Ives reporting this on his website and, interestingly, used the specific term "young DP". Isn't there a special MLS rule around DPs under a certain age?
Their cap hit is lower. Aged 21-23 only counts $200k against the cap, regardless of salary/transfer fee.
Argentina and Brazil are loaded with talented players up and down their 1st and 2nd divisions. It's not unheard of to have players transfer from those 2nd divisions to some well respected leagues and clubs around the globe. I don't know if Ramirez fits into that category or not but I will keep that in mind before I pass judgment. Argentina is in the midst of a transformation and the Primera Division, for the time being, will expand to 30 clubs and Argentinos Jrs. will be back in the top flight after one season out. I agree 100% that is quite a leap for the tight wads that are KSE to drop $2m on Ramirez. It does make me scratch my head as it does seemingly come out of left field. I like it, though. I'm not ready to say a new leaf is being turned over but I do get a sense that change is in the air.
I'm also surprised and more so if the terms reported are true, but, for what it's worth, so best as I can tell, Ramirez has 15 Primera B appearances and 53 Primera A appearances, the latter of which included a stretch as a consistent starter.
Nice find. This has a good summary of Ramirez's stat line. They have 53 (31 starts) Primera A appearances to 20(20) B appearances: http://us.soccerway.com/players/juan-edgardo-ramirez/191205/
Based on video and other information I've read, he seems most often used as an attacking midfielder, often from the left side of the field. Seems like he would be best used as a central or wing attacking mid position in a 4-2-3-1 lineup or wing attacker in a 4-3-3.
Been thinking about an "opening day lineup" if Ramirez really is our second DP. Ramirez - Torres - Brown (Sanchez?) Powers Sarvas Pittinari Harrington - Burling - O'Neill - Burch (Neeskens?) MacMath That would be up to 7 new players in the starting lineup.
Just need to flip Burch (lefty) and Harrington. Serna and Eloundou to me will always be most effective as a final 30 min sub.
Stopped by for the cold water that I thought would be thrown on this by now; To recap we now have a money-ball guy to make our player moves make sense, a web presence de-bugger, AND and a second (young) DP with an ongoing search for a goal scoring third DP. It is really going to suck when I wake up from this pleasant dream. Also re. the money-ball guy, if they really are footing a $2M transfer fee on the young DP I wonder if it is to his credit i.e. showing how the money is an investment that will return when he matures a little and is sold on?
Dom that's why I commented how interesting it would be to see Mr. Smiths Analysis break down for Ramirez just to get an idea of where they are coming from with this acquisition.
As skeptical as I have been about the Rapids this offseason, I honestly have to upgrade their performance from "failed offseason" to "potentially decent offseason" and the upcoming season from "utter despair" to "not entirely hopeless."
I'm still skeptical of the details concerning Ramirez, particularly that the Rapids are going to shell out $2 million to buy him. And of course it's coming from someone I don't recall being engaged with the Rapids until very recently who is also stating the 'Pids are intending to sign a third DP.
Kizla hasn't reported on the Rapid recently, but he used to, maybe 5 or 6 years ago (maybe more?). He was the only "major" sports guy at the post who ever really did.
Given zero further info or leaks, I am starting to have Rapid flashbacks that all is not well/ not going to happen.
If not true the Rapids have had plenty of time to set the record straight. If it was a loan all alone the Rapids are being very disingenuous. There is no way Kiazla got that info from anyone but a legit FO channel. He may have misheard but if so the Rapids should have cleared it up by now. For that reason I have to believe it is true. If not it is another embarrassment for realTions with fans