Lalas becomes Quakes President and GM

[Pyro]

Not trying to start a rumor, just an idea.

Pros:
Mentor to young defenders.
Added backline big-game experience and second red headed target on corners.
PR - Joe Chicago Six Pack knows who Alexi Lalas is.

Cons:
$$$$$
Takes him out of the announcing booth.
Given the list of clubs he's been with, is he a good locker room guy?

Questions:
Can he be signed as a discovery player?
Does he even want to play anymore?


Thoughts:
Given his less than ceremonious release, you'd think he'd want a swan song. It seems like a really good fit. Given the Fire's needs this summer.

[CelticOnFire]

G-d no!

[CUS]

I am kind of warming to the idea if the Zielinski thing falls through.

All things I have read is he is a great lockerroom guy. Pretty laid back. His experience would be an asset to the young centerbacks.

Wasn't he signed by LA as a discovery? Still, if he is out of contract, anyone can pick him up, no?

[McGinty]

Originally posted by CUS
Wasn't he signed by LA as a discovery?

God don't remind me.

[Chicago1871]

I've mentioned it before, but if there aren't other options and he isn't expensive, I wouldn't be against this...necessarily.

[Es Brennt]

Lalas to the Fire?!
Sure!That's a great idea! Let's get him measured up for a Sparky suit straight away!

[theburden]

Originally posted by Es Brennt
Lalas to the Fire?!
Sure!That's a great idea! Let's get him measured up for the Grandpa Sparky suit straight away!

Fixed.

[irishFS1921]

dude i would be down as long as he rocked an accoustic sesh after every game

[Chris M.]

I think I was the first to bring up this idea in another thread, primarly because he could be had on the cheap AND because I think 2002 might have been his best year as a player.

LA thanks him by bringing in Bo Hung for which All other fans in the league can be eternally greatful.

I think he would be a good clubhouse guy, and could be valuable in the middle, particularly against teams with goalscorers who aren't -- how shall we say -- fleet of foot. *cough* Kries *cough*

Just a thought.

[Hattrix]

As long as Jim Curtin decides to grow a dorky King Tut beard, I'm all for this. Also, Lalas should wear number 5 1/2.

[Rowdies 71]

Isn't he like 68 years old? I have to admit that I did not see alot of him when he came back (except for his dagger against us in Open Cup play) but, is he really capable of playing anymore?

[fatboy15]

Why does he have to play? The biggest pro's that've been said so far are things like 'he'd be a good mentor for the younger players', and 'he's good in the locker room', but not too much has been said about his playing skills.

So why not make him an assistant coach. correct me if i'm wrong, but we still haven't filled tommy soehn's position yet, and i'm sure alexi probably has alot more knowledge about the game then tommy ever did (i liked soehn, too, but come on, while tom was playing in the A-league, alexi was over in the Serie A).

[cwhein]

i liked soehn, too, but come on, while tom was playing in the A-league, alexi was over in the Serie A

I see Padova listed as Lalas' Italian side prior to joining MLS - they're not Serie A (or B or C). Did he play for another club in Italy?

[HalaMadrid]

Originally posted by cwhein
I see Padova listed as Lalas' Italian side prior to joining MLS - they're not Serie A (or B or C). Did he play for another club in Italy? Padova used to be Serie A. Lalas was one of their highly touted signings when they were promoted.

[CUS]

Originally posted by Rowdies 71
Isn't he like 68 years old? I have to admit that I did not see alot of him when he came back (except for his dagger against us in Open Cup play) but, is he really capable of playing anymore?
Many Galax fans have said that 2002 was one of his best years ever, and that the defense went downhill when Bo started playing instead.

[HerthaBerwyn]

Alexai is a Giant Redwood. Thats right...

As big as a tree and just as speedy.

[Catfish]

Veteran to groom the young defenders. Please grow the huge red fro back....1994 WC...first time I saw a soccer match...i loved it.

What European clubs did he play for? Just curious.

[Fuegofan]

Originally posted by Catfish
What European clubs did he play for? Just curious.

I actually knew a guy in college (Colo College) named Catfish.

I know Lalas played for Padova, Italy. At the time they were Serie A. Now they're in C.

[Fireball_Dan]

I would prefer that we get someone who can play for several years to come, not just one. I don't see Lalas giving us more than one year.

[theburden]

Well it looks like Lalas is going to be the Quakes new GM.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/sports/7806386.htm