2012-13 offseason thread

I can never seem to apply the correct provisions to these player movements/releases/waivers/re-entries/etc. For instance, is Cesar now gone under the provisions of III(A), III(C), or something else?

http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/roster-rules-and-regulations

We get extra allocation money, we don't get extra international spots.

III(A) his contract option was declined, not that he was out of contract. Since he had less than 4 years MLS experience he doesn't go through the re-entry draft.

cap space <---I---> transfer=?

http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4522...er-lawrence-olum-refuses-to-rule-out-possible

So Olum like most players hasn't ruled out a move to Europe in their career, not really surprising.

Let the full scale panic begin, Besler said on 810 this morning he'd been contacted by Euro clubs.

Cesar apparently turned down an assistant coaching job with KC

IIRC the salary cap goes up 5% every year until the collective bargaining agreement ends in 2014. I am not sure the extent to which a substantially increased MLS cap is (a) feasible, nor, (b) provides actual help in retaining talent.

I find it almost inapposite the cutting of serviceable players (Markovic) to make 90k in cap space, while trying to field a modest roster for multiple competitions. MLS clubs don't need a Carlos Tevez sitting on the bench $ulking, but given injuries are a when/not if, it would be nice to not have to trot out a complete experiment just to get some rest in the middle of July.

Im not really worried about, say, Besler leaving, but I do believe the cruelest/most detrimental part of the transfer mkt is [by far] the inability to retain, not the ability to obtain. Im no proponent of trying to get MLS on par with uefa systems, nor do I think it reasonable.

I have... :-(

south african trialist Elrio van Heerden http://www.kickoff.com/news/31476/elrio-van-heerden-on-trial-at-mls-side-sporting-kansas-city

wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elrio_van_Heerden

Played in Europe but most recently with a team in South Africa. I know nothing about him. Youtube turned up this highlight video.

not a bad vid. At 28 is a good 4 year contract. probably be in the 150 to 200K range. Ceasars replacemet? No, but Uri could slide in there. Roger's, cant tell from that vid about tenacity and tackling. Zusi's role? Maybe, it would allow Zusi to play on the wing more, which is good for national team.

Not that I think he'll make the roster, but I wouldn't be surprised if we at least bring Christian Duke, senior at San Diego, into camp next year. He's a former Junior.

http://usdtoreros.cstv.com/sports/m-soccer/mtt/duke_christian00.html

This doesn't really count as "news" but I went to my first Comets game since the 80s tonight and sitting in my same section were Kei, Kevin Ellis, and Soony Saad.

Those were the three I recognized but there were a few other young, Euro-fashioned, fit-looking African-American males among the group. Made me wonder if they were also soccer players. (One looked so familiar it drove me crazy trying to identify him. Did Teal recently grow a beard?)

Anyway, the Comets game was fun even though they lost. I'd rather watch that than Houston-LA II.

https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/statuses/273208191913971712

Roger's heading to Wigan for a physical.

My wife and daughter simultaneously cried out "Nooooooooooooo!!" when I read that tweet to them.

He'll be the 3rd former KC player to play in the EPL after leaving KC, joining Gough and Johnson.

Good for him. I hope to see him play while I'm having breakfast on Saturday mornings.

Yep, looks like the KC Star and the MLS website both have confirmed him as Wigan-bound. I love Roger, but I'm very excited to see him go, both for his career and for the development of KC's shiny new midfield.

How do you guys rate Besler, is he better than say Goodson?

I don't think he could get a move to a top 4 league realistically. I feel his destination would likely be Denmark, or maybe a BL.2 or Championship club? This is just based on watching him in passing.

I'm bias but he's better than Goodson. That said I don't think he's leaving.