Revs Offseason News, 2012 (Part 1)

We're playing to our strengths here. Negativity R Us.

 

I hope you don't expect me to jump over the net with this old, beaten-up body

 

The 2012 season ended for the revs awhile ago so they should be proactive in improving this season's woeful squad. It's a miracle they have added players this early, so the FO deserves some credit for acquiring players before St. Patricks Day, although that's like giving an always-late airline credit for landing your flight on time.

However, while early acquisitions are a step in the right direction, people are frustrated with the consensus lack of quality on the backline. It compounds the frustration when we read all the options were picked up, indicating the FO doesn't see much of a need to make changes to players like Tierney, who should be playing for the Western MA Pioneers.

I will agree retrospectively the criticism is premature if -and only if- significant defensive upgrades between now and the start of next season relegate multiple 2011 starters to the bench. Based on the track record of this FO, I would be fairly shocked to see many positive defensive changes between now and the beginning of March. This is why many of us are skeptical if it didn't happen already that it likely won't happen at all.

 

To have released Benny without getting someone in return is sad. There was no other MLS team that wanted him?? I would have liked a trade with Philly for Shaenon Williams ( bring the hometown home) and allocation $$$. They get a CM and we get a defender that we can use on day 1. Wouldn't Benny want to play in the MLS to show his worth to Klinnsman?

I liked Cardenas and he added something to the attack when he came off the bench. Keeping Nyassi is puzzling to me. "We're gonna promise you at least 22 minutes in 2013. Twice as much playing time!" The fact that we traded away Shalrie for Gavin and then released Gavin is equally sad. Basically, we had something and now have nothing.

They have publicly stated that they are looking to upgrade the backline. Bring in Puyol !

 

Nobody wants Feilhaber at his 2012 salary. He didn't have much trade value unless we decided to throw in a lot of allocation money, effectively eating a lot of his salary. Instead, the Revs decided to take salary off the books entirely.

 

I did not make a game this last season. Too much hassle for too little product. Now we've parted ways with IMO was the best player on the team because of his salary? I dont want to hear about his goals and assists. He was the best player on this sorry, sorry team. You could drop Beckham on this team and he'd have bad stats too. I wonder how teams like the Red Bulls or LA afford their name players? ANS - they're not cheap as Hell. What chance do we ever have of signing good players when this organization has shown over and over they will not pay anybody. And if a player develops and starts to deserve more money... see ya.

I refuse to get excited about players I've never heard of, snatched off the international clearance rack. If theyre available at what we'll play, there's a reason. They suck. As I said, I did not make a single game last season and this latest move makes me think it will be the same next season too. Why would then think people will come to see a bunch of college players and cast-offs from other leagues, wearing a Rev Jersey. I'd love to see the business plan behind this failed strategy and wonder who the bone head is that has the Kraft's convinced this will lead us anywhere except the loss of more of the fan base. I really want to have something to cheer for but this team is sooo mismanaged, it's impossible. . I find I dont come to these boards much anymore, miss games on TV and don't care and WILL NOT spend a dime to watch the crap they're offering up as a team

PS - remember when we used to get international games here? Those days seem to be fading away too.

How's that stadium coming? Hahaha. Keep dreaming

 

I wonder if they tired to restructure his base salary but with incentives? Nobody can argue he didnt produce much but if you're serious about building a team, you dont start by cutting the talent

 

You should have stopped here. Benny was awful all season. Nguyen had no problem showing moments of brilliance on the same team, so the excuses about it being a crappy team just aren't valid. Benny never looked like he cared while he was on the field and I think it showed to the fans, the coaching staff, and his teammates. Good riddance.

They still have time to negotiate with all of the players whose options they didn't pick up. Benny could be one of those players. Although I'm assuming he has little to no interest in returning to the Revs, and the same could be said for Heaps.

 

Thats how I read his body language. He may have been a talented player but if a talented players isn't a team player a team is better off without him.

 

I honestly think the revs would have had the best chance trading Benny during the season, if they found a team hoping to load up for the stretch run, although that was always going to be a tough sell. It is what it is.

 

There is a method to the madness. Operate an MLS team on the least amount of money possible.
Burns is getting that done to Kraft's satisfaction, which is why he is still here.

However, the Nyassi situation is inexplicable. He basically hasn't played in two years, and makes good money in Kraft terms. Surely, they could fill his bench seat with a college kid for 30K?

 

Yes, a lot of MLS contracts have a lot of team options built in, year after year.

 

Yup he also said (off the record) that they plan the release of the new kit along with the rebranding outline at the opening day game in our new SSS thats sports real grass and a retractable roof,

 

I agree. Every time I've ever seen Gavin play, he's exhibited those same qualities. I guess he gets overlooked by those with a "all he does is move the ball" mentality, but I imagine some team will sign him. Random guess, but he seems like the kind of player who'd appeal to Martin Rennie up in Vancouver.

 

Wow, I love a good rant as much as the next guy, but get your facts straight!

The Revs did not waive Benny. They declined his option. They still own his MLS rights, which means they could re-sign him, or trade him.

By declining his option, I think he becomes more tradeable, since the team acquiring him isn't stuck with his max non-DP salary.

He could also sign overseas, but I don't think too many teams will be clamoring for someone who was outperformed by Kelyn Rowe...

 

I am more upset that they are keeping Nyassi! how does he deserve a 98k salary? Benny is not an elite player in MLS. Based on his time in NE he is not worth 450. I would have no issue if they re-signed him for 150-200k. What will upset me about all this is if they fail to use that cap space to upgrade the back line and keeper or if they let him go and get nothing for him.

 

I think Heaps' decision came down to Nyassi vs. Cardenas. Both are speedy options off the bench that are capable of performing some magic but will, more than likely, mess up in some way. I'm fine with having that type of player on the team to run at tired defenses. I think Cardenas was the better of the two (Nyassi's 11 minutes this year were TERRIBLE) but he was on loan. Plus, Nyassi has a green card. It wouldn't surprise me if Nyassi is gone by the end of next season because Heaps finds an upgrade

 

The MLS Cup Final yesterday was pretty entertaining. Beckham for a 37 year old had some great passes. Donovan nailed his PK but missed a sitter. Robbie Keane was the man of the match for me. Shows that old school experience and wiles can overcome youthful inexperience and speed. The Rev's are sitting on a pile of cash and I can only hope that they spend it wisely this season. No more Moreno's! Pluck some good young American college grad's but add a marquee player with some gas in the tank that can contribute to the team like Keane. That would be a welcome addition and show the faithful that they are building a winning team for the future.

 

Didn't he alsoonce tweet we have our #9?

 

Until he proves otherwise I intend to treat all tweets from BB as a joke

 

Brian Bilello ‏@RevsPrez Just met with Adidas in LA prior to the match to see the first 2014#NERevs jersey prototypes, think fans will like the kit. #tease

Well, if the annual leaking of rumors surrounding (supposed) development of a soccer-specific stadium for the Revolution doesn't convince season ticket-holders to re-up, this tack is sure to keep them in the fold. I can see the copy now...

"Renew your New England Revolution season tickets NOW and put yourself in the position to renew your New England Revolution season tickets AGAIN next year, securing yourself the opportunity to be amongst the FIRST New England Revolution supporters invited to the unveiling of our NEW 2014 kits in December of 2013!!!"

 

Is anyone as excited as I am that the NBCSN is broadcasting the final of the Arizona tournament. Pretty cool sign that soccer has arrived