Columbus Crew: 2012 Roster Thread: 2011-12 Off Season Edition

As KCbus rightly pointed out, the season is over, time for the 2012 Roster thread, off season edition.

To start out, lets have the roster as currently constructed, as best I understand it, then the expansion draft rules.

As always, feel free to clean up my mistakes. I'm sure there will be plenty.

I. On Budget/Senior Roster. 18-20, club's option. 20/20 filled. Cap at $2,675,000.

Team can opt for only 18 players, but will still be charged a min amount per open roster spot below 18 towards the cap. DP's count $335,000 if not paid down via allocation $$. In season DP's count $167,500 against the cap.

#. Position. Player, Nationality, Age, DOB, Roster Notes, '11 Salary Base/Guar.
1. GK William Hesmer, USA, 29, 11-23-81, $152,500/$163,500.
2. GK Andy Gruenebaum, USA, 28, 12-30-82, $65,000/$66,667.
3. D Chad Marshall, USA, 26, 8-22-84, $250,000/$320,000.
4. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, 30, 8-26-80, International, $110,000/$115,000.
5. D Julius James, Trinidad & Tobago, 26, 7-9-84, Green Card, $62,794/$72,169.
6. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, 24, 10-2-86, International, $42,000/$42,000.
7. D/M Danny O'Rourke, USA, 27, 5-31-83, $121,000/$133,500
8. D/M Rich Balchan, USA, 21, 1-18-89, $42,000/$58,875.
9. D/M Josh Gardner, USA, 28, 9-14-82, $49,200/$49,200.
10. M/D Kevin Burns, USA, 25, 3-26-85, $42,000/$42,000.
11. M Eddie Gaven, USA, 24, 10-25-86, $209,633/$209,633.
12. M Emmanuel Ekpo, Nigeria, 23, 12-20-87, Green Card, $200,000/$222,250.
13. M Robbie Rogers, USA, 23, 5-12-87, $140,000/$140,000.
14. M Dejan Rusmir, Serbia, 31, 1-28-80, International, $159,996/$170,496.
15. M/F Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, 22, 5-24-88, International, $42,000/$42,000.
16. F/M Justin Meram, USA, 22, 12-4-88, $42,000/$66,375.
17. F Andres Mendoza, Peru, 32, 4-26-78, International, $500,000/$595,000.
18. F Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, 26, 10-9-84, International, $120,000/$121,875.
19. F Jeff Cunningham, USA, 34, 8-21-76, $140,000/$152,500.
20. F Tom Heinemann, USA, 23, 4-23-87, $42,000/$42,000.
----------------------

Again, based on salary and PT, these are the top 20 save for Duka and Tchani, who are both GA and off-budget. The $42k could be anywhere, but the guys on the SR are clearly higher on the pecking order at this point.
-------------------------------

II. Off-Budget Roster: Spots 21-24. 4/4 filled. GA players. $42,000 Min.

No age restriction. No MAX? Up to two Homegrown Players can be singed to GA contracts. No limit on # of Homegrowns.

21. M Dilaver Duka, USA, 21, 9-15-89, Gen. Adidas, $90,000/$223,000.
22. M Tony Tchani, Cameroon, 22, 4-13-89, GA, Green Card, $90k/$194,000.
23. M Cole Grossman, USA, 21, 4-10-89, $42,000/$42,000.
24. D/M Josh Williams, USA, 22, 4-18-88, $42,000/$42,000. (Disabled List)
-----------------------


III. Off Budget Roster: Spots 25-30. 6/6. $32,600 Min.

Players making $32.6k must be under 25 in 2011. Spots 29-30 can be left open and the club can receive $35k per slot in allocation money. No indication of a MAX salary here, so players on this roster could make MORE than $32.6k as long as they meet the age requirement.

25. D Korey Veeder, USA, 19, 10-13-91, $32,600/$34,475.
26. M Eric Gehrig, USA, 23, 12-15-87, $32,600/$32,600.
27. M Santiago Prim, Argentina, 20, 5-11-90, International, $32,600/$32,600.
28. F Aaron Horton, USA, 18, 5-19-92, Homegrown, $???/$???
29. GK Alex Riggs, USA, 22, 3-17-88, $32,600/$32,600.
30. D/M Ben Sippola, USA, 21, 7-13-89, $32,600/$32,600.
------------------------

IV. International Slots. 7 of 8. Teams start w/ 8, they can be traded.

Emmanuel Ekpo (Nigeria), and Julius James (Trinidad & Tobago) have green cards. And I believe Tony Tchani (Cameroon) does as well.

1. F Andres Mendoza, Peru, Senior Roster, DP
2. F/M Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, Senior Roster
3. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, Senior Roster
4. M Dejan Rusmir, Serbia, Senior Roster
5. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, Senior Roster
6. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, Senior Roster
7. M Santiago Prim, Argentina, Apprentice Roster
--------------------------------------
8.

