Well, at least according to Llew Llewellyn, who talked to Danny C. “The Galaxy will have a new look...” Pretty interesting. It's the first comment that I have seen from a player since the announcement that Sigi was staying. Anyone wanna guess who the "five or six players" will be? Linda Leeds 3 Fulham 2 - Aaarggh!
My guess: Lalas Elliot Albright Suarez Broome “The pressure was already immense,” said Califf. He turned and gestured at the stadium behind. “They built this absolutely amazing facility and we had to win. There was a lot of pressure that went along with that. Hindsight is always 20-20, but I think that we learned a lot as a team and we need to show the LA fans that we did learn and we will do a lot better.” I would think that there was already pressure to win before the 2003 season began. They basically had kept the same team and had a good showing at La Manga so expectations were high. Sure they had that 8-game road trip, but one would think that they could at least win one or two games.
Hmmmm. I wonder if Tyrone might go and Suarez be kept. Also, I fear that Albright will still be here. This is a gut feeling and not logical or based on his merit. Long shot but possible to be gone: Cobi?? Why isn't Ochoa on your list?
You may be right about Marshall leaving and Suarez staying. I was guessing Suarez because we already have a decent backline where he can't start. It's possible Marshall could be trade material. I didn't list Ochoa because I'd figure he'd take Elliot's place.
Another thought - if Sigi goes with a four man back line there might be room for both Marshall and Suarez. On the other hand, I think Marshall is a senior international and I would bet he has a higher salary than Suarez, which is another reason I think he might be the one of those two to go.
Trade him to SJ for a 4th round pick. Then, whenever LA plays against the Quakes, spend the game baiting him into a red card. We could use a cheap right back....
Obviously (I think) the players to go will have to be used as trade bait for something to strengthen the midfield. Memo isn't ready to lead there yet, of course. I wonder what Sigi has found on his adventures south of the border? I wonder if he can come back with the top rising midfielder in central america or elsewhere? Is there anyone in the league who might want two or three of our rejects for a good midfielder? Would you take Ronnie Ekelund? Will McDonald's stock continue to fall?
Yep. Trade us Suarez and we'll play Waibel in the middle with Robinson and have Suarez on the right. That should be three red cards for Cobi in one game!
Topper, I am curious why you say he has a bad attitude. He may be reckless, but not much more than Tyrone "Chop 'Em Down, Man" Marshall. Suarez has a world of talent. I think Sigi should be given a chance to teach Ryan to play with maturity and discipline. When he "grows up" Suarez is going to make a heck of a defender for someone, and it might just be us.
I've just seen him lose his cool too many times. He gets that psycho look in his eyes, screams at the ref, then cuts down a forward, and gets a card. I don't think you can "coach" the psychosis out of a player. (See: Mathis, Cletus) Don't you remember Cobi getting the best of Suarez when he was on the Burp? He reminds me of Frappachino. I was happy to see Frappachino leave. He was a friggin hack, too. Got way too many cards and was responsible for too many PKs. I don't mind a calculating, skillful thug like Califf. Topper
Great! Out of all the LA rejects we've sent you, I'd have to say that we've come out ahead over the years. Feel free to quote our overall record vs. the Smurfs. Topper
Yes, Ryan has played like a man crazed. Although I still think we need an edgy guy who puts a scare into forwards. Galaxy hasn't had a real "hard man" since Danny Pena left. I think the last time we saw Suarez was in the Open Cup game against Fresno. That night, before he was injured, he and Torres were (in my eyes) the best payers on the pitch. I may be wrong, but I don't remember him appearing after that. I guess I do think that discipline is something that can be coached/learned, and I see too much talent there to let him go without a longer look. I'm not necessarily saying Albright long, but more than he's been given yet. Remember, Califf has developed from "Thug Life" to steady defender - I think Suarez has that same potential.
It's late, and I'm feeling daffy: Maybe we can ask to borrow Rio from Man U. . . you know, throughout the duration of his FA suspension. Just a thought. . . ;P Even though his best days are behind him, I still think Cobi deserves a place on the team - there are others who are waaaay more expendable, overpriced, and underproductive than Cobi. I still remember him playing this season vs. the Metrosexuals and being the ONLY player who could get the ball forward. He made at least a dozen chances that Ruiz bobbled or just went 50% on.
The fact that Cobi's better days are behind him and that he costs so much is enough to give serious thought to dropping him altogether given his no-trade clause. Why should we bet he can still go another year at such a high price when we could get two or three players for that same price. The odds are we might get somebody who is ready for the big leagues. It's not as if Cobi is gonna get better. In fact, just the opposite is more probable.
I think we're seeing it now. Cobi's top salary really can't be justified at this point. Bring on the changes and renegotiations!
I think the few that are going to be gone/or up in the air are: Ruiz Suarez Victorine Albright Brome Jones (but who are we kidding...for the $$ he his getting) Lalas Just to name a few...
I for one hope that Cobi Jones stays. Is there anyone in the league as resilient and reliable week in and week out? Does the guy ever complain or not play hurt? He's the heart and soul of the team and I think it would be a great injustice to let him go. If he wants to restructure his salary, fine, but I think the Galaxy should repay his loyalty and toughness and tenacity by doing whatever they can to keep him in Galaxy colors.
I hope Cobi doesn't go anywhere. As far as pure playmakers go, I still think he's one of the best in the MLS. He plays both ways and is always going full speed. He's tenacious. He gets the team fired up and he annoys the hell out of his opponents. His speed and intelligence make him dangerous. He creates scoring opportunities. He also brings stability to the midfield. It might not show in the box score these days, but having Cobi out on the field gives the team a huge boost. He's the field general. If we plan on winning it all next year, he has to be out there. I think he's worth whatever he's making now. Who do I think is expendable? Ruiz. Yeah, I'll admit he's a solid, prototypical striker. But I'd much rather have a striker who tries to stay on his feet and score instead of one who'll collapse when he's breathed on. Let's trade him for Twellman. We can even throw in Albright and Elliot. Oh, and call me crazy, but I like Diego Serna. He and Moreno looked dangerous the few times they played together.
Where was the "field General" this year and what did he do when we had four goals on San Jose in that playoff series? Taking a nap with Sigi? Yeah, now there is a bright idea. Lets get rid of the one striker we do have and trade him for a crippled one. I don't care if he dives, piruettes or digs underground to score goals. Point of fact is Ruiz leads the league in goals scored for two years in a row now. Given the pathetic year we just had, that is saying something. If you love and admire Twellman, perhaps what you need to do is become a Revolution fan and leave the Galaxy for the folks who understand the sport. The Galaxy is not an old players home where having played well in years past buys you more years of high-payed vacations at the expense of the roster which in in real need of renovation. If you want loyalty, adopt yourself a dog.