Ive been reading ad nauseam about possible trades, trade assets, trade scenarios, etc. And I do believe that if it is at all possible, then it is news and therefore fair game. But here's my problem: It's difficult to continue to cheer for the jersey when the heads attached to them continue to change. It's hard to feel connected to the players when they are changing like the seasons (or Hollywood romances).

When the Tampa Bay Bucs won there one and only title, there was a core, a nucleus of guys who'd built it up from nothing. We won it with defense and the names we'll never forget: Lynch, Brooks, Sapp, Barber. Dunn was part of the build up, and Mike Alstott. Karl Williams returning kicks. Who can forget Martin Gramatica? A few pick ups leading to our run: Keyshawn, Bubba McFarlane (draft), Shelton Quarles. And then Gruden was the "trade" that gave us the little nudge on offense we needed. But it still felt a bit "off" (a small bit mind you!) because Dungy wasn't there.

So when we trade long time players we mostly developed, Gortat, or others that have done so much for the community, MP or Lewis, or others that are one of our favorite son's, Carter, it's a bit trying to simply like all the change of names and numbers. I've got to learn their strengths and weaknesses, their demeanor, heck even their face. And then we might just trade them away too...

I know it's a business. I understand they want to give us a parade. I want one too. But I don't want just any ol collection of hired guns. I like to see the team gel and grow. San Antonio run. Detroit in the day. Lakers and Sixers and Bulls and Celtics (earlier) built up great fan support by winning, of course, and keeping their cores. I've never cheered for the Yankees (and now the BoSox too) because they have always shelled out the most cash. Give me home-grown talent like the Rays, Marlins or Braves.

Am I alone on this?

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