Now that the dust has settled on two big deals over the past few days, we have a working outline of who will be on the squad this season and what holes we need to fill... I'm gonna put down all the scuttlebutt going around about who is rumoured to be coming in and whom we are thinking about drafting.. Feel free to add in any of your own thoughts on who we should get as well.... Heading into the January 17th Superdraft, United has the #1, #5, #11 and #14 picks (as well as the first pick in each subsequent round).. Holes that need to be filled: Forward Defensive midfield Defense depth Backup Goalkeeper Draft eligible players for each need: Forwards: Alecko Eskandarian - seems all but wrapped up as the #1 pick according to Hudspar Pat Noonan - Indiana senior who was recruited by asst coach John Trask to Indiana - could be late round pick if still available Nate Jaqua (still not committed) - tall rangy striker with decent skill on the ball.. Could be had at #5 or even possibly at #11 Roger Levesque - Stanford senior with good goal scoring instincts but is probably going to end up playing midfield in MLS Defensive Midfield: Ricardo Clark (still not signed to P-40 contract) - consensus top d-mid if he comes out.. Future National Team prospect.. Runs the U-20 WC midfield with skill and speed.. Hopefully will be available at #5 but I think the Metropukes will nab him at #2 if we select Alecko.. Brian Carroll - former youth team (U-17 and U-20 WC) defensive midfielder with decent skills and ball winning ability.. Could still be available at #11 or #14 but I doubt it.. Kenny Arena - tall and physical d-mid with limited skills but the tenacity of Armas and Williams.. Personally, the farther away from United the better for Arena professionally.. DC would not be a good fit for him... Defensive Depth: David Stokes - Eddie Pope lite.. Size, speed and skill are his assetts.. Likely will be gone at #5 but definitely worth a look if he is available.. Ricky Lewis - left sided defender with U-20 WC experience and coming off of a good senior season at Clemson.. Should be available at either 11 or 14.. Philip Salyer - left sided defender who has been with Werder Bremen reserves for the past year and formerly played at U of MD and with U-20 WC team in Argentina.. Great fit for MLS with the right team.. Probably gone by the 11th pick.. Ryan Cochrane - U-20 team defensive stalwart with great upside.. Decent size, good in the air and pretty good with the ball at his feet.. Definitely take if still available at 11 or 14... Backup Goalkeeper: You're guess is as good as mine.. With Rimando playing out of his skull (not to mention all 28 league matches), this position can be filled by a minimum wage A-Leaguer or local college keeper.. Players rumoured to be coming to United: Joe-Max Moore - don't hold your breath.. It's probably gonna by New England or KC that gets him, but they will have to go through either the Metrotards or DC to get that allocation.. Earnie Stewart - another pipe dream.. Same deal as JMM.. Most likely Dallas or LA will beg us to take a player and pick or two off of them to get his rights.. If LA, ask for Elliott (LA simply won't part with him - even for Stewart) but settle for Vagenas and future #1 pick (which will probably end up being a #8-10 pick).. If Dallas, ask for Kreis straight up for the allocation.. Milton Nunez - out of contract in Mexico and would probably be a maximum salary player but would be well worth it IMHO.. Having Reyes here could easily sway Tyson our way.. Fingers crossed on this one.. Ossario - Admittedly I don't know much about this cat but from all of Hudspar's ravings, he would be a nice fit as well..... This is what I would do if I were Hudspar (thank God I'm not or I'd be fired by now).. #1 pick - Eskandarian - forgone conclusion #5 - In order of preference and availability - Clark, Stokes, Lewis #11 - Lewis, Cochrane, Jaqua, Carroll #14 - Cochrane, Jaqua, Carroll, Noonan Try like hell to sign Nunez.... Try like hell to get solid MLS defensive midfielder with one of the two allocation picks, or better yet, wait for the waiver draft to pick and choose player.. Have fun and looking forward to seeing what you would do....
Yeah: forward, d-mid, depth in defense, and I'd also add depth at wing. I would add depth on the wing positions, especially left wing since right now we have ITT and Chino as the backups there. Right wing is better with Dema (not great) and Q1 if we can afford to move him from forward. reyes could possibly fill in at both wing spots. Still this all seems jury-rigged to me, but that makes sense since we aren't done dealing yet. It's kind of hard to see United drafting more than one forward since what we have there already is youth to develop (Q1, Q2, Curtis) and what we need is veteran leadership. So after Escadarian, I'd say we pass on the rest. Also remember today's Post has us looking at a Bulgarian defender. I see this as making sense especailly if we might deal one of our current defenders. Maybe Petke really is to be turned around and traded, but I think Hudson would rather trade Prideaux. Still it's possible we might just add another defender rather than get caught in the odd game where we have to start Namoff. But in that case I'd imagine United drafting a defender. As for your d-mid list, I hope we pick up one of those for development with Clark being everyone's fave. I wonder how Hudson is thinking of Alegria and Mckinley these days. it sure looks like their stock is declining.
