Angel: The one that got away?The second stage of the 2010 MLS Re-Entry Draft came and went Wednesday afternoon and once again Interim-ish TFC Director Earl Cochrane and his "braintrust" passed on any available players. In fairness to Cochrane, many teams passed on the whole draft process and for the most part, the available players came with potentially hefty wages and mostly hefty ages. Cochrane reasoned the Reds' inactivity post-draft saying “We are also in a transition process, where we can’t saddle the incoming coach or manager with key pieces that may not fit his vision. We have to be cautious with those types of signings.”
The biggest splash of the day saw LA Galaxy actually make a trade to grab the 4th Draft position (one above TFC) to snag the rights to former NYRB hitman Juan Pablo Angel. Angel was arguably the biggest fish in the draft pool and it would have been interesting to see Cochrane's move if he had been available when Toronto's pick arrived. The Reds' impotent strike force could have used Angel if he was available - but well under his recent DP contract. However, LA has fears about its goal potential as Edson Buddle is trialing with Birmingham City and Landon Donovan is rumoured with a new European club daily so Angel fits their bill.
From a Toronto standpoint it seemed as there were a few useful pieces that could have been added considering the current roster is short 13 players for 2011. Cochrane did try to allay fears of yet another inactive off-season claiming there are 10-12 players TFC has "closely looked at", some of whose signings are apparently ready to go as soon as the new manager is in place. Insight into when and or if that mystery man is arriving were sadly not as forthcoming. Reds supporters had four seasons of hearing about "imminent signings" from the last inexperienced Director; Cochrane would do himself no favours if he doesn't back up these words with action. Soon.
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Little discussion has taken place regarding the fact that the 3 players secured by Cochrane (still listed as the Director of YOUTH Academy) are Lindsay (age 18), Henry (17) and Stugis (23).
ReplyDeleteNo where but here, : ) will you consider the idea that maybe…....just maybe……, they are building a club from a base of youth players forward. Supporters forums and "questionable" journalists of this game can't conceptualize a grocery list , let alone the structuring of a Football club.
Patterned behaviour is not speculation. Watch young players get signed (including at least two from the Academy) over the next three weeks along with a new youth oriented “managing” coach, who plays attacking-possession style football.
This will also explain, to those who understand this form of thought, why De Guzman was offered in the expansion draft and De Rosario trade/loan rumours abound. Garcia was let go and will probably talk about the need for older veterans…right.
A youthful Bas Ent has probably signed at Attacking Right Middle. I also suspect a “youngish” Right Back is being sought for that positional vacancy. Also expect some kind of loan/feeder club deal made with the Dayton Dutch Lions. I don't know for sure, but it is Friday 17 December 2010 and I need some kind of positive movement news soon.