Very good thoughts on top young and college forwards, midfielders and defenders. Could be good reading to figure out who RSL might go after with the numerous SuperDraft choices.
SBI posts first Top Mock Draft picks: http://www.soccerbyives.net/2012/11/sbi-2013-mls-draft-big-board-version-1-0.html If actually turns out to be the choices made in this order, than RSL's #12 would give them RYAN FINLEY, Notre Dame, Forward, which would be an excellent choice. Also RSL would get at #31 DONNIE SMITH, Charlotte, left midfield.
Seriously doubt the choices will be in that order as teams will go with their needs, not always best player available. The guy I'd go after is Jason Johnson from VCU Speed and size... something RSL could really use next to a guy like Sabo
He also has some Fletch-esque hair going on there (Fletch being 6-5, but with his Afro 6-9 while Johnson is 6-0, but looks about 6-3 with that peak/flattop).
Other things I noticed: He is comfortable using both feet . It would sure be nice to have a forward that can use both feet wouldn't it? He tracks back and defends, obviously something Kreis and Co. like. Based on his highlight video (which isn't much, i know) I think he would be a solid pickup for RSL, especially if he signs/already has a GA contract.
Would y'all be willing to part with Enzo Martinez for the guy? I think that kind of move could/should work
Hard to say since we have seen next to nothing from Enzo in his first year, and who would take that trade?
You would get a guy who has a year of MLS training under his belt and has shown well in reserve games for an unknown. The more specific reason I chose Enzo was because he is GA, just like Johnson.
Here's a guy I wouldn't mind seeing RSL go after in the draft: Kekuta Manneh He's a goal poacher with good speed...reminds me of a very young Robbie Findley. I could see him as a 4th striker, a good project with upside. There's talk he may be signed to a GA contract which would make RSL even more likely to pick him up.
The Austin Aztex. Isn't that the same team that RSL played in a preseason friendly at the RioT a few years ago. Javi had that very cheeky goal by chipping the keeper.
Isn't GA class this year supposed to be smaller than previous drafts? What are the chances there are any GA players available when RSL pick @12? Seems there are plenty of forward prospects with speed in this draft, even if there aren't any GA options available when RSL pick.
Yes, the class is likely only going to be 8 this year. But the odds that some GA player will be available at 12 are still pretty good. Last year there were GA players that made it into the second round. Last year only 5 GA players had been selected by the time the 12th pick came up.
Homegrown is where a MLS club develops talent in house (& sign to a pro contract) usually for minimum cost but cost is off budget cap. Gen Ad is the league and clubs identifying potential talent and signing them to some times fat pro contracts that are off cap and paid by Addidas notclub. It's hit and miss for both. Luis Gil, Chris Seitz and Nik Besagno are/were all Gen Ad players. Nico Munoz and Lalo Fernandez are/were homegrown.
This is true. My understanding is that there are two classes of homegrown signings: those who get the league minimum, and those who get the benefit of GA funds to help sweeten the pot for a promising player to sign with the league. My guess is that if Jordan Allen were threatening to go overseas (instead of to Virginia for college), the league would sign him to a GA HG deal. In addition, the traditional GA deals that are being signed for those in the draft are often shorter than in the past (two years instead of four).
I always hear hype around Jordan Allen and maybe this has been answered before, but what are the odds that he ends up playing for RSL?
After the "success" has already has with Homegrown Academy products, I think RSL will be very slow to sign anyone. But Allen is probably the top of the list.
I dunno. RSL has already signed Carlos Salcedo. And I think it's highly likely that they'll sign at least one of the class of 2013 sometime between now and the fall. Despite the lack of success of the HG program there is very little risk in signing these guys to a minimum level deal. I think Allen, Benji Lopez, Antonio Murillo, and Jose Navarro are the most sought after prospects. Lopez is getting attention from a couple of Mexican clubs but I think RSL would have a decent shot at him if they choose to pull the trigger. Allen has indicated in the past that he had no interest in a HG deal instead of heading off to college, but I'm sure RSL will take a run at him. Unless Allen goes overseas, then the likelihood of him signing with RSL is extremely good since they'll have a HG claim on him from now through college. He can't sign with or be drafted by another MLS team. The real question is when?
Interesting Idea with Finley The getting kicked out of Duke, of all schools, will likely eliminate him from RSL's want list.
I agree. I keep hearing about Finley from some of my fellow bobbleheads, but he doesn't exactly strike me as a humble guy. Garson are as interested in the person as the player, so in my mind that disqualifies him. Plus he is not GA and I would almost bet the farm that RSL takes a GA player, even if they're forced to go with someone at a position they don't need. I'm sticking by my original prediction: Kekuta Manneh, assuming he's not taken earlier. He appears to be moving up the draft boards because of his GA status and other teams are realizing they're out of money. I'll be interested to see how he does at the combine.