“The Indianapolis Colts have traded fullback Luke Lawton to the Philadelphia Eagles for a conditional 2009 draft choice.” [via Indy Star]

The roster moves have begun.  I’d say that this move is probably a decent one for the “down the road” building up of the team (depending upon who they get).  Nothing agaist Luke Lawton, but with the current uncut roster we’re going to see more of this and if we can snag a few extra draft picks out of it instead of potentially cutting players, I say go for it.

Popularity: 36% [?]

While I think that the Indianapolis Colts made decent picks overall, it does surprise me that their picks were so offensively weighted. But as tradition goes, the Colts tend to go after the best players still available…plus they’re still developing a handful of defensive draft picks from previous years that will probably see more playing time this year.  And they picked up 13 undrafted players as well, so maybe there are some gems in that bunch.

The offensive line needed attention and they clearly addressed that.

And there’s the need to beef up the scoring threats as well since the current crew is getting older and the fact that we lost Ben Utech. And dare I mention Kenton Keith being a complete knucklehead recently.

Popularity: 78% [?]

“The Indiana Pacers announced today they will not increase season-ticket prices for the 2008-09 regular season.”

Is this really newsworthy?

You have the worst attendance in the league, you’re mediocre at best and you employ people who consistently make poor off court choices.  Personally I think that I’d drop ticket prices AND “clean house” for next season, but maybe that’s just me.

Popularity: 47% [?]

Going into the All-Star Break, it looks like the Indiana Pacers will be sitting at 21-32 or 20-33, depending if they can beat Portland. (Boston and Detroit are probably safe bets for the loss column given their play of late.)

Some people will look at that and think that’s just horrible and that they need to win the rest of the season to make the playoffs. But I say do everything in your power, short of “throwing” games, to lose the rest of the way out and have a decent shot at high lottery pick. If you make the playoffs you’re only ensuring yourself of an early exit and no decent draft picks.

Miami is clearly doing this, so why not give them and Minnesota a bit of competition? The attendance this year is the worst in the league (rightfully so, and the fans are making a statement by staying away). If they can manage to get a lottery pick in the top three they can probably grab Eric Gordon which would do wonders for the attendance at the very least (they blew it last year in getting one of the three local players in the draft).

But then again, historically the Pacers aren’t too bright when it comes to draft picks and they’d probably pick someone from overseas that has no intention of playing in the NBA anytime soon. So go ahead. Make the run for the last playoff spot.

Popularity: 42% [?]

You lose the Indianapolis mayoral election in November, the Indianapolis Colts lose in their home playoff game, then you (temporarily) move to Boston and jump on the New England Patriots bandwagon. OK, maybe that’s a little “out there” on the later part, but I do find it odd that even a former Mayor of Indy can’t find a decent job in the area. I don’t even need to comment further on that as it truly speaks for itself. And frankly, I can’t blame him for jumping on the opportunity…or on the Boston Celtics bandwagon (the Indiana Pacers off-court actions of recent years are enough of a reason for anyone to disassociate with the city).

Popularity: 100% [?]