NFL Free Agents 2011: David Baas Agrees To Terms With New York Giants
To quote Scooby-Doo: Ruh-roh Shaggy. A league source has informed Matt Barrows that David Baas has agreed to terms on a new contract with the New York Giants. Considering Eric Heitmann won't be playing this year, the 49ers find themselves without much of any experience at the center position. This is alarming to say the least.
As some are stating on Twitter, this could mean the 49ers view themselves as moving into a true re-building phase. Of course, we don't know the 49ers plans in free agency, and they could very well load up on some talent to fill some of these gaps. However, the team has indicated a plan to be relatively conservative in free agency as a general philosophy. Some splashes, but not a lot.
That theory will be put to the test in the coming days if formerly current 49ers continue leaving in free agency. Takeo Spikes is gone. David Baas is gone. Aubrayo Franklin, Manny Lawson, and Dashon Goldson all could very well be gone. Not to say they're all awesome talents, but at some point a certain level of talent is needed.
The question now is who will be the 49ers center in 2011? Adam Snyder handled the snaps for some of Camp Alex, so maybe he takes over the role? Or does the team add a veteran center in free agency? Maybe newly signed center Chase Beeler makes an impact? Questions abound.
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quick question:
Who have we signed? Alex Smith. Anyone else?
by mcwagner on Jul 27, 2011 7:23 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Well, if it was between Baas or Aubrayo,
I’d want Aubrayo to stay… but I don’t know if being unable to keep Baas will make the Niners pay a little extra for Aubrayo
Alex Smith 86%+ QB rating with 22+ TDs in 2012, hopefully! :)
This is surprising
Alex Smith 86%+ QB rating with 22+ TDs in 2012, hopefully! :)
Maybe Harbaugh wasn't impressed with Baas' play this season when he was watching replays
Alex Smith 86%+ QB rating with 22+ TDs in 2012, hopefully! :)
I think the Maybe means guess.....
Repeating something over and over doesn't make it true.
by Arkie49er on Jul 27, 2011 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, just a guess
Alex Smith 86%+ QB rating with 22+ TDs in 2012, hopefully! :)
Because he wasn't prepared to match the Giants' overvalued offer?
If he was desperate to keep Baas, he would have matched the offer and he would have re-signed. Obviously, Harbaugh felt Baas isn’t as elite as many think, which I think also. Above-average to average center, who did an admirable job in his first season as a center. He’s over 30, it isn’t like Baas is young
Alex Smith 86%+ QB rating with 22+ TDs in 2012, hopefully! :)
I wouldn't call Baas elite
I think he did an above average performance last year, but that doesn’t mean elite. Thing is even old centers if they’re good can make impressive money—but that’s if they’re well established.
I really want to see what the terms of that contract are
Ok again, I don't understand using Harbaugh's name
This would be more of a Baalke situation.
In Jed We Trust?
I just hope they sign someone soon.
To go through all the offseason of CBA garbage and then come out losing or potentially so many players is rather disheartening. I’m not advocating signing someone just to do so, but I feel like they have to do something to give the fanbase a bit of reassurance. Now I know the team was 6-10 last year but there appeared to be talent there to work with. I just hope this of Harbaugh coming in with an overhaul just to put his stamp on the team.
If Franklin, Lawson and Goldson all leave that will mean four defensive starters are out and that isn’t including Clements. Obviously with the salary floor they have to sign someone, we will just have to see if its the right pieces.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
What are you talking about?
We got Alex Smith. That’s a fan favorite signing.
by mcwagner on Jul 27, 2011 7:36 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions 3 recs
Five million in cap space
No wonder we can’t sign anyone
by asmithisaverage on Jul 27, 2011 8:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Not exactly huge for a starting qb and we have cap room
by Andrew9erfan on Jul 27, 2011 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions
Don't be so sure...
Maiocco saying that after rookies, we currently have around $6M left in cap space.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions
they'll get at least 10 mil back from clements if they restructure, 17 if they cut him
by whistlingmountain on Jul 27, 2011 8:20 AM PDT up reply actions
Why hasn't this happened yet?
I’m sure Clements isn’t in any hurry to restructure, but the FO should be instead of focusing on re-signing an over-rated safety.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Dude nothing is happening yet....
Earliest would be Friday if it does happen. Everything at this point is speculation, rumors, and verbal agreements.
In Jed We Trust?
Wait... is Alex Smith starting for sure?
