Jonathan Quick is the Kings’ No. 1 goalie. Terry Murray said so in the summer of 2010, before the start of training camp last season, throughout last season, in the middle of this summer and at the start of this training camp. Then again… Murray added a little wrinkle last week, when he said that Quick would “start the season” as the No. 1 goalie. Murray added yet another wrinkle today when, for the first time, he said he would not map out a strict schedule for Quick and Jonathan Bernier, as he did at the start of last season, and would lean toward playing the hot hand in goal. In other words, Quick is the No. 1 goalie on Oct. 1, but check back on Nov. 1.
This could turn out to be a very interesting subplot to the season. Or, if Quick starts this season the way he started last season — quite brilliantly — it could turn out to be a complete non-story. For now, though, Murray certainly seems to be leaving the door cracked open for Bernier. Last season, Quick finished with a 2.24 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage. Bernier clocked in at 2.48 and .913 and, from mid-January on, Bernier allowed two or fewer goals in nine of his 11 starts. Here’s what Murray said today, beginning with when he was asked about having the enviable problem of essentially having “two No. 1 goalies.”
MURRAY: “I have one No. 1 goaltender. Jonathan Quick is the No. 1 goaltender. Jonathan Bernier is a goaltender in waiting. I was real happy with his second half of the year. He played some huge games. In fact, I think he got points in every game that he played after the All-Star break. He’s starting to get his feel in the NHL. He’s moving in the right direction, understanding the shooters and the pace of the game now. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens, but Jonathan Quick is our No. 1 guy.
“Last year, at this time, I had looked at the schedule and penciled in the goaltenders until Christmas. `This is the game you’re going to get.’ I didn’t identify those, sitting down with the goaltenders and talking about it, but I followed my plan. I didn’t do that this year. I think I pigeonholed myself a little bit. I want to get away from that. I’m going in with a plan to play both goaltenders. They’re both, I know, going to be real competitive. They all want to play every night. So we’ll just take it from there and play the games.”
Question: So it sounds like you’re saying that you go into the season with Quick as your No. 1, but you will also go with the hot hand…
MURRAY: “That is what I’m saying. Quick is our No. 1 guy and he came out of the gate last year and he was great. Every game he played, he was outstanding. We know how important every game, every point is in this league. Games in the first quarter as just as important, point-wise, as the second quarter. So I’m going to go with the guy that is playing really well. Quick will be the starting goaltender coming out of the training camp, and that’s how we will deal with it as we move forward.”
I love JB, but Quick has been a beast.
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i still think it will be bernier if he learns how to handle the breakaway better…
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Dominick Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
@tim chaney, Maybe, but I say the Kings will resign both of them in the future, and both will be here at least another 5 years.
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tuan jim Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
@Dominick,
From your lips to God’s ears.
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Osaka Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
@Dominick, It depends at what cost to sign both guys.
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Pesus Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:25 pm
@Dominick,
I dont see DL giving both guys 5-6 mil a year, thats what they will demand probably more if they continue to play well. Cant give a backup big money in todays cap. JB has to get more playing time to see who’s better then when there current deals are up one will get traded. The kids in manchester will be ready to play back up by then for league min. I just hope we pick the right one.
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MyKay Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 11:16 pm
@Pesus, yeah thats my biggest concern! picking the right one!
Maybe the real news in this story is that TM has actually changed his strategy? So you can teach an old dog new tricks!
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DesertKing Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@Belexes,
TM did have that “Pavlov” look last season.
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StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
@Belexes,
Just seems like he’s applying his frequent line changes to the goaltenders now.
I jest. I rarely have critism for Murray.
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oldthunder Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@StillneedDewey FKA PakiFro, he changes line combinations faster than Lady Gaga changes outfits… I’m not surprised to see him go for whoever is hot now.
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jess Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
@Belexes,
This is exactly what I’ve been scearming about in traffic, at the post office, in the supermarkt and at the nail salon but now I don’t have to so everyone can take their fingers out of their ears and bravo TM. Go with the hot hand what’s so hard about it? JQ and JB are friendly enough that they probably appreciate the competition anyway. It’s better for the team and the fans. Go Kings!
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great here comes Quick haters NOOOOOOO!!!!! X-P
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Man, you’ve got to love the make up of this team, two very strong goaltenders, a strong defensive corps and defense first system and a group of forwards that are big and can create some scoring threat.
