UFA of the Day: Alexei Semenov
by Mr. Plank on May 8, 2009 11:16 AM PDT
in Armchair GM
70 comments
Ah, the memories...
Any Sharks fan worth his salt can reel off a laundry list of grievances against Alexei Semenov. From own-goals to botched passes to dropping the gloves and only picking up a roughing penalty, his time spent in San Jose has been filled with a form of dark humor since the outset. After all, it's pretty hard for a guy standing 6'6 and weighing 235 pounds to blend in.
His career statistics are nothing to write home about. Some have sarcastically promoted him taking part in the shootout, others have nominated him for the Lady Byng. A first star selection last season against the Colorado Avalanche resulted in a public face creaming, and his goal total with San Jose (2) is equal to the amount of times he has put the puck into San Jose's net (unfortunately, that number also stands at 2).
To say the least, the big Russian doesn't have the most prolific of resumes. So what makes Semenov a worthwhile inclusion to wear teal next season?
For starters, San Jose's cap situation is perilously close to the edge. Coupled with the fact that 2008-2009 was the first season management has spent to the max in terms of salary (with nary a postseason result to show for it) and the likelihood of seeing a falling cap in the near future, it becomes paramount that Wilson sign personnel at reasonable prices.
Secondly, Semenov's season wasn't as bad as you may expect. Following his stint on the fourth line in the middle of the year, Alexei turned a new leaf. No longer was he dumping four foot passes into assorted skates and stagnating the breakout- he was hitting the cross-ice feed to the forwards and fueling it. No longer was he emulating Marc-Edouard Vlasic and attempting to poke check the puck away- he was laying on the body and tying up the puck along the boards. No longer was he dishing the puck with nary a forechecker around him- he was skating with the puck, entering an opposing players lane of responsibility, and hitting a streaking winger on the tape.
One thing that also caught my attention was the howitzers Semenov began to unleash from the blueline. They were low, heavy, creating rebounds, and were finding their way on net. I'd never advocate him getting power play time over the likes of Dan Boyle, but some spot duty here and there (a shift or two per game) could be a pleasant surprise. He's not the most mobile defenseman, and McLellan's power play philosophy of driving to the low slot from the blueline may hamper his inclusion, but a heavy shot is a heavy shot. There's always room for that in my eyes.
His official NHL statistics are on the lower end of the spectrum, but were you aware he was the best defenseman in terms of EVGA/60 and had the third best BTN rating on the blueline? Of course I may be cherry-picking here, but the underlying point is not that Alexei Semenov was the best blueliner on the team, nor is it that he will be the face of this franchise. At 28 years old, it's likely that #21 will never be a top four defensemen on an elite team in the NHL.
Funny thing is, that's not what we're looking for. On a team that has a fairly small defensive core not prone to physicality (Blake and Murray being the exceptions), he provides a big body. On a team that will most likely lose Rob Blake within the next two seasons (if not this season), that physical presence will be tested even more. On a team that has cap issues, signing a bottom-pairing defenseman for a hefty contract is illogical. On a team that needs low-priced production in able to compete in the salary cap age, Alexei Semenov has proved he will be able to provide that.
2-3 years at $750,000 per sounds good to me.
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Keep him.
I really hated Semenov at the beginning of the year, but he won me over late in the season.
I’d rather see him play D then Ehroff.
by jwizzle241 on May 8, 2009 2:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Meh...not so much
“I really will fell bad if Christian learns to shoot on net the moment he leaves the sharks.” – Bill Guerin
"This is a field of corn dogs, I could wander here forever...and eat corn dogs."-Mouse Fitzgerald
by joe579 on May 8, 2009 2:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The glove of doom
Did indeed show he could pull his weight on this team. Granted no other club has a go at him. (AHAHAHA!) It’s may 8? I really need to stop the cinco de mayo celebration.