Does that mean no QB competition?
by asmithisaverage on Jul 27, 2011 8:20 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, technically Kaepernick's still in it
but he’s at a disadvantage, to be sure.
“Smith’s Grip on 49ers QB Job Strengthens”
There’s no reason to believe the 49ers signed Alex Smith to back up Kaepernick on opening day.
Once more, coming to you by proxy.
by howtheyscored on Jul 27, 2011 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Alex Smith has never won an open qb competition
by asmithisaverage on Jul 27, 2011 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Wow the whole one time he was actually in a competition?
He was only ever in a competition in ‘09 against Hill. All the other years it wasn’t a competition, and if you think so, you’re smoking something.
‘05 – rookie season not expected to start
’06 – no competition, he was incumbent
’07 – incumbent again
’08 – injured during preseason, and Martz hand picked JTO. Nolan didn’t argue this because of his highly publicized falling out with Smith the prior year.
’09 – lost out to Hill
’10 – no true competition
Please tell me how you or anyone else can continue to grab at straws with this ‘he never won a competition’ garbage.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions
I think you just proved he didn't win an open QB competition
by Rossalex on Jul 27, 2011 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Point is, Average and everyone else who uses this arguement acts as if he's lost a competition every year he's been in the league
He’s only been challenged to win the job once, twice if you actually believe that ‘08 was a competition, which it wasn’t.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions
draft
Panic after UDFA signings reminds me of day three draft panic.
by David Fucillo on Jul 27, 2011 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Day 3 draft panic is the greatest
we all know how the dynasties of the past toppled after a 6th round pick gone horribly wrong
by brundylop on Jul 27, 2011 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think it will be a veteran on a one year deal
O’Hara is a good shout. To be perfectly honest, I think the FO is doing the right thing. Contracts are hugely inflated this season because of the lockout. I’d rather the FO not overpay players on long term deals, and give the youngsters a chance. Contracts will be more reasonable next season for sure. Baas was good for a first year starter, BUT he wasn’t outstanding… let’s be perfectly honest. If Giants are paying like 6 million a year, then the FO made the right choice, just as they made the right choice with Takeo
Alex Smith 86%+ QB rating with 22+ TDs in 2012, hopefully! :)
by teekay on Jul 27, 2011 7:34 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
This +1000000
He can QB that O Line.
"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."
Norm Sloan
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."
Weldon Drew
It hurts, but lets not overreact
Our philosophy was supposed to be re-signing our own guys, but there are other quality guys on the market. The loss of Spikes and Baas means that we can likely pay for a center who’s rated higher than Baas.
Though, like was said in another thread, we are getting our butts kicked in FA. The fact that Matt M is reporting that we are willing to get into a bidding war with the Raiders of all teams for Goldson is very scary. He’s not even our best FA and he’s the highest priority which frightens the hell out of me.
If McDonald and Goldson both leave...we're completely rebuilding.
Losing the guy you wanted to start at LDE so your LDE could play NT (already NOT a foolproof plan, but doable) would hurt bad. Now you’ve got potentially two new guys or two guys learning new positions (or re-acclimating to them).
Goldson has been the QB of the secondary (a 2ndary that has sucked, albeit) and that would leave either a new player or unproven ones in Smith and Mays.
Did I mention that Lombardi alluded to the fact that Gore might hold-out?
Clicks Ruby Slippers: There's no game like football! There's no game like football!
I just Twitter'd that
by Tre9er on Jul 27, 2011 7:57 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I'm not as worried right now about McDonald...
If we didn’t lock up Baas before he signed with another team, I have to imagine the team isn’t foolish enough to just let our other guys walk without making an effort. Like I said though, it worries me that Goldson is our highest priority and makes me question Baalke’s thought process.
I’m interested to find out if the team even attempted to get a hold of Baas before he had talks with the Giants? The fact that they announced the release of O’ Hara yesterday and have terms with Baas today means they were ready for this all along.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions
As for Gore....
I can see him wanting to hold out, but it’s not a smart move coming off a broken hip. If he really does that, I’m perfectly fine with letting him sit despite how bad that makes our team. That’s just plain greedy.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Gore hold out?
um, go ahead. Just warm the bench. One partial season, followed by a season not played, THEN trying to get a deal. Yeah, good luck with that.
Repeating something over and over doesn't make it true.
Wow. I honestly thougth Baas would re-sign. Same with TKO. Surprising stuff last couple of days, but the front office must know what they’re doing. At least I hope they know what they’re doing…
I'm having my doubts
They gave Baas a playbook. I think this took them by surprise. Spikes leaving did not.
