys we brought in this season,” he said. “Kardyka has the highest average quality of anyone on our team… he’s ready to play now, and will be a stud for years to come. Trocki gives us the first decent, truly offensive-oriented right wing we’ve EVER had. If all goes well with his training, he could hit 550 OR by the end of the season… as a 15 year old. That's just insane in the environment we're in right now.”

“If we didn’t have room on the roster to justify adding them, we probably never would’ve gone out there and gotten those guys.”

Indeed, it will be interesting to see if the Doppelgangers will remain active buyers on the market.

It's well known that management has long been primarily focused on establishing a world class infrastructure, but with 2 open roster slots and money to burn, it wouldn't be out of the question to see another carefully executed acquisition or two.

It was Head Coach, Joey Howland however, who left the biggest lasting impression:

“The notion that there's anything wonky going on now right now is utter bullshit,” he spouted. “Of course players come and go… that’s true in any organization. There’s no hard feelings. The guys are all pretty close… but they’re professionals. They understand it’s a business… and they trust management to make the tough decisions. That’s management’s job… just like I’m here to coach, the players are here to play, and the media is here to cause a bunch of fucking drama.”

Touché, Coach Howland. Touché.

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