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Duhhhh, Quick is #1. TM is just leaving himself some wiggle-room since some people criticized him for not following his schedule last season.
By the way, hey DD , just remember that a bunch of young, skilled, and much cheaper defenseman are available in the Kings farm system. Eventually, DL will weigh the argument of superstar DD at $6.8 versus Muzzin/Vonov/Hickey at $.5, and wether you are really worth that extra $6.3? The Angels are going to see that next season if their injured 1st baseman Morales comes back, especially since the rookie they replaced him with put up the same numbers for only $400k. DD, feel the Force, throw off the dark side, come back to the Light, the Light that reflects from the polished surface of the Cup. COME BACK DD, come back dd, come back……
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Choralone Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
@DesertKing, I doubt TM is saying this because he’s concerned about fan criticism.
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This isn’t a bad thing. Bernier and Quick will push each other. We have two capable number one goalies signed at very reasonable contracts.
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mash-ola Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
@markisonfire, Absolutely. And that’s the bottom line. It will keep these goalies playing with a competitive edge, on the ice against opponents, and within the team against each other, and that’s what you want to see.
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Quick’s awesome, but so is Bernier. If Quick gets into a slump at some point and Murray starts to lean towards Bernier a little bit more, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bernier grab the job and run with it and not look back. Quick’s going to have to brilliant for the whole season to keep his starting job with this kid breathing down his neck.
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After so many years of having problem with goaltender, this is really nice to hear.Finally we have 2 # 1 goalies and they both drafted by Kings!
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How sweet to have two great netminders! And Zatkoff is pretty good too.
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mash-ola Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
@Silence Dogood, And don’ forget Marty Jones. Even at the prospect level, the Kings junior hockey prospects look like blue-hippers. Nice to see as a franchise has to have solid goaltending to be serious contenders.
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Quick proved last year that his swoon after the Olympics the prior year wasn’t who he was. He started out strongly and didn’t fade like he did that Olympic year. He’s earned the #1 spot and should be given the job to lose to JB.
JB also proved that he is very capable and can step in when needed.
All I can say is, it’s good to have two keepers who could be #1 on nearly every other team. Trying to say one is light years better than the other is missing the point. They’re both very good.
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stacy Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@vplaza, I don’t think it was just the Olympics . . . might have had something to do with a baby girl named Madison . . .
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vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@stacy,
Very possible as well. Which is why it was good to see that he followed it up with a solid season.
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it will be bernier in net when we win the cup
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
@joa6000, Okay after Quick wins it
but to everyone who cares who wins it they both going to win in their life times
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Look at my name and guess my feelings on this matter.
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BrokeKingsFan Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
@QUICKsilver, Bernier it is then! aaaaahhahahahahah…..Sorry, couldnt resist!
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DesertKing Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@QUICKsilver,
I didn’t know we had a goalie named Silver. Is he a new guy? Did we trade DD to get him? Why would DL trade DD to get another netminder when the 2 we have are absolutely great? Sorry, couldn’t refuse
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At some point we are going to be faced with the heartbreaking decision of trading one of these guys. I would say trade Bernier but I’m just not sure yet – it will probably be Hexy’s decision. I just hope that when that deal gets done, we get a guy in return that can take us to a stanley cup if we’re not already there. Either way it will be a tough day for the LA Kings.
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QUICKsilver Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
@DBking, My wife keeps asking why we can’t keep both. I wish it fit conventional wisdom, but it just doesn’t happen. I agree. I just hope Quickers is our man.
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Osaka Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
@QUICKsilver, Why hope for one over the other, hope for the best goalie at the time.
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San Jose had this same problem with Nabokov and Kiprusoff
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DBking Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
@tornado12, Hopefully we don’t make the wrong decision too.
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Sorry but this is a no brainer. You have 2 very good goalies so you play the hot hand. Perfect position to be in. We may finally see the goalie compatition we have been waiting for. Both are very good kids and I am rooting for both of them. This is the position this team has always needed to be in , and never have. AWESOME!
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DesertKing Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@RLane420,
Extremely well said! It is about the team’s success, and everyone has their “ups” and “downs” during the season. After last year’s Cup finals, Ibet the Canucks wish they had someone of JB’s talent since Luongo hit his “down” spot during the Finals.
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So long as he doesn’t start Bernie, as much as he’s proven to be a great goalie, against the Sharks like he did last season. Starting your “backup” goalie against your divisional rivals had me dumbfounded considering how well Quick was playing. A monumental game to say the least and after the loss, we slid for a bit. I was pissed for quite a while after that one.