My question would be, if the Giants do have that playbook, is it cheating to use it?
Despite the fact that we gave it out of our own free will to a guy we knew could have signed anywhere, I wonder what league stipulations on that would say? Would it be considered similar to the Patriots filming scandal?
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn't consider it cheating
There’s no rule saying Harbaugh had to give playbooks out before/during the lockout
That's true...
But the league might not view it as ethical and thus call it cheating. I doubt that’s the case, and they’ll likely say screw you, but who knows.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:19 AM PDT up reply actions
and the 49ers are a West Coast team, so….. Tough luck.
So true….
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions
Does it matter?
If Baas has the knowledge of the playbook from the “Camp Alex” sessions he attended then he’ll be able to tell the Giants the basics of our offence anyway. Not sure how much difference this makes though, because there’ll be film to watch before we play them anyway (Can’t believe I just said something about watching film…) so will they really have that much of an advantage? The big thing during the lockout about the playbook was that they couldn’t install it properly without the coaches being there.
by Ben Goodchild on Jul 27, 2011 8:28 AM PDT up reply actions
what the hell man
Baas was one of my #1 guys i thought would stay. i wonder if this is all on purpose or if these guys are jumping ship on their own? do they not like the new coaching staff? do they hate that alex is the starter? wtf?
or maybe, just maybe...
WE’RE TANKING FOR LUCK???
by MattSFfrd on Jul 27, 2011 7:57 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oops
This was supposed to be a reply to mcwagner… I’ll learn how to post properly one day…
by Ben Goodchild on Jul 27, 2011 7:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Anybody else worried about Baas's playbook?
We play the Giants this season (albeit Week 10). Hopefully Harbs will have changed the post-lockout playbook enough so that it’s not a problem
2 of my top 5 gone
the one of my top 5 I really wished wasn’t in the top 5 is signed. Lawson? Franklin? Come on guys, don’t make me 20% happy, and 80% sad :-(. Stay for ole Arkie.
Repeating something over and over doesn't make it true.
I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for those two to sign
I’d say they’re as good as gone.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:14 AM PDT up reply actions
I just hope
We can come up with big names in free agency to replace these guys, baas was average and spikes was old and did not merit a 3 year contract.
"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."-Bill shankly
Win the superbowl through 6th round draft picks!!!
by asmithisaverage on Jul 27, 2011 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Actually, if we let all of our FAs walk...
We’d likely get one or two 3rd rounders and two or three 4ths. Still not the route to the SB, but it’s not as if we’re getting all 6th rounders
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions
I think Baas was better than average
Plus, he was the only “real” center on the team, and filled in admirably after not playing C for so long.
This hurts, a lot.
WTF?!
Does it seem to anyone else like we are totally dropping the ball here? I’m legitimately worried right now.
by NashvilleNinersFan on Jul 27, 2011 8:15 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I think a lot of us last year knew we'd be hit hard by FA losses
But losing our only Center hurts a lot. Hopefully they’re focusing on making a huge signing soon.
The FO is being outmanuevered at every level
So far this has been a total disaster. I had so much hope with Harbaugh. But $5M for a terrible QB? We had other far better veteran options there. And now losing Bass and Spikes. Without any signings of our own beyond $5M for a second string QB?
What is the plan here? Do they have one? Except for CK in round 2 the draft didn’t make sense either.
Even if they make a huge signing who is going to play center? Or do they want to plug in Snyder there??? YUCK!
by Since79 on Jul 27, 2011 8:19 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
We're two days into free agency.
Calm down.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take"-Wayne Gretzky"-Michael Scott.
by SharksFanEst.1994 on Jul 27, 2011 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Alex will be a decent starter this season, and well worth the money we paid for him. His contract is fairly cheap by QB standards.
And it’s not like we’re cash strapped and can’t go get another center that’s younger and even better than Bass.
Got love for the WCC. Go Lions!
by SnakesOnAPlane on Jul 27, 2011 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions
You can BET they are scrambling in the FO right now
Looking at FA centers. It would be pretty funny if we signed O’Hara. Basically just trade centers with the Giants. Not sure how much he wants, but I think he would be a significant upgrade.
Repeating something over and over doesn't make it true.
I figure trading centers means we are getting screwed
there must be injury concerns or O’Hara is overpriced.
by asmithisaverage on Jul 27, 2011 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions
O' Hara's contract was huge...
