I don’t ask people for much. Over the past 20 years, I’ve watched “good luck with that business, pal” gradually become “always believed in you, buddy.” That’s entrepreneurship. Nobody owes anybody anything.

But here’s one request. If you’ve told me during this Expos odyssey:

“Ash, I’d love to help. Just ask.”

…and one day I actually ask?

Help. Certainly don’t offer to help if you won’t, because you don’t have to do anything, but if you say “I can do so and so,” then JUST DO IT.

If I ask a question, answer it. If I need an introduction, make it. If you know something that could advance—or kill—the file, tell me.

You are absolutely free to say no. I actually respect that.

Just don’t say “anything I can do” and then become an obstacle when there’s actually something you can do.

Because then I’ll simply find another way around you.

Not out of spite. Not because I’m keeping score. Because the file has to keep moving.

For 300+ days, that’s basically been my job: investment banker, researcher, consultant, communications guy, ombudsman and, occasionally, sheriff.

Don’t make me Genghis Khan you, Alexander the Great you.

Like Cyrus the Great, I am trying to build a coalition.

To the file keeps advancing.

Capital. Strategic partners. Ownership. Land. City Hall. MLB.

One problem gets solved and we move to the next.

And here’s the part people still misunderstand:

I may not even be involved when this is over.

Maybe I’m an owner. Maybe I work on it. Maybe I’m sitting in Section 112 eating a hot dog wondering how the hell any of this happened.

I don’t care.

This was never about finding something for me.

It’s about giving Montreal its legitimate at-bat.

So when I knock on your door with a very specific question, I’m not asking you to believe in me.

I’m asking you to help move the file—or understand why I’ll have to find a way around you.

That’s not a threat.

That’s the job.

And if you’ve offered to help along the way?

Well…

puts on sunglasses

This is me asking.