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puck73 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
@Ben, That wasnt the big reason. Mitchell was hurt, that was the big reason. Take a look at the teams record and goals against without him, it speaks for itself.
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Ben Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
@puck73, You think? I don’t remember who was on the ice in front of him that day but does it make sense, injuries or not, to start Bernie that night? We all know he’s a fantastic goalie but Quick was killin’ it and if I remember correctly, it wasn’t a back to back game night. I just didn’t see the sense in it.
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As it should be….it’ll be interesting to see who (or both, though unlikely) get kept in 2 years when their contracts come up
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HeyChief Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
@Paul G, in 2 yrs when Quick becomes a UFA he’ll be due a big raise on the open market. Concurrently, Bernier becomes an RFA and theoretically could be had for less. If we have cap issues (and assuming both goalies are still with the Kings) then we might see the Kings trade Quick for the more affortable Bernier.
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Wow I’m surprised and stoked to see TM actually realizing that some of the things he does doesn’t really fit anymore. He’s an old timer but he looks like he’s willing to change and adapt. Hopefully he learns And understands it’s OK to pull the goalie or call a TO.
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CB14 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
@Hat trick, That last sentence is Right On. Mabye he’ll wlso realize that you don’t need an enforcer in order to be considered tough. Although given what happened earlier today, I don’t think he’ll change.
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puck73 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
@Hat trick, Totally agree. In the Playoffs vs San Jose, Todd Mcllellan twice pulled Niemi, and both times it stopped the Kings momentum. When your pulling a goalie, your not trying to punish him, your simply trying to turn the tide. Terry Murray left Quick in too long in game 3, he should have made a change to see if the team could have stopped the bleeding.
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Osaka Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
@Hat trick, Agree.
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Dang EJ got pretty heated on the doughty situation
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I dont want to see any of them gone from the Kings i just wish Quick and Bernier wins the Cup for the Kings but thats really really hard to do….
But if i had to pick by what i see…Its got to be Quick….U got to be crazy to pick Bernier over Quick…Bernier has proven he a great goaltender in the middle of the season but not the beginning of the season..This is the year he has to prove that he can be great all season long.
Quick has proven that he great goaltender from Beginning to game 6 in the playoffs against the Sharks…Yea Game 3&4 he let in 6 goals but the Defense wasnt the best as they was in game 1,2,5,6…
Bernier did play against the Sharks remember he did let in 6 goals too so not just Quick but Bernier also..Dont think Sharks didnt have the offense but the true fact that the Sharks was the better team and was always going to be better that why they won.
Quick stole two game on both series Canucks and Sharks.Bernier hasnt play yet so we dont know yet cant say he can do better if u dont know if he hasnt played yet.
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Where’s poorman?
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puck73 Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:37 pm
@Adamic39, He’s in New York now trying to make a living. However, he should be on this thread right now and destroying mental midgets like Quick, Lombardi, and Murray. lol
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vplaza Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
@Adamic39,
I’m sure we’ll see him soon in this thread. This is probably his favorite topic. LOL
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DesertKing Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 4:52 pm
@Adamic39,
Maybe he is at the Rangers or Islanders training camps. When in New York….
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Hands down Quick is the number one,especially since shootouts are a part of this game now.Bernier blows at shootouts, but will be good trade bait if he gets in some games and plays well.Quick has proven he can handle being the man over the long haul of the season,and has the character to pull himself out of a slump.I am not sure I want to depend on Bernier to do that if he starts playing crappy.Keeping both would be great, but it is not fair to Bernier to keep him a backup forever.We have studs in the system at goalie, so we should be alright if he goes.Would be nice to get an extra first round pick for him or a stud forward.Quick is the man!
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JQ has proven himself as a #1 goalie in this league. JB has not. My preference is that having a solid backup will push Quick to step up his game that extra little bit, especially toward the end of the season. Long term, I think both goalies may be able to thrive at a starting level in the NHL, but the verdict is still out on Bernier just because he has not had enough time yet. Bottom line… this could get interesting.
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The goalie I want in net is the one who is playing the best and will give the Kings the best chance to win, I could care less about the name on his back.
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Quick is a beast. But if Bernier can dethrone him, so much the better. If some guy can conquer a beast, that’s they guy I want. Otherwise, I want the beast.
