According to Michael Lewis in the NY Daily News, Balboa is going to be offered a new contract my the Metros. It'll be less than the league max. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/story/49596p-46580c.html
Balboa I think it's too late to re-unite Balboa with the Rapids, but I hope that he gets a nice deal and is happy. He should retire as a Rapid, some year, and if the Metro thing does not work, who knows? Fraser could get hurt or whatever and we'd have a chance to see him again in Green (or whatever frickin' color we're going to be...) RLH
You'll just have to get used to the fact that Balboa will not be back as a Rapid. I talked with a PR guy and he said that the chances of Balboa coming back here are slim to none. Hanki's goal is to get younger if possible, and Celo's knee is too much a risk, especially at his age and salary. Though, he could pull a Bourque and sign a one day contract with the Rapids and then announce his retirement.
Technically, there aren't free agents in MLS. If he turns down the Metro's offer, then it is up to the league to shop him around at a lower salary. Or, if he is out of contract with the league, then he could go anywhere he wants outside of MLS. CV is in the same situation. The Rapids don't want him so he is being shopped around at a lower salary. To date, no takers so he is kind of in limbo. I would think that Celo is in a similar situation but I think someone would pick him up eventually, though he may not start the season on any MLS roster.