Wondering what people think of the quality of personnel moves made by the Rapids this year. Following the draft and the Amokachi blunder, the Rapids have brought in just three players -- Palacios, Kingsley, and Shannon. Certainly Kingsley has been a brilliant surprise, and his consistent effort, solid play and occasional excellence have definitely been a contribution to this team. Palacios has been inconsistent. At his best, the most favorable compliment you can give him is that he doesn't make many mistakes. Unfortunately he rarely provides the team with that level of play, and most often turns out little more than thuggish performances. And the Moose? He's hardly been worthwhile as a practice dummy, let alone someone who can produce on the field. I've heard rumors now that he's been so horrible in training that he won't even get listed as an eligible sub come gameday. Is one out of three bad? Not if the Rapids had been building on an already strong -- and healthy -- lineup. However, for all the quality that Kingsley has brought in, he's made nowhere near the impact that was expected from Amokachi -- or Simutenkov, if you believe the stories that the Rapids were screwed by MLS (again). At least the Rapids appear to have done fairly well in bringing in solid, young players; Stewart and Kingsley have far exceeded expecations. Yet however good they may have played this season, I don't see them making the kind of impact we've seen out of other teams' young guns. To top it off, Hankinson appears to have no interest in getting Beckerman time in the field; it's like the kid killed the gaffer's dog or something. The worst part of all this is that looking towards 2003, the Rapids won't have too many options for improving this lineup. Prior trades have depleted our draft picks; no player with a high salary appears to be on their way out (thanks, Pibe); and the team does not seem to have an allocation in their back pocket. All we're left with is faith in the discovery pick, something which has brought the Rapids little good during Hankinson's tenure.
Other than the trade for Paul Bravo 5 years ago, and bringing in Pablo for Balboa (I know it was slightly more complicated) the Raps have lead the league in player blunders (maybe league orchestrated f ups). Musa and Palacios are only the latest.
And what the hell happened to Jackson, their first pick. He has a hell game in Portugal and now can't even get on the field even when the rest of the defense, sides Stewart, looks like ***************. As for Palacios, I think he'll be okay. He has the skill, he is just in awe of CV and really relies on Pibe way to much. He may prove to be a good pick up. I'm going to give him next year to prove himself. Hell, he's better than Dawes. All in all, I have to say that the Rapids, as an organization, have been at fault for some of these players and been a little unlucky with the crap the league has pulled. But there is no doubt that in Hanki's two seasons, his allocation magic (Diallo being his only one) has dried up and his eye for talent in the draft is marginal. Getting Pablo, Chung, Henderson, and Pibe were great moves. But Fraser has been a bust, Dawes stunk, Amochaki, nuff said, and the jury is still out on Palacios. I give him a grade of C-.
So you think Palacios will still be here next year? He may turn out to be a good player, but as he occupies an SI slot I question the extent of his value. After not getting Amokachi and Simutenkov (or a number of slight rumored players from the SPL, Spenny's brother in law and Groundskeeper Willie), I think the Rapids will be itchy to bring another attacking foreign player into the team. In order to do so, they'll have to drop Palacios or Titus... and although Rick has had a few bad games, he's not as redundant to the lineup as Raul.
I guess we'll have to see who is available in the off-season and hope that Hankinson actually sees the guy play before using an SI slot, paying a transfer fee, and signing the guy for big bucks. Otherwise, I can see Palacios and Pablo playing together with CV, and Chung and Hendo on the wings, where they belong. Otherwise, Beckerman instead of Raul and he is the first sub off the bench for midfield. I like Raul's game although he is a redundant player right now. I questioned why Hanki and Counce brought him in the first place when Hart and Baba were doing a good job in Pablo's place while he was gone. It wouldn't break my heart to see him go but I think he can be pretty good. He might make a good make weight in a trade or something.
doesn't look like beckerman can get anytime on this team. too many midfielders. personally i would like to see him get some time in chung's position with chung going to outside or in carlos's position! If he can't get more playing time then maybe hankinson can use him in a trade. there has to be a team without all these all-stars where he can fight for more time