Key word there WAS. He’s a free agent who got cut because his contract was too rich. Signing to a team that plays the Giants later is likely appealing.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:25 AM PDT up reply actions
This
is my thinking. If it was a money issue, boom. We grab the guy, get the upgrade, get a few years, Spend a little more (but not too much)
Repeating something over and over doesn't make it true.
Spikes walking gives us some extra cash to make it happen
O’ Hara is an immediate upgrade to Baas. He’s experienced and talented. I’d like to see something happen today that says he agreed to terms with us. Beeler should take a couple years to get into NFL shape and be ready, so I can’t think of a better stop gap than someone who’s anchored one of the best OLs in the league over the past few years.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:33 AM PDT up reply actions
A-Freakin-MEN
I think this ‘could’ work well for us. Proven vet with a few years left in the tank, Young guys behind him to learn. It depends on what he wants, and what everyone else is willing to pay him though.
Repeating something over and over doesn't make it true.
I say screw that....
Pay this guy now and get rid of the headache before it starts. I doubt you’ll have to match what he was making before, plus we can pull what we did with Clements and backload a contract that he’ll never see the end of. I think Paraag is actually quite good and “fudging” the numbers.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions
49ers philosophy
I opened up a thread as I’m curious how people view the 49ers philosophy at this point. Not meant to end discussion here, but curious about things from a football philosophy perspective.
http://www.ninersnation.com/2011/7/27/2297413/49ers-free-agency-plans-remain-calm-all-is-well
Who cares? Last I checked SF had losing record with these guys. They are part of the problem. They are just role players. None of them are starting caliber. They started on SF because there was nobody better. Baas was overpaid and Takeo will not make a difference for the Chargers.
FO is doing the right thing. Tear it down and build it back up. SF should get rid of the majority of the team.
by gifts_and_curses on Jul 27, 2011 8:26 AM PDT reply actions
I disagree
I think losing in the past few seasons has really been on the coaching staff and its lack of competency.
Oh well, it’s all a moot point now. Let’s see how it shakes out.
Ridiculous...
Baas had his best season at a position he hadn’t even practiced in 6 years. He is a quality player at center and could even be an upgrade at RG for us. As for Spikes, he was the 3rd best player on our defense for the past three years, and he would still be for another two if we signed him.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions
losing players
The problem with that argument is so many current members were also on those losing teams.
by David Fucillo on Jul 27, 2011 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions
You’re alluding yourself if you think Baas was that good. Takeo was a product of teams offenses being on the field too long. Golson couldn’t cover a towel lying on the floor.
If it were possible to release most of the team, I know I would.
by gifts_and_curses on Jul 27, 2011 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions
And you'd have the second 0-16 team in history....
You’re keeping good company with Matt Millen there.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions
center
do you guys think Harbaugh like Chase Beeler that much?
Beeler was All-American
but was undrafted, which means everybody thought something was wrong with him. (I guess size?)
He was too small
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
by manraj7 on Jul 27, 2011 8:45 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Dammit... just saw his comment and I was going to "TWSS."
Beat me to it.
(She didn’t say that too, did she?)
Jim Harbaugh is our future!
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Touchdown Forty Niners!
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
Losing Baas hurts only because we dont have a center right now
He did an admirable job as a last minute oh-crap replacement for Heitman, and he was solid.
But he is not irreplaceable, nor is he an elite level player. They have to replace him, no big deal.
salary cap...
it’s a lil scary that we are reported to be only 6 million UNDER the cap…wtf?! Our in house guys are bailing, even tho they were the “priority”…they need to clear up more room is what I’m thinking…but for who? They can cut Clements, Carr, Heitmann to trim some fat. They better have a big move up their sleeve…we have some serious holes.
As for the ‘tanking for Luck’ theory…getting Luck doesn’t improve huge defensive holes…make some f’in moves FO or at least leak some rumors so we can pretend to be players.
Drafting Kaepernick should kill the 'tanking for Luck' theory
You don’t bail on a 2nd round pick that can’t exactly change positions just because you lost the season. If we hadn’t drafted Kaepernick, I’d fully believe that this is a complete rebuild and we’re aiming to get Luck or another QB next year.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Look at the Panthers.
If you can get Luck and think he is a surefire franchise QB, you do it. CK in the second round doesn’t matter if they are at number 1 next year, I would guess.
Twitter: @Joshuahss
The Panthers are an exception, not the rule...
If you use a 2nd round pick to get your Head Coaches hand picked QBOTF, only to use your first rounder on a QB the next year, your GM is getting fired quickly. Kaepernick will hold no value if we draft another QB, so you might as well have not used that 2nd rounder at all.
