2012 Fire Roster Speculation

I think Chaves is as good as gone. I would bet the house that Pardo comes back he was with frank in Europe recruiting players for the upcoming season. Robayo seems like he is a lock just a matter of time til its official.

 

Open Cup against Richmond...

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1O5_7Yf7-Y"]Chicago Fire's Dominic Oduro Goal - YouTube[/ame]

 

You could add Rafael Robayo to the roster.


http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2012/01/fire-sign-rafael-robayo

It should be intresting if Pardo signs, if FK keeps starting Logan "backpass" Pause.

 

The big, positive difference this year is that we are signing proven players in or near their prime, and we are doing it in January so that they can train with Frank and the team in pre-season. It seems like the past few years, we cut and paste some projects into the roster after the draft and then look to add proven players in July. Of course, then we are nearly out of it and get the excuse that they need a few months to gel.

This year, we have Robayo (son of a gun, gonna have big fun . . .) and perhaps Dimitris Salpigidis BEFORE the draft. Add in last years mid season signings that are actually still here in Grazini and Pardo and we can actually use the draft for what it should be . . . to add a little depth here and there.

I have a much better feeling about the direction of things at this stage in the off season than I have in at least three years.

 

Well, we're pretty much set except for forward. After that it's depth out wide. This is supposed to be a deep draft, it's possible we address both fairly well. If Conde does come back, one of the CBs will be surplus and worth something in a trade too.

I'd be more optimistic if we had someone other than a, possible, flash in the pan to score.

 

You can cross Puerari off this list. He signed with Defensor Sporting of Uruguay.

http://www.defensorsporting.com.uy/n1259.htm

Also, negotiations with River Plate of Uruguay are "well advanced" for Federico Puppo. If he's under contract, the Fire must like him enough to dangle a transfer fee.

http://cambiodefrente.com/futbol-local/item/8015-martiñones-primera-alta-confirmada.html

 

I love a good pun. And this one too! I also like how the team is prepping for the next season.

 

This means that they almost certainly can't take an international in the draft. Which I think is a bit sad because I think Enzo Martinez is going to fall to us. For me he is a stud but is going to fall from the top 3 because he is an international and because attacking players like him can never shine in combines when players refuse to pass/move. I think he is very similar to Pappa as i've seen, and is Gen Adidas so won't count against the cap. The Fire could get rid of Mikulic or Cuesta and pick up the Notre Dame kid Maund who might be available at #23. I know he can play CB but he also played RB for the U20.

 

I don't see why they couldn't draft Martinez if they plan to get rid of Chaves. Not that I'm saying they should do this.

 

Even with Chaves gone, if you draft Martinez (who I think will be the best available) then you are at max internationals and would hurt us in picking up Salpigidis...right?

 

Oh, I miscounted. I thought 7 included Chaves. Does the Puppo signing mean Salgipidis is not coming? Frank did say that he was only expecting an international striker and that's it.

 

I think he will require a DP, and without a shirt sponsor I don't know if the club will do it. Maybe I'm wrong but I think they would prefer guys like Chaves that they can get for 50k and roll the dice on and hopefully they turn into the next Rosales. That is why I think we need to hit a home run in this Superdraft and pick up 2-3 players that can help. LA has done really well recently picking guys even late in the draft (DeLaGarza) that can contribute. We need to find a couple players tomorrow that can help, because I don't think management is going to spend on DPs and we don't have much room for more internationals.

 

I'm optimistic. Look at Sean Johnson, Jalil Anibaba, and Patrick Nyarko. Some solid drafting there.

 

cuesta has the most trade value of backup CB. but he also has much more long term potential. to me trading mikulic makes the most sense if it comes down to it.don't Ger me wrong,I like him as a back up,I just don't see him ever becoming a Lynch pin CB. much of cuestas mistakes were youth.you have a Guy barely 20 who has logged considerable starting g time.klopas looks to be building a foundation that could be solid for years to come.

 

Aren't Cuesta and Mikulic similar ages? Maybe I'm wrong.

 

Josip Mikulic turns 26 on April 12.

Yamith Cuesta turns 23 on Apirl 17.

 

Good call.

"HotTimeOldTown Hot Time In Old Town
Looks like Diego Chaves is signing w Chilean Club Deportivo Palestino. & Klopas told @JamesCoston today Chicago doesn't have his rights."