 

And now for the Expansion draft rules:

http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/2012-expansion-draft-rules

1) Teams can protect 11
2) Teams can only lose 1 player each
3) Out of contract players (Rogers, Ekpo, Burns) are still considered part of the team's roster
4) GA players who don't graduate and Homegrown players are auto-protected
----------For us, this means Duka, Tchani, and Horton--------------------
5) DP's do not have to be protected unless they have a no-trade clause
6) A team with 7 internationals (Mendoza, Renteria, Miranda, Rusmir, Francis, Anor, Prim) has to protect at least three.

 

Well, here the list,

http://www.dispatch.com/content/blogs/covering-the-crew/index.html

Looks like we had to protect both Duka and Tchani. Rogers was protected, Ekpo was not. Neither was Mendoza

Protected:
1) Gaven
2) Marshall
3) Duka
4) Renteria (Int)
5) James
6) Balchan
7) Miranda (Int)
8) Hesmer
9) Rogers
10) Tchani
11) Anor (Int)
12) Horton (Homegrown/exempt)

Unprotected guys who played: Mendoza (Int), Ekpo, Gardner, O'Rourke, Francis (Int), Meram, Rusmir (Int), Burns, Cunningham, Heinemann, Gehrig, Gruenebaum.

Unprotected who didn't play much: Grossman, Williams, Veeder, Prim (Int), Riggs, Sippola.

Considering we had to protect Duka and Tchani, it's a pretty good list. We must think there is a chance Robbie may be back. Hopefully, we are right. Still, besides O'Rourke, with his injury and salaries, there isn't anyone on there whom losing will be a big blow, and Dany was hurt almost all of last year anyway.

 

Well, the draft is over and Gardner is gone. Bummer. He did a nice job for us last year. Time for Francis/O'Rourke/Balchan to take over at LB. He had to be next in line to protect if Duka/Tchani didn't graduate. If Robbie's not here next year, I'm going to be upset.

Here's a more accurate list, breakdown at this point. Though some of it is surely speculative. I've included guys I don't expect to be back under the dotted line.

I. On Budget/Senior Roster: Players under Contract. 18-20, club's option. Cap at $2,675,000.

Team can opt for only 18 players, but will still be charged a min amount per open roster spot below 18 towards the cap. DP's count $335,000 if not paid down via allocation $$. In season DP's count $167,500 against the cap.

#. Position. Player, Nationality, Age, DOB, Roster Notes, '11 Salary Base/Guar.
1. GK William Hesmer, USA, 29, 11-23-81, $152,500/$163,500.
2. GK Andy Gruenebaum, USA, 28, 12-30-82, $65,000/$66,667.
3. D Chad Marshall, USA, 26, 8-22-84, $250,000/$320,000.
4. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, 30, 8-26-80, International, $110,000/$115,000.
5. D Julius James, Trinidad & Tobago, 26, 7-9-84, Green Card, $62,794/$72,169.
6. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, 24, 10-2-86, International, $42,000/$42,000.
7. M/D Danny O'Rourke, USA, 27, 5-31-83, $121,000/$133,500
8. M/D Rich Balchan, USA, 21, 1-18-89, $42,000/$58,875.
9. M Eddie Gaven, USA, 24, 10-25-86, $209,633/$209,633.
10. M Dilaver Duka, USA, 21, 9-15-89, Gen. Adidas, $90,000/$223,000.
11. M Tony Tchani, Cameroon, 22, 4-13-89, GA, Green Card, $90k/$194,000.
12. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, 22, 5-24-88, International, $42,000/$42,000.
13. M/F Justin Meram, USA, 22, 12-4-88, $42,000/$66,375.
14. F Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, 26, 10-9-84, International, $120,000/$121,875.
15. F Andres Mendoza, Peru, 32, 4-26-78, International, $500,000/$595,000.
16. F Tom Heinemann, USA, 23, 4-23-87, $42,000/$42,000.
-----------------------------------------------------
17. M Dejan Rusmir, Serbia, 31, 1-28-80, International, $159,996/$170,496.
18. F Jeff Cunningham, USA, 34, 8-21-76, $140,000/$152,500.
--------------------------------
19.
20.

Notes: We can free a lot of salary (around $300k) if Jeff and Rusmir are not here next year. Neither was terribly impressive or a heavy contributor, so I'd expect both to be moving on. Duka/Tchani could both be making more this year, and if Robbie/Ekpo come back, that will be some cake as well.

Still, I'd expect a move for a legit foreign player. Either a forward, CAM/CM type, or an impact winger. Between O'Rourke, Tchani, Balchan, and Gehrig, I'd hope we have CM/DM covered.