Panthers are the exception because they have a new staff and have no ties to Clausen other than him being a bridge to ease Newton in.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
We have made any cuts yet
lots of those still coming, and we haven’t done anything with Clements and his contract yet.
Uh, damn.
Two good centers out… (one via injury, one via free agency)
I don’t mind the prospect of Snyder at center. He’s strong but slow footed (which is why he’s a terrible tackle but solid guard). Given he’s a veteran player, I would think he could pick up the leadership role a center needs to take. He’s also always been very flexible, so change of position isn’t unusual for him.
Let’s see if the 49ers look to free agency for a guard, look in house, or look at rookies.
Kinda weird watching 49ers disappearing, though (Spikes to SD, Baas to NYG, etc.)
Jim Harbaugh is our future!
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Touchdown Forty Niners!
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
Correction:
look to free agency for a center* not guard.
Jim Harbaugh is our future!
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: WORLD CHAMPIONS!
Touchdown Forty Niners!
Giants Baseball: Torture. It hurts so good.
Niners pursuing Asomugha and bears center.
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
by manraj7 on Jul 27, 2011 8:49 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
We had a Young, Big & Improving 0-Line But Now....
Losing Baas sets us back big time….what are the 9ers thinking!
We're bringing in younger OL players
Beeler will end up being the starting center in a few years. Kilgore or Person likely becomes the starter at RG and Iupati is a lock to hold down LG for a while. As for tackles, that’s anyone’s guess. We don’t know just how accountable Jed will hold Baalke if A Davis ends up busting and Staley has a lot to prove after two consecutive seasons being injured. We have Boone likely hoping to get a starting job and a former Stanford RT under Harbaugh coming in undrafted this year.
The OL is very far from set at this point.
by 9thevolution on Jul 27, 2011 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions
WHO CARES....
the sea-CHICKS signed tarvaris jackson so there’s one less team to worry about….muahahahaha..
We lost our Neck(s)
The two guys without necks left. One Bolted (Spikes) and the other went Gints (Baas). Hope we can still keep Franklin who will hold people up till “whatcha talkin bout Willis” blindsides them!
Hahaha
Bass had the most smushed-in head of anybody I’ve ever seen. And his helmet looked like it was 2 sizes too small for him.
Got love for the WCC. Go Lions!
by SnakesOnAPlane on Jul 27, 2011 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Eric Heitmann
What’s the deal on this guy? Isn’t he just coming back from an injury? So we could plug him in at the C spot for the year and draft another one or grab somebody in free agency next year. It doesn’t really seem like that huge of a deal to me that Bass is leaving.
Got love for the WCC. Go Lions!
by SnakesOnAPlane on Jul 27, 2011 10:52 AM PDT reply actions
Got a nasty neck injury doing Singletary's nut cracker
and had to get neck surgery recently. he’s out for the year.
Who is Replaceable?
As much as i would miss Lawson, Goldson, McDonald, Baas, Spikes, let me remind you who is out there that could upgrade/replace these veterans
Goldson – Dawan Landry – Ravens, Donte Whitner – Bills, Greg Pollard – Chiefs, Gerald Sensabaugh – Dallas, Eric Weddle – Chargers, and we still have Reggie and Taylor who will be better.
McDonald – Marcus Spears – Dallas, Matt Roth – Browns, Rocky Bernard – Giants, Cullen Jenkins – GB, Stephen Bowen – Dallas
Franklin – Anthony Adams – Bears, Brandon Mebane – Seahawks, Cullen Jenkins – GB,
Baas – Kreutz – Bears, Ohara – Giants, etc
Spikes – Barret Ruud – TB, Nick Barnett – GB,
Lawson – Kawika Mitchell – Saints, Laboy 49er, Thomas Davis – CAR
id rather focus on getting better with Matt Light LT depth, Harvey Dahl or Shawn Andrews or Gallery at RG over Chilo, Vonta Leach at FB, Breaston/Edwards/Steve Smith(NY) at WR, Carlos Rogers/Richard Marshall/J.Joseph at CB if we lose out on Namdi.
We need to resign Franklin and Goldson, restucture Clements, cut Carr/Norris, and go after the above mentioned players to truly improve.
Giants signed Bass to save money, he was not the better player
Chargers are cheap, theyd rather pay a 34 yr old Spikes than pay Jackson or Floyd the WR their due. Wait and see, im sure Baalke didnt spend 5 months off playing cats cradle…

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