"This is a field of corn dogs, I could wander here forever...and eat corn dogs."-Mouse Fitzgerald
by joe579 on May 8, 2009 2:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like
you just described Worcester’s Nick Petrecki (SJ 1st round pick from a couple years ago). Granted, he’s completely untested at the professional level, but after watching him play at BC for the last two years I have a hard time believing that he couldn’t take Semenov’s job. Plus, rookies are cheap…
by In Doug We Trust on May 8, 2009 4:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Rookies are cheap...
Until they’re promoted. I’d rather leave Petrecki to develop in the AHL for a bit instead of getting stuck with having to sign him to a huge contract sooner than we have to.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by That'll Cheech You on May 8, 2009 7:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Plus, Petrecki has a high ceiling and a physical side to his game that hasn’t been able to fully develop due to the nature of college hockey. Spending a year or two in the AHL to hone his physical game (i.e. how to walk the line between ‘penalty’ and ‘not a penalty’) will only help, and plus we’d probably get a better defensemen in the long run because of it.
by mymclife on May 8, 2009 7:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly.
The difference between the NCAA/OHL-AHL-NHL is so glaringly different. The competition improves at every level, so it’s good to get at least a year under your belt at the lower levels until you are promoted (with the exception of an elite NHL talent, which Petrecki is not).
Matt Carle was rushed, and ultimately, that hurt his overall value. If I can wait for Couture, ya’ll can wait for Petrecki.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by That'll Cheech You on May 8, 2009 7:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
you should be seeing him next year
I don't like you Detroit.
by mattman on May 8, 2009 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In the NHL?
Petrecki just finished up at BC (he played two seasons for the team before the Sharks signed him in March). I don’t think there’s any way he’s with the team to start the year, and barring a significant d-corps implosion or monumental improvement by Petrecki, he’ll be in the AHL all season.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by That'll Cheech You on May 8, 2009 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea...
Maybe. Couture has played well all year and is showing he can play in the AHL as well.
If he doesn’t start the season with the team, he’ll be a mid season call up a-la McGinn.
Believe me dude, I follow Couture like a hawk.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by That'll Cheech You on May 8, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I was just saying after you said you were anxious to see him that you would get him next year, my guess is he plays in wocester for like a month then the sharks the rest of the year, but I think he has a better chance of making the team than people think we shall see though.
I don't like you Detroit.
by mattman on May 8, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Keep him!
Good Semmy would be great on the blue line. Bad Semmy would be a good backup.
I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?
by idunno723 on May 8, 2009 7:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The "Russian Bear"* has grown on me
Ever since he rather sad signing event, I have felt like he deserves my support. It helps that his play also improved.
*Mina’s brother coined that nickname. Patent pending.
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"
by CTGray on May 8, 2009 8:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
he=his
one day I may learn how to type, but I doubt it.
resident cartoonist @couchtarts.blogspot.com. Endorsed by Mr. K on "CINCODEMYOOR!!!!!"
by CTGray on May 8, 2009 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Russian Bear
Not to sound to therapist-y…but people have also spoken about how much the guys like him and how he’s good in the locker room (insert homo-erotic joke here.)
I know skill is really, really important for a hockey player, but group dynamics/team chemistry is something I hope Wilson is considering.
by AfroPuff on May 8, 2009 8:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Sharks don’t need chummy, yet underwhelming players. I’m all for team chemistry, but part of the remodeling needs to involve firey, passionate players instead of friendly folks who keep the locker room loose – we have more prominent players who ‘keep the room light.’
by Teas on May 8, 2009 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couldn’t we just install Tiki torches in the locker room and save a bunch of money?
When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips
Proud father of Juan Carlos Perez. Think Albert Pujols at second.
by marcello on May 8, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe sign Willie Nelson to a one year consultant deal?
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on May 8, 2009 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dump him
I’d rather keep Huskins and/or promote a rookie. If his main purpose is to be a depth d-man, I think we can adequately fill that role with someone else.
by Teas on May 8, 2009 8:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I’d also prefer to have a defensive d-man as a depth player then an offensive d-man.
by Teas on May 8, 2009 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who is going to be available that is that much better at the same price?
by stufflife on May 8, 2009 9:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like I said, I’d rather re-sign Huskins (yes, he didn’t play a game in Teal, but he was having a very good season for Anaheim before he broke his foot and that’s saying a lot cause he was playing when Anaheim was sucking pretty hard). I think Mike Moore could be a good depth man who plays an all-around game that’s unspectacular, but solid. Derek Joslin could get a real shot at making the big club.
