yup exactly, what i remembered. expires 12/31/2012. i can still see a scenario of a resign and possible trade in the summer if we need bodies somewhere else. of all current players on the roster, i consider Hainault to have the highest value from a Dynamo standpoint. from other players (let's say Davis) i don't see us getting equal or better quality in return.
For Hainault, if he doesn't look around now outside of MLS, he may never get that chance again in his prime. I think he is very valuable and the Dynamo have shown they will pay veteran backups good money. He probably starts many places in the league. But I also don't think MLS does any NBA-style sign & trade deals. More like trade and then sign.
Colin Clark @cOlin_cLark7 I'd like to thank the @HoustonDynamo Staff, FO, & Fans for the opportunity to represent your outstanding franchise. It has begun
Funny story fwiw, I was in Michaels last week shopping for decorations when I overheard someone talking about contracts, the league, and then he mention New England...then he came around the corner, it was Colin Clark. My spy skills are lacking so I can't offer any further information, he never mention trade or going and at the time New England seemed irrelevant. Damn in the 60 minutes it took to complete my post I've been scooped by Colin Clark...back to being a jeweler.
Honestly, I think we're set everywhere except at having another forward. I like the Bruin/Carr pairing but I want another GOOD forward to have three options for two spots. I'd love to find a player like Columbus did with Higuain. If that means we have to let a few people go (Weaver, Clark, etc...) to get that kind of an impact player, then I say do it. I don't want to lose Hainault but if trading him might allow us that type of player, then I might consider it. Emphasis on "consider it."
I tend to agree that I like our squad. But MLS being what MLS is . . .we are likely going to have to say goodbye to 4-6 guys in order to clean up budget space. As for Andre, as we pointed out losing him is probably his choice not ours.
We may find out if there was any truth to the story of us trying to work out a deal for Katlego Mphela from South Africa. http://www.kickoff.com/news/29617/h...sign-mamelodi-sundowns-striker-katlego-mphela
Colin Clark will be on some MLS team's roster in 2013. He started 17 games for us in 2011 and started the first 3 games this season but then the rainbow mob squad got to him and by the time he came back from suspension, we had more guys in the midfield and he had fallen down the order. The injuries seem to have robbed him of some ability and he was always playing on the right as a left -footer. Lets not forget he drew red on FC Dallas and got that PK vs. RSL at the death. And when we have the "MLS Ball Boy Squad presented by Vagisil" in a few years we can all owe him a debt of gratitude.
I think troutseth is right on (as usual) with these numbers and contract calls. I talked to someone that usually is in the know (I know that is lame, but I cant say anything and have no way to prove it anyway). When asked about allocations he said he hears its a little over a million. Contracts that are definitely expired: Hainault, C Clark, and Weaver. Hainault will definitely test the over seas market. Sarkodie and Creavalle together will cost the same as Hainault so he sees him as gone. C Clark will look elsewhere, too bad we could not get any trade value for him. Weaver might stay if he resigns cheap, but could open up space for a striker that could "create of his own" Others: Carmargo, Barnes Carmargo flashes of brilliance but cannot pay a bench player this much cash. Sees him gone Barnes they seem to like, but does not know his salary expectations. For the $ he probably is demanding could find someone better for a little more. Alot of this was exactly as I thought, it was just nice to hear from someone that has way more knowledge/connections than me. Again I have no proof and cannot say who it was, but I never make weird claims to inside info. Take it as you will.
Good depth pick up and a good use of allocation money. Have to think losing Hainault factored into this deal. And Spencer probably gave Dom the right recommendation.
Well that one is verified. I guess i should have read though all the posts before putting up a response, sorry.
Should be interesting to see how Barnes values himself considering he did little to force his way into the 11. He intrigues me but hasn't shown me enough to really know what he is worth. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what the real expert (Dom) values him at.
I suppose we would at least make a bona fide qualifying offer to Hainault if for no other reason than to keep his rights if he wanted to come back to MLS later and those rights could have value if a Canadian team wanted him. Of course, you run the risk he accepts the offer I guess.
https://twitter.com/SoccerByIves/status/275711755924144128 Ives seems to think Hainault is not coming back.
The White Nate Jaqua has been great for us in CCL, it would be nice to have him return as a late game sub and starter during non-league games. His size gives the smaller Central American teams fits.
People have mentioned Ching renegotiating a lot here. Can we even do that? Arent there not any labor deals that prevent teams from essentially lowering salaries? Perhaps sign him to less money, but more years knowing that he is going to retire anyways?