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We are pretty deep with goaltenders. I wonder if TM & DL are trying to boost Bernie’s status as a potential trade?
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In Montreal we had the same problem with Halak versus Price.
They were both very good and they decided to keep the one with the better potential of them both.
If we follow the same equation I think the Kings should keep Bernier and trade Quick for some good prospects and draft picks.
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Let’s goooo Berni! I still believe Bernier is the better, more solid goalie. If my video game sims are correct… and they always are. Bernier #1 full time 2012-2013 season and we win the cup. GKG!
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Stang Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 5:46 pm
@Bubba, Why do you think Bernier is a more solid goalie? Look at the stats not your video.
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Bubba Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
@Stang, Quick makes the more athletic saves, but Bernier’s poise and play-style are rock solid. You’d have to give Bernier a full season before you can really compare stats.
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KingsFanFTW Reply:
September 19th, 2011 at 6:56 pm
@Bubba, yea but if Bernier hasn’t play a full season then how can u tell?
Goes both ways…><
I believe Bernier a great player but Quick also great too so why cant we like both goalies instead of throwing either one under a bus
Best goalie tandem in NHL
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Quick is a work horse. 72 games 09-10 season. Compare Bernier’s 2.48 goals against over only 25 games vs. Quick’s 2.24 goals against over 61 games in 2010-2011. Bernier’s 45th GPI league rating vs. Quick’s 11th GPI league rating. At least right now I don’t think Bernier is as good but he is good. If eventually he wants to move on he will bring the Kings a good trade.
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Something to remember is how competitive the professional athlete is. Also, hockey has a strong history of having a No.1 goalie and a backup. Put those two together and BOTH these goaltenders expect there to be ‘the guy’ and ‘the backup’ and that’s how they both want it. They don’t want to share time equally. They want to beat the other guy out for the lion’s share of games. Right now, ‘the guy’ is Quick and it’s well-deserved. He’s a No.1 goalie and a damn good one.
In a fair world, for Bernier to get a shot at this stage in Quick’s career, Quick would really have to falter and falter for some duration. ‘The guy’ won’t be lights-out all the time and those times he isn’t, he needs to be respected enough to be played to get his groove back. When Quick has a stumble, and he will, you’ll know what the King’s management really wants depending on whether they let him play through it or give Bernier his shot right away.
The Kings are extremely fortunate to have an outstanding, proven No.1 in Quick and a highly-touted, effective backup who will most likely also be a great No.1. And they have both on very, very reasonable contracts. If I’m running the show in LA, I’m watching this team closely, betting on Kopitar, betting on Richards, betting on Brown, hoping on Mitchell (because I think he’s that good defensively), betting on Quick, going WTH? on Doughty, and if it all comes together as well as I think it will…then three weeks before the trade deadline I’m keeping my proven goaltender in Quick and moving Bernier to acquire one more winger good for 30 goals to put the Kings soundly over the top and take home the Stanley Cup for the first time.
Or you could turn your back on sports psychology and hockey culture to blow the opportunity by splitting games between two highly competitive goalies. Ya gotta choose your horse and ride it…
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Doughty's Disciple Reply:
September 20th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
@Canadian_Observer, well said!
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On the one hand i like TeMu’s approach here. On the other, I hope it doesn’t wind up creating any confidence issues. Ultimately though, i think this is the right way to go. There were times last year where Quick seemed to lose focus so i hope this new level of competition keep shim sharp.
If Quick had Bernier’s poise and technique i think he’d be the best in the league. If Bernier had Quick’s athletic ability, he’d be starting this season in the #1 spot.
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Both goalies are great and both have different styles and i would be happy with either one, but how lucky are we to have both for now. I feel that both will be here until their contracts end in 2yrs unless DL gets an trade offer he can’t refuse. But in 2 yrs i think that DL and TM and staff will need to make a decide who their goalie is at the point as we can’t afford both of their new contracts.
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It seems as if one or the other will go, if not at the trade deadline, then next off season. I don’t think except for the unknown about health, that we can go wrong either way, it seems likely that this may be Nabokov/Kiprosoff redux, where both goalies piled up wins over a long stretch, in the NHL. When 8 gets his contract settled, the team doesn’t appear to have a need, but injuries create holes in lineups, so we might have an urgent need by the trade deadline!
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So who gets moved for the final piece at the trade deadline? I think this is the year management picks their horse.
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I like it!
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