Semenov made 650K last season, if the Sharks decide to dump him and bring in someone else, there are some nteresting UFAs who made under 1 mil. last season that could both fill the roll as a 6/7 d-man.
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central/freeagents.php?team=all&type=UFA&year=2009&pos=D
by Teas on May 8, 2009 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
After watching Joslin last night...
I’m willing to let him work on his game in the AHL a bit more. He’s only 21, and he needs a ton of work.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by That'll Cheech You on May 8, 2009 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I tend to agree that Joslin isn’t ready for a full time roll. He’d be 3rd on my pecking order behind Huskins and Moore if the Sharks decided to keep it in house.
by Teas on May 8, 2009 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mike Moore’s (24yo, 6-1, 200lb.) stats this year in Worcester:
Regular season: 76 GP (out of 80) 5g 13a 18p +14 132 pim
Playoffs: 8 GP (out of 8) 0g 1a 1p +4 12 pim
by Teas on May 8, 2009 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Late, but...
I remember going to a preseason game against Vancouver and watching Mike Moore play. The guy got a Gordie Howe hat trick with Luongo in net. He instantly became one of my favorite prospects. Granted, at the time I wasn’t following prospects as much, so I pretty much only knew about Couture and Greiss, but still. The guy can play.
by mymclife on May 8, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
was it on tv?
I don't like you Detroit.
by mattman on May 8, 2009 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You need to pay 8 bucks per game to watch.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by That'll Cheech You on May 8, 2009 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
thats crazy,
no streams i take it
I don't like you Detroit.
by mattman on May 8, 2009 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nope.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by That'll Cheech You on May 8, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I found out you only have to pay 4 if you don’t watch it live.
by Teas on May 8, 2009 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
UFA list
Well, here’s the problem. If I’ve heard of the guys on the list (admittedly, I haven’t even heard some of those names), they’re probably going to get a raise next year. Who is still a steal on this list that isn’t a defensive liability?
Also, to jump threads here, why didn’t we see Mike Moore this year in San Jose if he’s so close to ready? I watched Joslin only in SJ and thought he was a solid defensive defenseman. I could care less about the hardest shot thing.
by stufflife on May 8, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Moore did get called up, but never got a chance to play. The Sharks had enough depth last year that he just never got the chance (the Sharks drafted Joslin, but only signed Moore as a FA so I think they’re more invested in developing Joslin so he got the minutes). Joslin has potential to be a solid points guy, but his defense and physical play need some work (which sounds an awful lot like Semenov).
by Teas on May 8, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are some very interesting UFA's
The only problem being a lot of those guys are going to be asking a lot more than they previously signed their old contract for.
I dont think we’ll get Huskins for what we could get Seminov for. Maybe we could get Rob Davison back!!
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
by Morti on May 8, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Huskins cheap?
I’ve never seen Huskins play (besides when he played the Sharks, but I was focusing on the Sharks, not some random player!), is he an upgrade over Semmy?
If DW can get Semmy for cheap I wouldn’t mind. Promoting rookies could be risky, like Kaspar.
I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?
by idunno723 on May 8, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't get me wrong
I get nauseous every time I see him with the puck (despite his improvement) – just bringing up something else besides stats
by AfroPuff on May 8, 2009 8:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Semmy's Profile from the Sportsnet.ca scouts...
Assets: Has a tremendous physical package, including a mammoth frame, a strong skating stride and the ability to move the puck up ice quickly.
Flaws: Still needs to improve his coordination. Doesn’t own high-end instincts and has a tendency to get lazy on occasion.
Career potential: Top six defenseman.
Oh, and for the record, I say keep him.
Fear the Fin: Where we just have to want it more!
by That'll Cheech You on May 8, 2009 9:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
i'd sign him
but only because the salary cap is almost surely to go down.