And remember, I believe anyone in the $42k club (Francis, Heinemann + maybe Balchan/Meram) could move down a roster if needed. Still, with open spots and Duka and Tchani making the jump, I don't see anyone on one of the lower rosters challenging for a Senior spot, though Gehrig will certainly play some.
-----------------------------------------------

II. Off-Budget Roster: Spots 21-24. 4/4 filled. GA players. $42,000 Min.

No age restriction. No MAX? Up to two Homegrown Players can be singed to GA contracts. No limit on # of Homegrowns.

21. M Cole Grossman, USA, 21, 4-10-89, $42,000/$42,000.
-----------------------------------
22. D/M Josh Williams, USA, 22, 4-18-88, $42,000/$42,000.
23.
24.

I'd expect our top two draft picks (hopefully at least one GA eligible) to occupy two of these spots, maybe more. I think Grossman will stick around, but I'm far from certain. Williams' spot, who has been here two years, but played less last year (suspension/injury) than two years ago, is even more precarious.

I certainly don't see either guy challenging for significant minutes or a SR spot.
-------------------------------------------------------

III. Apprentice Roster: Off Budget Roster: Spots 25-30. 6/6. $32,600 Min.

Players making $32.6k must be under 25 in 2011. Spots 29-30 can be left open and the club can receive $35k per slot in allocation money. No indication of a MAX salary here, so players on this roster could make MORE than $32.6k as long as they meet the age requirement.

25. M Eric Gehrig, USA, 23, 12-15-87, $32,600/$32,600.
26. D Korey Veeder, USA, 19, 10-13-91, $32,600/$34,475.
27. F Aaron Horton, USA, 18, 5-19-92, Homegrown, $???/$???
28. M Santiago Prim, Argentina, 20, 5-11-90, International, $32,600/$32,600.
29. GK Alex Riggs, USA, 22, 3-17-88, $32,600/$32,600.
-------------------------------------------
30. D/M Ben Sippola, USA, 21, 7-13-89, $32,600/$32,600.

Gehrig the head of the class here. He saw significant action with the Senior Team, but unless unless he gets a salary bump to $42k, there is no other roster he can be on. I'd also think Veeder, Prim, and Horton also stay, and probably Riggs as the 3rd keeper. Not so sure about Sippola.
------------------------

IV. International Slots. 7 of 8. Teams start w/ 8, they can be traded.

Emmanuel Ekpo (Nigeria), and Julius James (Trinidad & Tobago) have green cards. And I believe Tony Tchani (Cameroon) does as well.

1. F Andres Mendoza, Peru, Senior Roster, DP
2. F/M Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, Senior Roster
3. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, Senior Roster
4. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, Senior Roster
5. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, Senior Roster
6. M Santiago Prim, Argentina, Apprentice Roster
----------------------------------
7. M Dejan Rusmir, Serbia, Senior Roster
8.

I changed the order here, as I don't think Rusmir will be back. And Anor was protected.

V. Out of Contract = 3.

Played last year, this year, who knows. Hopeful on Robbie since we protected him. Doubtful on Many or Burns.

1. M Robbie Rogers, USA, 23, 5-12-87, $140,000/$140,000 (Senior Roster)
2. M Emmanuel Ekpo, Nigeria, 23, 12-20-87, Green Card, $200,000/$222,250 (Senior Roster)
3. M/D Kevin Burns, USA, 25, 3-26-85, $42,000/$42,000 (Senior/Off-Budget)

VI. Out = 1.
1. D/M Josh Gardner, USA, 28, 9-14-82, $49,200/$49,200 (Expansion Draft, Montreal).

VII. In

 

Well, we had 1 international slot open, and Rusmir being waived freed another. So I doubt that was it.

Updated list. Though I don't think it will happen here, the waive and re-sign for a lower salary (Griffit) could still happen with Rusmir.

I. On Budget/Senior Roster: Players under Contract. 17 of 18-20, club's option. Cap at $2,675,000.

Team can opt for only 18 players, but will still be charged a min amount per open roster spot below 18 towards the cap. DP's count $335,000 if not paid down via allocation $$. In season DP's count $167,500 against the cap.

