Firebirds acquire #2 overall pick from Baltimore.

The Albany Firebirds has acquired the number two overall pick in the 2005 Online Indoor Football League (OIFL).  The ‘Birds also acquired 10,000 dollars in the trade.  The Firebirds shipped off disgruntle OIF2 All-Star and MVP candidate Robert Westmoreland to Baltimore.

            “I enjoyed most of my time in Albany and would like to thank the fans for a great season and I would like to wish my friends and former teammates a great upcoming season in the OIFL.” Westmoreland was quoted as saying in a conference call introducing him to the members of Baltimore’s media.  Westmoreland became disgruntle when he was offered a contract that he felt was not good enough.  Someone close to the Westmoreland negations with Albany said the All-Star OS wanted upwards of 22,000 dollars per week. This person stated that the Albany Front Office offered about 12,000 dollars per week with incentives that could have possibly brought his contract up to 22,000 dollars. Westmoreland was angered by the Albany offer and refused to re-sign and stated he would test Free Agency.  He never had that chance.  A few days after he declined the offer he was traded to the Baltimore Breakers. 

            “I am very happy to join a great organization such as this Baltimore one. I feel this team has a good chance to make the OIFL playoffs especially with me on the team.  I am also pleased I have OIF2 MVP Vince White to throw me the ball.”

            There are many different possibilities that the Firebirds can do with this #2 overall pick.  It has been rumored thought the league since the draft lists were officially released that the team holding the #1 overall pick, the Defending OIF2 champion San Antonio Rattlers, would select Preston Street, brother of OIFL All-Star MVP Kelvin Street, with the first overall pick.  If that does happen it looks as if the firebirds would take Offensive/defensive lineman Rueben Green with the #2 overall pick.  If Street is not taken 1^st overall it will be a tough for Albany Firebirds head coach Mike Dailey to decide who to take.  The two glaring needs for the firebirds team this off-season was OL/DL and Defensive Specialist. 

            Come draft day it will be interesting to see what Albany does with the 2^nd overall pick in the Draft. There are many players that can turn into future OIFL stars that can be taken with that pick.  It should be real interesting what unfolds in the Albany Firebirds war room.

Birds Blitz:

            The Albany Firebirds and Albany County, NY have begun renovation on Pepsi Arena which would increase the seating to around 16,500 seats. “These renovations are expected to be completed in time for the 2005 Online Indoor Football League season.” Stated Albany Firebirds owner Ryan McCarty at a Monday afternoon press conference.