I'd take Clark with the #1. Eskandarian is not going to be able to contribute right away, and he wants to play for the metros anyway. The #5 pick, I'd like to take Ricky Lewis or Phil Salyer. Not that there's anything wrong with Stokes, but we need a decent left back. Of course, if Nate Jacqua looks to be going out early, we should get him ASAP. Height and power at forward is something we've been sorely lacking for awhile now. If we can be sure he'll be around at the 11 pick, then take him with that. If not, use the #5 on Jacqua and the #11 on Salyer (Lewis will probably be gone by then). The #14 pick...I don't know. Noonan will not do well at all in MLS, and if we take Clark we have no need for Carroll. Maybe we can throw the pick in a deal for a good, experienced defensive midfielder? I agree on backup keeper, any decent A-League vet will do. Rimando won't be on the bench anyway.
Re: Re: United needs going into the draft... How do you know? As for the d-mid situation, why did DC trade away an experienced d-mid (Williams) and still, people, expect United to somehow pick up an experienced d-mid in the league somewhere? I think we'll see someone on the current roster being called upon to fill-out that role...unless the d-mid comes from an allocation.
Re: Re: Re: United needs going into the draft... Against college defenders (e.g. human cones) Go check Chris Albright's career stats and then compare that to his MLS production. Hell, I think Richie Williams scored a hat trick for UVA at one point. I agree with Jason, I don't think this kid will make the leap to consistent MLS goalscorer right away, and perhaps he never will. He has a hot temper and will be sent off frequently until he learns how to control it. As good a league as the ACC is, its defenders still pale in comparison to even the most pedestrian of MLS defenders. Alecko will struggle. I'm not as intimately familiar with the college game as Tron and Sandon, but I've seen enough matches to be able to predict the style of play I'm going to see on a given day. Watching Alecko play against young professinoals from around the world showed that he is a tricky little player, but not a dominating force.
I think that's a fair point, but I think you would agree that his nose for the goal is a bit more impressive than Albright's. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. My point is that it will be nice to have a pure goal scorer, someone who can drill a volley into the top corner on the first touch (something lacking in Moreno, Lassiter, or any other forward DC has ever had).
I believe the only way to draft, is by selecting the best available player, who has the most talent. If that means goalkeeeper than so be it, if that means striker than so be it.
Even if we don't need the 'best' player, such as a defender? If we don't need one, but can only get a good defender would they be worth anything but a potential trade or to deepen our bench?
We essentially have two scenarios. 1. #1 pick - Eskandarian #5 pick - Stokes/Lewis #11 pick - Jacqua #14 pick - Carroll 2. #1 pick - Clark #5 pick - Stokes/Lewis #11 pick - Jacqua #14 pick - If Stokes wasn't available at #5, then we'd get Lewis, that leaves this spot open to maybe a winger or another forward. Anyone know of any good college wingers?
Re: Re: Re: Re: United needs going into the draft... well, in MLS Eskandarian won't have three defenders on him all the time. Personally I like his chances against one MLS defender more so than against three ACC defenders. What I'm getting at is that I think he'll get even more looks in MLS than in college and given his finishing ability and that since it's the pros teams can't afford to use a third of their field players tracking one guy. MLS goalkeepers will be earning their paychecks a few times a game.
I would expect that Eskandarian will have some very early success. Then I would expect him to hit a wall and slump. It is what he does to get out of that slump that will determine if he bcomes Albright or Twellman.
If Rimando gets hurt, do you really want a developmental player to be starting? Also, I read a post by Diceson stating that Eskadarian's contract is not P-40 and will count against the cap and roster. Can DCU still afford him if that is the case?
I think they'll go after Warren with the #5 pick. There have been rumors of an unamed DCU player who has been gathering interest in Europe. My guess is that it's Rimando. How many years does he have on his contract? One? He's obviously good enough for Europe. Other MLS goalies have been looked at also. If this is the case, DCU needs a backup that could be the starter in two years time. Certainly it's not something to take lightly.
Re: Re: United needs going into the draft... Man, if that's not a regular BS post I don't know what is. Thanks for the scoop
cweedchop, Sometimes I think you read my mind. I agree with you needs list, but I might approach the draft a little differently. I'm not convinced we have college level players in attack that are able to compete at MLS level. The leading goalscorers in college year after year turn out to be busts. However, the college game has been able to generate servicable midfielders and defenders. Given this context, I would go with drafting Clark #1 with Stokes/Lewis with the #5 pick. As for forwards I would be looking at using Allocations, Discovery picks or trades to fill that need. I would love to be able to get a combination of Nunez (allocation) and say Wolff (trade allocation and/or pick) as our two forwards. If we were lucky enough to get those three look at this line up. -----------------Rimando------------------------- -----Petke--------Nelsen-----------Prideaux------ -------------------Clark-------------------------- --------Kovalenko-----------Convey-------------- --Reyes--------------Etch-----------Olsen-------- -----------Nunez-----------Wolff----------------- Yikes....... That is a competative team.....
