2013-2014 Columbus Crew Offseason Roster Thread

Could someone explain to me what the fascination is with Glauber? Sure he had an awesome goal (one), but otherwise all I can remember is the dude getting burned over and over because of poor decisions and slow feet. Unfortunately neither of those things tend to improve when you're 30 years old. If he was a bargain I might understand, but at $263,333 I just don't get it.

Completely honestly? I was only sort of bummed when he got hurt - I wanted him benched anyway, and I knew RW wasn't gonna do it.

 

I watched Portland play last night at Seattle. Nice game. The pace and aggressiveness that Portland displayed gave me a new perspective on the Crew. We are not good. We show flashes of quality every few games. We are better than mid season, but we just don't have it. I feel like wil Trapp wouldn't start for Portland. He has no offensive ability. We can't continue with the likes of Meram and Tchani and schoenfeld. That's hoping for the playoffs. That's not ever gonna get to the cup.

We need real talent. I'd rather spend the $500k on a quality striker than 3 guys that can't score. It doesn't help our depth but we won't win otherwise.

 

Portland has Porter as the head coach. Wonder if WE could have had Porter as our head coach. Hmmm....

 

Yeah, that's part of the argument for GBS. He could find better players for the money than Bliss, even if it just means bringing in 3 or 4 Argentines. GBS sent Diego Valeri to Portland where he excelled. He makes 400K. Instead we have Arrieta and Sanchez making more than that while producing less.

 

Porter tried to get us to trade Trapp's rights to him before the season. Trapp isn't expected to play an offensive role

 

It'd be nice if Trapp could develop a long-range shot. Snipe in 5-7 goals a year from the top of the box or a little further back.

 

I will take 2-3 goals and 4 assists.

 

Either would work - force the guys in the box to loosen up and take his foot into account.

 

Trapp seems willing to shoot which is the main thing. His accuracy can probably be improved. He had a nice goal at the U-20 WC on a long rebound.

 

Who was the last person on a Crew roster to be capped for the USMNT? Robbie Rogers?

 

He has one name.

 

Probably. I think Gaven and maybe Chad had invites to the January camp but turned them down.

 

Asked Bliss about Valeri at Crewsmas Eve, actually, because there were rumors about Valeri coming here before Portland snagged him. He said they scouted him and really liked him, but then GBS said "You can't afford him" so they didn't pursue.

 

That is really depressing.

 

lol We'll take GBS's financial advice but heaven forbid we put him in the coach's seat.

 

By Crewsmas the Crew didn't have any cap space to add Valeri but a couple months earlier he could have certainly fit under the cap. Did Portland pay a big transfer fee for him?

 

I think he is on Loan with an option to buy.

 

Excellent point.

Was. They bought out the deal this summer.

One thing that I've not seen brought up (unless I've missed it) is that maybe, just maybe, Guille just wasn't all that interested in us. Or if he was/still is, that first and foremost for him, he had every intention of honoring his commitment to Lanus through next June, which would render any discussion over whether or not we could meet the buyout moot. That's why when word of his talks with NYC surfaced I was concerned because that timeline would suit his circumstances much better than a move here or to any other club in MLS.

 

I just mentioned this earlier today. I think it's something that is entirely likely but most Crew fans don't want to admit.

It's just assumed that all Precourt had to do was ask and it would be a done deal. I'm not so sure Columbus is even the best fit for him, for a lot of the reasons you mentioned.

Hell, even Orlando may be a nice possibility in a couple of years for him that gives him time to accomplish plenty in Argentina.

 

I only noticed after posting that it had finally been brought up in the other thread.

I still think Kreis gets the NYC job, and the whole thing is a built-in stunt unless he's undefeated in his first ten games. I feel confident the same would happen to GBS if he somehow takes that gig.

I'm pretty sure we are by far the best fit for Guille. But I can understand that the timing seems all wrong.

 

Really? GBS had a great time here, won a championship, opened his own business with Padula, said he loved it here because people are nice and they don't bother him. Why would he interview for the job if he had no intentions? Just to pull the leg of a loyal fan base who knows he was run out of town? We await answers.

 

Leverage with his current team and other possible suitors?

 

He was a former D1 linebacker, believe it or not.

 

Ot he simply may have asked for too much money. There are many possibilities. And we probably won't find out, either--which is wise. There is no sense for either side in burning any bridges. We know the Crew tends to be tight-lipped. I expect GBS is the same.

 

But the timing objection doesn't make much sense. Argentina is getting worse by the day, not better. If he wants to get his family out, the sooner the better. Even if he has to remain behind to finish his contract. Even if the Crew were unable to reach agreement with Lanus on a buyout, Guille would be free in June. Worst case the Crew could wait for him until then. He'd have opportunities between now and then to see the players and offer input into player selection and roster construction. Heck, he could probably just send Gustavo to cover for him.

Don't forget that DCU in 96 waited for Arena to come in a number of games into the season. Didn't stop them from winning MLS cup that year.

I expect the inability to sign Guille is more connected to salary or Copa Libertadores than when he would start.