[NotAbbott]

Okay, we may as well start talking about this to match up what we actually need to who's available next month. I'll excerpt my longer analysis with the top-level summary.

Roughly in order:

• In the entirely unlikely event that there's an MLS-quality playmaking midfielder, we take him.
• In the slightly less unlikely event there's a defender better than Evan Whitfield and C.J. Brown, we take him.
• In the more likely event there is a quality right-sided midfielder, we take him.
• If there is a defender better than Denny Clanton and Leonard Griffin, and ideally better than Kelly Gray, we take him.
• If there is a goalie better than Matt Pickens, we take him.
• If we draft another defensive midfielder of about the same quality as Pause and Beute, I'm going to start calling GM Peter Wilt "Crumbs," in honor of Jerry Krause, who never met a power forward he didn't like. Or didn't draft.

Post your thoughts about how I'm totally wrong, or who might fit some of these bills.

Later,
COZ

[Khan]

If either of these two are available and willing to come to Chicago, I like the idea of drafting Alex Yi and/or John Thorrington. Acquiring a player that has both professional and international experience would seem to be a good fit. This is particularly true, as the roster has so many players that are still trying to find their way in the league. [i.e. Mapp, Capano, Buete, Gray, Pause, Jaqua, Griffin, and Clanton...] Additionally, I believe Yi and Thorrington play positions of some need for the team.

Beyond that, I place my trust in our vaunted front office...

[Fanaddict]

If it means that the Fire would have enough money to get an attacking mid SI then in the draft we should go for p-40s.

Here is a link to the p-40s signed by MLS

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157792

[creative_destruction]

Originally Posted by Fanaddict

If it means that the Fire would have enough money to get an attacking mid SI then in the draft we should go for p-40s.

Here is a link to the p-40s signed by MLS

http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157792

What about this local boy?

M/F Quavas Kirk
6'1 165
04/13/88
Aurora, Ill

[murtaugh29]

We have two first round draft picks at least.

Of the current known crop of incoming players, we draft these guys as available (in order).

MF Danny O'Rourke (Indiana + Fire Reserves)
DF C.J. Klaas (Washington)
DF Drew Moor(Indiana + Fire Reserves)

[NotAbbott]

Where does O'Rourke play in the midfield? I'm probably with you on Klaas or Moor.

Later,
COZ

[bing1985]

Originally Posted by NotAbbott

Where does O'Rourke play in the midfield? I'm probably with you on Klaas or Moor.

Later,
COZ

I watched the NCAA final and was impressed with O'Rourke - but I'm surprised to see him listed as a mid - I would have sworn he was a defender. More warrior than technical skill - not sure that type of player isn't more of a liability at professional speed. Anyway, if we don't take him first, I imagine Columus probably will grab him as he's a local boy.

Anyways, COZ, in answer to your question - I believe he's a D-Mid. So if you and Crumbs want to sign him, you go ahead...

[Chicago1871]

Originally Posted by bing1985

I watched the NCAA final and was impressed with O'Rourke - but I'm surprised to see him listed as a mid - I would have sworn he was a defender. More warrior than technical skill - not sure that type of player isn't more of a liability at professional speed. Anyway, if we don't take him first, I imagine Columus probably will grab him as he's a local boy.

Anyways, COZ, in answer to your question - I believe he's a D-Mid. So if you and Crumbs want to sign him, you go ahead...

O'Rourke has impressed everytime I've seen him play. He is a Chris Armas-type player if there ever was one. His technical skill might be better than Armas', that said he isn't the most technical guy on the field, but it is his heart that makes up for the difference. I have been far more impressed watching O'Rourke than Pause. However, NCAA is not MLS and it is anyone's guess if he will be able to compete here. If the Fire were to take him Pause and Buete would have to go.

Personally I think the Fire need at least one outside back and a forward.

[murtaugh29]

Originally Posted by Chicago1871

If the Fire were to take him Pause and Buete would have to go.

And?

He's probably the most MLS-ready midfielder in the draft. If he is available at 3 we take him, and pick up Klaas lower in the first round (who is local, will likely still be there and would work in a 3-4-3 system as an ouside back).

Please note, though I was the guy who believed there was no way we wouldn't end up with Mike Magee (well, while B.O.B. was here) and there was no way we wouldn't draft Ned Grabavoy (let alone pass him up 3 or times for at least Scott Buete and Leo Griffin).

[Greddy]

Originally Posted by creative_destruction

What about this local boy?

M/F Quavas Kirk
6'1 165
04/13/88
Aurora, Ill

Here's a picture of him.


From what I've read, he could be a very good player. Now that we're going to have a reserve squad, I'd love to see us pick up a hot young prospect.