There was no formal announcement stating such a course, but it became obvious once franchise cornerstone Matt Harvey underwent Tommy John surgery, meaning he would be out for the season (he says he'll be back in August).
Attendance has been an issue for the ballclub for obvious reasons – the franchise has been on a downward trajectory since the new ballpark opened in 2009 with San Diego's Jody Gerut going deep on the third pitch in its history … something of an omen.
One American League executive recently told me he would lean toward trading Reyes in the Mets' situation, given Reyes's reliance on his legs, his history of leg injuries and the franchise's obvious need to cut payroll.
But this year, as the market has remained infatuated with high-priced technology stocks, many of which lack proven franchise power, obvious asset value, or profits -- the number of participants fell sharply, to just 16.
Although there have been some successes, such as black radio stations, Herdbuoys (an advertising agency) and Motswedi Technology Group (a computer-services firm), they are few and far between and mostly unlisted.Fast-food and convenience-store franchises, an obvious first step on the ladder, are often awarded to blacks, but franchises still account for a tiny share of retail sales.
What was at stake -- the future of a franchise -- was obvious if you asked the hundred or so fans who lingered on the crowded sidewalk.
The obvious comparison is with Charles Dickens, franchise juggernaut of a previous age.
A 6ft 5in, alarmingly buxom 68-year-old grandmother who packs a gun, talks trash and grows weed in the back garden is hardly the most obvious formula for a blockbuster franchise.
It's quite obvious that the Dark Souls franchise is reaching a turning point, and I'm happy that I have a greater budget for the third game, as well as the creative freedom to make my own decisions.
His obvious passion for the Futurama franchise gives us hope for both the artist and the future of the cult TV show, but if a 3D version of the ever-loved robot, Bender, doesn't meet our standards, someone's going to get exiled to the mutant sewers.
