Multiple reports today that the Rapids, Club Leon, and Mexican international Luis 'Chapo' Montes have agreed on a deal that will bring him here when the window opens. I tried to summarize everything here: http://view-from-the-couch.blogspot.com/2017/05/luis-montes-incoming.html
Only prediction I can make is the stupid Mexican GK Chant will see an increase, we need more then him to improve the attack and I really don't like the signing especially after seeing the cost. Edit: Jason where are you getting info, I don't see anything on Rapids feeds
Here and there, the link in my post for most of it, report on Facebook for the 3 year/$3 million number.
I agree that this is a sell more tickets move, not a real attempt to improve the team, so the reports are probably accurate. Ugh.
If the contract for Montes is indeed 3 year at $3 million per it's a mistake for a number of reasons. 1. He's not that good 2. It ties up money that could be spent on other quality signings 3. It sends a message saying that it's about names (Howard & Montes) rather than building a side that works well together and is in the hunt for silverware.
Hearing the Rapids are after 3 players this summer: 2 attacking and 1 defender. This signing fits that chatter. That's a lot of money, though.
About the money--is it a lot? I think he's a good player. Granted, age and health, I don't know where he's at. I saw more of him pre-leg break. Anyway, if it's a million dollar salary--younger South Americans will make less, but then the cap hit can be similar since there's usually a transfer free. They certainly are more than one player away, so if they only have a million, that's a bit of conundrum. Seems like it's easier (for anyone, not just the Rapids) to find one million dollar player than two $500,000 players.
I would absolutely love to see Montes in a Rapids kit. Montes has that short stocky build that ride tackles and plays with a little fiery edge. Though he does rack up his fair share of yellows. His passing and first touch has always been top notch and has a canon from distance. I am not sure Montes necessarily fits the Rapids "style" but we have no real style so maybe he could give us a base. He kinda sorta reminds me of a Javi Morales with a Dax McCarty feistiness to him. Montes has been fine since his leg break and has showed really no signs of it effecting his career. He has pretty much been the model of consistency. Montes really only missed the 2014 Apetura after the leg break and retained his spot almost immediately. He has started 73 of 84 matches in Liga MX since the break including all but one league match this league. At 31, age is of real no concern. Plenty left in the tank. At the rumored $3M.......now that is a little hefty but there is no question Montes is DP material and would be a HUGE upgrade. I heard things here and there that Montes name could put a few more butts in the stands and this is a marketing signing. I doubt that. He is clearly well known in MX, clearly an outstanding player, but has been an off-and-on MX international. Montes big name but not a "Mexican star" - if you will.
@m vann, any concern about his numbers? They are not impressive for somebody we're going to be relying on to fix the offense.
His numbers don't wow you on paper that is for sure. I was a little shocked when I looked them up. Admittedly, I have just seen a few Leon matches here and there over the past year. Again, admittedly it was when William Yarbrough was called up to the US and I wanted to see him out of curiosity. But with that said.......Montes was no doubt integral to their attack. The ball flowed through him. The end product -- i.e. assist -- did not necessarily came off his foot. Many times we was slinging the ball sideline to sideline to putting Elias Hernandez in position to whip the ball into the ever dangerous Mauro Boselli. "Hockey" assist champion ----- I don't know but he looked dangerous and looked active in those handful of matches. Numbers can be deceiving. As we know they don't always tell the whole story. He shared a butt load of the playmaking with Elias Hernandez. That could be some of it. I am not sure. I did like what I saw. Montes stood out.
Dude. Brett Favre's first completed pass was to himself. Sooooo why can't Montes do the same? Just sayin'..........
http://www.espnfc.us/story/3137550/...-montes-in-talks-with-colorado-rapids-sources Reputable source Jeff Carlisle is reporting that Montes and Rapids have held talks but talks are in the preliminary stage. It should be noted that Montes is out of contract this summer. So he is available of a free. That would make the reported $3M a little easier to swallow - not much mind you - since no transfer fee would be exchanged. Nonetheless, where there's smoke..............
I agree w/M.Vann's scouting report (aside from his health after the injury, as I've not seen him as much since then). I'd think Montes would have more impact as a shooter and making late runs than as a playmaker. Though he will add in that area as well (being a competent attacking player compared to what the Rapids have).
Skillful but slow attacking midfielder with a great left foot. Hmm don't we already have one of those.
Marcelo Balboa and Diego Balado were discussing this possible signing during the Timbers vs. Earthquakes game on UniMas. Marcelo brought it up and the other broadcasters assumed he must know something about Montes coming to the Rapids. They did not say a deal was made, just that there had been discussions and possibly offers made by Colorado, but the commentators were not convinced that's where he would be going when his contract expires, though they said MLS could certainly be a possible destination for him. For Marcelo to bring it up during the broadcast, and him having the Club Leon connection, seems to suggest it might be happening, or that at least a serious offer has been made. On a side note, when asked which MLS teams are playing the most attractive soccer in the MLS, Marcelo responded with Portland, Atlanta, and Kansas City, while for Diego Balado, Toronto FC and FC Dallas were playing the best soccer. Then there was a sarcastic question to Marcelo about the soccer being played by the Rapids, to which Chelo responded (translated and paraphrased) "not very good soccer by the Rapids right not, not much style, not attractive. There are quite a few changes happening at the club now, etc."
Have to snipe at this, didn't you give a glowing endorsement on Kevin Doyle and that didn't turn out so well. I see a guy who could have a lot of trouble with the MLS and frankly I would never support a DP contract from even the high light real I have watched. I question if Pablo would even play him. Speaking of playing, Serena sure has fallen off the face of the earth since returning from his injury.
I did. Yup. I thought it was going to be a win-win for both. It made sense. It hasn't worked out as well as I thought. I'm not ready to call him a bust quite yet. It's trending that way --- quickly. If we had someone to get him the ball like a Montes we might be singing a different tune. Anyways....... the real issue is the Rapids have killed the careers of many decent players regardless of my endorsement or not
Montes apparently to stay at Leon (this is the second source I've heard this from): Luis Montes renueva 3 años más con León.— WARRIOR (@CARLOSLGUERRERO) June 4, 2017
Hope there are multiple backup plans. Whether or not Montes was the right guy for the Rapids or not, but they clearly need to get a couple of attacking type players this summer. I say this knowing that doing so may not make much of a difference this season, but still want to see a commitment from the RFO to improving the talent level.
This seems to happen fairly often. Not sure if this was a real target/rumor or just Montes trying to drive up his price with Leon. Either way, we will hear the person we *really* wanted was XXXXX. rod