You know this and I know this but it's rather apparent that Hudspar is dead set on Eskandarian.. Don't hold out ANY hope of drafting Clark #1.. The only possible scenario of Clark being taken #1 is if we get BOTH Wolff and Nunez before the draft, which ain't gonna happen.. Nunez is probably our best shot at getting a major allocation at the moment.. If he comes aboard, we have Nunez, Quaranta, Eskandarian, Curtis and Quintanilla.. If that is our forwards, expect Curtis to go bye-bye...
Excellent rundown Cweedchop. Just a few minor points. Ricky Lewis is one of the most talented players in the upcoming draft. He'll be gone by the #5 pick, and definitely taken before David Stokes. Phillip Salyer is not as good as the previous players who returned from the Bundesliga. Salyer may be a second round pick. There's a big gap in the Dmid category. Ricardo Clark is awesome. Brian Carroll may eventually become a quality Dmid, but that's a projection and will take a few years. Kenny Arena is trashed on these boards alot, but I do think he has MLS ability, albeit he'll likely not start for several years. Another prospect who may enter the draft is UNC's Logan Pause. He's a bit of a projection as he's not really a true Dmid right now. My prefences for DC United's 4 picks, assuming we keep them all and these players are available, would be: 1. Ricardo Clark 5. Nate Jaqua 11. Ryan Cochrane 14. Jonathon Spector Besides the first pick there's not guarantee that those players will be there, but it's a fair projection to say they probably will. Eskandarian will be the top pick, and I think there's probably a 50/50 chance that Ricardo Clark will be around at #5, so that would be the riskier but probably highest rated combo. Definitely don't rule out DC United selecting Ricardo Clark with the #1 pick though. There's an outside possibility that there may be another candidate for the #1 pick as well. Ryan Cochrane hasn't declared yet, and he has Euro interest, but he's a wondeful organizer with size and tackling ability. He's kinda like a skinnier but taller and slightly faster version of Ryan Nelsen. Jonathon Spector is a member of the U-17's with a Euro passport that has already been offered by Man U, and he'll likely accept, but it's not a sure thing at this point. The Euro interest and his passport situation may cause teams to stay away from him for fear of developing then losing him. I'd take him if he's available at 14 though, because he's 6'0, fast, strong, good in the air, very technically skilled, and a "spine" player (so he can play central defense, central midfield or center forward). He has a good motor and attitude as well. -Tron
To go against the grain a little (wow, that's a first!), let me offer this: I have seen Clark play, talked with him, and I'm a big fan of his. I talked to MLS people and overseas people at the U20 tournament in Charleston and they were very high on him. It was easy to see why. He's a skilled tackler and ball-winner. He works to make himself available and understands where he needs to be positionally. His technique is good but needs improving, and he's dedicated to working on this. All of this said, I wouldn't draft him with the #1 OR the #5 pick. DC United need to be a title contender THIS season. That d-mid role ends up being a very important position on the field Any 20-year old is going to take some time to find his feet and I just don't think this team can afford to have that. United will have some leverage at the draft. There a good number of decent d-mids around the league, we just don't happen to have one of them. I think it would make more sense to trade the #5 and perhaps an allocation for a top-level d-mid, like a Mastroeni. I'm almost surprised I'm writing this as I'm normally a shill for giving young players a chance, but DCU can't be faulted in that department, and as I say, they don't have time for idealism right now. I'm not sure about the salary issues, and that would certainly affect which d-mid you would get (Zavagnin? Maisonneuve?) Anyway, geting a d-mid of such a stature would, to me, be worth trading one of the allocations for. I know Ray has two international players he wants but if could sign Nunez and then trade the other for a good veteran d-mid, I think he should. Ricardo could go go to another team and get a good chance to work his way into the first team.
Re: Re: Re: United needs going into the draft... Yeah, I know. There's not a rumor about Rimando per se. But it's just a feeling I've had lately that the top young MLS keepers will soon be crossing the pond. I don't think it's unreasonable to think and certainly something to be wary of.
Oh, he'll be better than Albright. But, anyone can do that. Scoring goals against college defenders is easy though, and I don't think he'll be making the adjustment any time soon. We already have a raw, young striker who scored heaps of goals in college, and does anyone here think Ali Curtis is going to start this season? Sadly, this is true. Doesn't make it right. Which is a shame, because a 4th choice forward who gets 5 goals in a year for minimum salary is a bargain in MLS. Maybe Quintanilla is being looked at as a midfielder? He certainly did well against Aguila (no one has to point out that Aguila is nowhere near as good as any MLS team...I know). In Hudson's system, though, Clark wouldn't be alone there. He'd have a veteran, be it Kovalenko or McKinley, alongside him. Not saying I don't agree, just that the learning curve would be easier than in our old 442. Now, this I like. Could we get Mastroeni, though? Or Zavagnin for that matter...I've heard McKeon is available precisely because Gansler really prefers Zavagnin over him. I don't know if McKeon is good enough though...obviously if the opportunity to get Mastroeni was there, though, we should grab it with both hands. -------- Rimando ---- Reyes Nelsen Petke Olsen Kovalenko Mastroeni Convey --------- Etcheverry ------ Quaranta Nunez That is one hell of a starting lineup. Won't happen, but damn.