[scott47a]

After watching Pachuca beat Houston in the Champions League last night, it occurred to me that Jose Francisco "Paco" Torres would be a perfect addition to the Sounders. With his quickness, vision, calmness on the ball and superb passing he would team very well with Alonso.

Of course none of us knows for sure what is going to happen with the MLS salary cap this off-season thanks to the expiring union contract. But I would say that if it is possible monetarily, it would be a major coup to land this young American midfielder who has just risen to the level of U.S. National Team player.

Torres wouldn't answer all of our needs, of course, but having him would solidify the central midfield in a way that Evans and Vagenas cannot, in my opinion, and allow us to move those two salaries off the books to hopefully bring in a better right midfielder and another striker.

Any thoughts on Paco Torres in Rave Green? Anyone else that you would love to see in Sounders' colors?

[pendulum]

if this is just for fun and not even quasi-serious, i'll say:

Dempsey, Donovan, Holden, GBS, Angel, Cunningham, should i go on?

but seriously, i think Holden is open after this season, but i would be very surprised if he doesn't go overseas. Same with Donovan, actually. Maybe we could pry Shalrie from NE? We definitely need mid help and striker, big-time. Outside of Montero (and maybe Ljungberg, if he stays), we have nothing at that position.

[WestSeattle]

I missed that game!

After that goal against the Crew I'd like to give Olman Vargas a look. He's pushed the defender, but I loved how he made space for himself and "fought" to get the ball, then headed the ball between the five-hole of the goal keeper.

I don't know his size, so maybe he's not the "big guy", I think we need up top, but he's 24 got some skills, and I wager he'll blend well with our Cuban, Columbian, Costa Rican contingent already on the team.

Just throwing out a random consideration, there's probably a hundred more, that are more feasible or better to consider, but since you were inspired by the CCL, I thought I'd go the same route.

[Yoshou]

Our biggest problem this year is getting goals. Montero has 12 of our 32 goals and that's just shocking. If Torres can help on the goal scoring front, then I'm game. The question I have is what is Pachuca paying him? If it is anything more than a few hundred thousand, I doubt MLS is even in the running.

[WestSeattle]

We have to pray the new collective bargaining agreement, raises MLS another notch above "bargain basement". There has been some chatter, that there is a raise in the cap coming, of some significance, although it might be to accommodate a roster size increase as well, so on average, it might stay the same.

[Yoshou]

Originally Posted by WestSeattle

We have to pray the new collective bargaining agreement, raises MLS another notch above "bargain basement". There has been some chatter, that there is a raise in the cap coming, of some significance, although it might be to accommodate a roster size increase as well, so on average, it might stay the same.

With how conservative MLS is, I'm not expecting a big raise in cap. I would love a huge raise, but would settle for a small raise if it came with a second DP spot that is exempt from the cap.

[scott47a]

I looked all over for Paco's contract situation with Pachuca but couldn't really find anything. If anyone can, I'd love to know.

I'm with those that hope we can at least get to say $3 million or $3.5 million -- $4 million if we add roster spots. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking on my part though.

[pendulum]

Originally Posted by scott47a

I looked all over for Paco's contract situation with Pachuca but couldn't really find anything. If anyone can, I'd love to know.

I'm with those that hope we can at least get to say $3 million or $3.5 million -- $4 million if we add roster spots. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking on my part though.

all the chatter & rumors i've seen have apparently been in the neighborhood of $4M. this would help a lot.

[DUFC206]

If Jaqua isn't gonna play striker, or isnt right for a lot of games then I think a player who supports Montero well is important.

Paco would be great and I'm a huge fan of his skill. But that would leave us with FM, FL, Le Toux, Zak, Paco for the five most attacking players.

Don't get me wrong, that is assuming IF Jaqua isn't playing and w/o other changes but with that lineup, I dont see us winning many headers. Guess we would be really fast though

[WestSeattle]

all the chatter & rumors i've seen have apparently been in the neighborhood of $4M. this would help a lot.

Best news I've heard all day, lets hope this time, the internet scuttle is true for a change.