Burger King now selling players again

Posted by Jaemark Tordecilla on April 19, 2009 at 03:14 | Comments (5)

With Bert Lina back in control of the franchise, Burger King is back making lopsided trades, trading all-star Cyrus Baguio and Celino Cruz to Ginebra and Purefoods, respectively, on Friday in exchange for ~~a bag of Ei-AJi potato chips~~ little-used swingman Aaron Aban and future draft picks. From the story, team governor Lito Alvarez indicated that Baguio had been unhappy with his role with the team, but if you believe that, then I have a Burger King branch to sell you.

Baguio and Cruz were acquired last December when Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero took over the basketball operations of the former Air 21 franchise from the Lina group. This deal was contingent on Romero investing in Burger King following a merger between Metro Pacific and Harbour Centre. However, the deal fell through, and control of the team was returned to Lina and Alvarez.

Lopsided trades have always been the M.O. of the Lina franchise, trading off their stars in exchange for draft picks (which they could use to get young prospects) and, allegedly, cash considerations from the league's more well-off teams. Since making their pro-league debut in 2002, the team has traded away stars such as Renren Ritualo, Yancy de Ocampo, Jay Washington, Mac Cardona, Marc Pingris, Ranidel de Ocampo, KG Canaleta, Ronald Tubid, Roger Yap, JC Intal, Mark Telan, and Don Allado, among many others. How awesome would that team have been?

What makes it worse is that Alvarez tries to spin the trades as positive or pins the blame on the departing player. And sportswriters are stupid/lazy enough to buy into it.

In eight years of participation in the PBA, the team has made the finals only once and has never won a championship. Serves a bush-league franchise just right.

Comments (5) | Trackbacks (5)
Tags: Air 21 Express / Burger King Whoppers, B-MEG Derby Ace Llamados / Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants, Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, Basketball, Cyrus Baguio, Jay Washington, Mikee Romero, Philippine Basketball Association

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Comments

#1 Former Lina employee on 2009-04-21 12:31 (Reply)

Haha! After having spoken with Bert Lina personally, I can certainly attest to how likely he's able to make those hasty decisions.

#1.1 jaemark on 2009-04-21 16:19 (Reply)

hehe, and to think he almost became the governor of laguna

#2 James Ty III on 2009-04-21 12:58 (Reply)

With what BK did to Baguio, Se and Cruz, I won't be surprised if Arwind Santos and Gary David will be the next players to be traded. I wonder how coach Yeng Guiao feels about this habit of the Linas.

#2.1 jaemark on 2009-04-21 16:18 (Reply)

hi JT3, big fan of your magazine writing work... halong showbiz at sports hehe.

it's odd though... wasn't yeng guiao disgruntled with red bull because they kept selling players? and now he ended up with another team that does exactly the same thing. he should have taken the coke job instead.

#2.1.1 James Ty III on 2009-04-22 15:05 (Reply)

Thanks, Jaemark. Actually, I'm writing for two tabloids now. Regarding your comment, I strongly agree. Coach Yeng would have done a better job with Coke because the Tigers are struggling with Kenneth Duremdes, who obviously lacks experience as a head coach.