"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra
by serrapadre716 on May 8, 2009 9:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
how the hell is detroit going to make the cap next year?
I don't like you Detroit.
by mattman on May 8, 2009 10:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
why did they pay zetterberg more than datsyuk
I don't like you Detroit.
by mattman on May 8, 2009 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The utility of Semi is undeniable
He played as a forward and as a defenseman. I think that says a lot about his character but it also makes him valuable as either a starter, or a back up.
Look, there is nothing I would like to do more than fill the team with cheap superstars and win the cup, but that’s about as likely to happen as I am to get drafted. My point is that the cap is the way it is, and we have to learn to adapt to that. It’s just not possible for us to completely fill our blueline with Grade A ultra choice Pronger’s and Boyle’s. A guy like Semi gives us a lot of options, and it still seems that he has more potential, even at 28!
The only thing that makes me uncomfortable is calling him Semi. As this is British slang for having a lazy erection.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
by Morti on May 8, 2009 10:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think it’s really fair to say he can ‘play’ forward. He can be stuck there, but I wouldn’t rcall it an option to say he can play wing.
by Teas on May 8, 2009 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You dont think he could be a fourth line winger?
I’m not talking about him playing on lines 1, 2, or 3. I think he could be a good fill in if we were to need him.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
by Morti on May 8, 2009 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
like I said, he can be put there, but I don’t think he’s effective. His performances last year didn’t impress me and I’d rather have someone like Riley Armstrong who plays with edge and can provide a little offense off the forecheck. I’m not gonna be too dismayed if DW decides to keep him, but I simply don’t think Semenov’s skill set warrants a roster spot over other guys in our system (or some of the UFAs available).
by Teas on May 8, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with being wary to put him on the fourth line (i.e. it’s really a last resort type of deal). However, in terms of his natural position (defense), I saw a lot of good in the latter half of the year. There obviously are a fair amount of upgrades out there, but with the salary structure the way it is right now, he’s an excellent addition to the team.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he has another solid year next year. Having the best EVGA/60 on the team is a plus, and he also was one of the tops in terms of quality of competition.
I wouldn’t call Semenov a "diamond in the rough," but I think he’s completely worthy of inclusion onto the roster considering the strides he made this season. In terms of salary vs. production, I would take him over Lukowich and free up some cap space.
There’s no need to rush Joslin/Moore onto the club and have them only play 40-50 games when they could be playing every night in Worcester. This isn’t to say Moore isn’t going to be a solid addition to the team- everything I’ve heard about him, both here and elsewhere, has been good. To me it’s just managing your minor league system while managing the cap.
Semenov is a poor man’s Rob Blake. That’s what we need for a depth role.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on May 8, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dont want to see him on the 4th line regularly. But I think should we be pushed and need someone, he can get the job done.
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
by Morti on May 8, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only thing that makes me uncomfortable is calling him Semi. As this is British slang for having a lazy erection.
BWAHAHAHA!!!!
This is coming from a guy who (in Semenov’s “skate of doom” days) used to refer to him as “seminal fluid.” I redeemed myself by getting his autograph, but I still love the British slang lesson.
Fear The Fin = We're not as think as you drunk we are.
by Mr. K. on May 8, 2009 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There are so many more
A good read is the Profanisaurus from the readers/writers of Viz.
http://www.amazon.com/Rogers-Profanisaurus-Viz/dp/0752215078
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
by Morti on May 8, 2009 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
we can add that to the list of things I never expected to learn on here. Woo!
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
NIEDKLERYARYER
oer sometoethin lie kthat!!!! -Mr. K
by Lurker Shark on May 8, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unwanted Free Agent
Semi’s not mean enough. The team already has big nice guys. Find somebody else who’s got a sneakier trip tactic in the corners, or more talent for knocking sticks out of a forward’s hands, or extracts a good pound of enemy flesh for each cross-checking penalty earned while clearing the net. Old, slow, cheap and dirty should be out there.
by DetroiterInNorCal on May 8, 2009 1:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sean Avery?
Semmy’s role wouldn’t be him being a mean guy. Simply to be a 6 or 7 defense man.
And by “big nice guys” who do you mean?
I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?
by idunno723 on May 8, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watch the replays
Semi is one of the first ones after the opposing teams get dirty. He’s plenty mean, but if he gets mean like you want him to be, is everyone going to be complaining about him taking trips to the box?
"iaT"S FUCKINGE LIEK CONICO DO MAYO!!!!!111"
Mr. K. 5/5/2009
by Morti on May 8, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
have you ever watched a sharks game before?
or are you just on crack
I don't like you Detroit.
by mattman on May 8, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well prolly did not watch as much sharks as you . . .
maybe 25-30 games, and missed many in middle of season . . . so i’m willing to be wrong about Semenov.
In the games that I did watch, – well, he just wasn’t playing in a very noticable way. It’s rather damning praise if the best thing we can say about him is that this year he didn’t suck.
no crack here, but maybe i’m still traumatized by the &*#$! ducks defencemen. I’d much rather have Wisnewski than Semi.
by DetroiterInNorCal on May 8, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A role of a 5-6 defensemen is to stay out of the box and keep pucks out of the net. Semenov’s statistics show that he is able to do that.
Fear The Fin: Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution
by Mr. Plank on May 8, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be ok with resigning Semenov.
I mean, as long as he’s no more than a 6-7 D man, he started to look like he was figuring it out this season. He’d be cheaper than anyone else we could get to fill in that role, most likely. I dunno, he doesn’t excite me, but he doesn’t terrify me anymore. I’ll vote yes.
Sometimes the impossible can become possible if you're AWESOME!
by ZeroIndulgence on May 8, 2009 3:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
question
how is the salary cap decided?
and on an semi-related note, should baseball have a salary cap? its the only 1 of the 4 major sports that doesn’t have one, and it would keep money monsters (yankees and red sox) in check.
"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra
by serrapadre716 on May 8, 2009 4:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
if you are a yankees or sox fan...yes
me not being one hell yes it’s not fair
I don't like you Detroit.
by mattman on May 8, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
since i'm a giants fan
and i don’t like the yankees or red sox. a $100 million cap sounds good to me. i think after that, the yankees and red sox will have 10 players combined.
"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra
by serrapadre716 on May 9, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's set by overall league revenue.
I’m not entirely sure how they work out the exact number and my quick search of the Google did not come up with a result.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
NIEDKLERYARYER
oer sometoethin lie kthat!!!! -Mr. K
by Lurker Shark on May 8, 2009 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baseball should have one.
I have no clue how some teams can make a profit with the disgusting salaries they give players.
"I suddenly hate Canada with a passion = BASTARDS!!!!!! " -Mr K, Upon hearing Moyes filing Chapter 11
by joe579 on May 9, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think
that yankee ownership pisses money
"It aint over till the fat lady sings." - Not Yogi Berra
by serrapadre716 on May 9, 2009 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds painful.
I’d think they’d have a pill for that by now.
It takes a big man to cry and it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. -Jamie Baker
NIEDKLERYARYER
oer sometoethin lie kthat!!!! -Mr. K
by Lurker Shark on May 9, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Teams make profits off of two thousand dollar tickets and merchandise. I mean in California, completely on the other side of the country, you see Yankee and Red Sox merchandise everywhere.
And they’re not disgusting salaries. If someone offers you $252 million you have to be good and your value is actually worth (or seems worth) $252 million. If I was playing baseball and someone offered me $252 million I’d take that money in a heartbeat
I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?
by idunno723 on May 9, 2009 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm against salary cap in baseball
Me an A’s fan against the salary cap you ask?
Baseball just wouldn’t be the same with a Salary Cap. I love watching the A’s with that small payroll win and beat teams like the Yankees and the Red Sox (forget the last two years).
I don’t believe having a higher pay roll makes you a better team. Small-market teams have shown they could win ( Tampa Bay, Florida, Minnesota). Big-market teams have shown they could lose (Yankees, Detroit, and others).
I had fun watching the Sharks, point of being a fan right?
by idunno723 on May 9, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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