#. Position. Player, Nationality, Age, DOB, Roster Notes, '11 Salary Base/Guar.
1. GK William Hesmer, USA, 29, 11-23-81, $152,500/$163,500.
2. GK Andy Gruenebaum, USA, 28, 12-30-82, $65,000/$66,667.
3. D Chad Marshall, USA, 26, 8-22-84, $250,000/$320,000.
4. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, 30, 8-26-80, International, $110,000/$115,000.
5. D Julius James, Trinidad & Tobago, 26, 7-9-84, Green Card, $62,794/$72,169.
6. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, 24, 10-2-86, International, $42,000/$42,000.
7. M/D Danny O'Rourke, USA, 27, 5-31-83, $121,000/$133,500
8. M/D Rich Balchan, USA, 21, 1-18-89, $42,000/$58,875.
9. M Eddie Gaven, USA, 24, 10-25-86, $209,633/$209,633.
10. M Dilaver Duka, USA, 21, 9-15-89, Gen. Adidas, $90,000/$223,000.
11. M Tony Tchani, Cameroon, 22, 4-13-89, GA, Green Card, $90k/$194,000.
12. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, 22, 5-24-88, International, $42,000/$42,000.
13. M/F Justin Meram, USA, 22, 12-4-88, $42,000/$66,375.
14. F Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, 26, 10-9-84, International, $120,000/$121,875.
15. F Andres Mendoza, Peru, 32, 4-26-78, International, $500,000/$595,000.
16. F Tom Heinemann, USA, 23, 4-23-87, $42,000/$42,000.
-----------------------------------------------------
17. F Jeff Cunningham, USA, 34, 8-21-76, $140,000/$152,500.
18.
19.
20.

Rusmir out saves us over $150k, I'd expect Cunningham to go as well.

Still, I'd expect a move for a legit foreign player. Either a forward, CAM/CM type, or an impact winger. Between O'Rourke, Tchani, Balchan, and Gehrig, I'd hope we have CM/DM covered.

And remember, I believe anyone in the $42k club (Francis, Heinemann + maybe Balchan/Meram) could move down a roster if needed. Still, with open spots and Duka and Tchani making the jump, I don't see anyone on one of the lower rosters challenging for a Senior spot, though Gehrig will certainly play some.
-----------------------------------------------

II. Off-Budget Roster: Spots 21-24. 2/4 filled. GA players. $42,000 Min.

No age restriction. No MAX? Up to two Homegrown Players can be singed to GA contracts. No limit on # of Homegrowns.

21. M Cole Grossman, USA, 21, 4-10-89, $42,000/$42,000.
-----------------------------------
22. D/M Josh Williams, USA, 22, 4-18-88, $42,000/$42,000.
23.
24.

I'd expect our top two draft picks (hopefully at least one GA eligible) to occupy two of these spots, maybe more. I think Grossman will stick around, but I'm far from certain. Williams' spot, who has been here two years, but played less last year (suspension/injury) than two years ago, is even more precarious.

I certainly don't see either guy challenging for significant minutes or a SR spot.
-------------------------------------------------------

III. Apprentice Roster: Off Budget Roster: Spots 25-30. 5/6. $32,600 Min.

Players making $32.6k must be under 25 in 2011. Spots 29-30 can be left open and the club can receive $35k per slot in allocation money. No indication of a MAX salary here, so players on this roster could make MORE than $32.6k as long as they meet the age requirement.

25. M Eric Gehrig, USA, 23, 12-15-87, $32,600/$32,600.
26. D Korey Veeder, USA, 19, 10-13-91, $32,600/$34,475.
27. F Aaron Horton, USA, 18, 5-19-92, Homegrown, $???/$???
28. GK Alex Riggs, USA, 22, 3-17-88, $32,600/$32,600.
-------------------------------------------
29. D/M Ben Sippola, USA, 21, 7-13-89, $32,600/$32,600.
30.

Gehrig the head of the class here. He saw significant action with the Senior Team, but unless unless he gets a salary bump to $42k, there is no other roster he can be on. Prim already waved. Expect a low draft pick to take at least one spot here. Or another HG player.
------------------------

IV. International Slots. 5 of 8. Teams start w/ 8, they can be traded.

Emmanuel Ekpo (Nigeria), and Julius James (Trinidad & Tobago) have green cards. And I believe Tony Tchani (Cameroon) does as well.

1. F Andres Mendoza, Peru, Senior Roster, DP
2. F/M Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, Senior Roster
3. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, Senior Roster
4. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, Senior Roster
5. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, Senior Roster
--------------------------------------
6.
7.
8.

Both Rusmir and Prim were waived. Three open spots, as of now.
--------------------------

V. Out of Contract = 3.

Played last year, this year, who knows. Hopeful on Robbie since we protected him. Doubtful on Many or Burns.

1. M Robbie Rogers, USA, 23, 5-12-87, $140,000/$140,000 (Senior Roster)
2. M Emmanuel Ekpo, Nigeria, 23, 12-20-87, Green Card, $200,000/$222,250 (Senior Roster)
3. M/D Kevin Burns, USA, 25, 3-26-85, $42,000/$42,000 (Senior/Off-Budget)
-------------------------

VI. Out = 3.
1. D/M Josh Gardner, USA, 28, 9-14-82, $49,200/$49,200 (Expansion Draft, Montreal).
2. M Dejan Rusmir, Serbia, 31, 1-28-80, International, $159,996/$170,496 (waived).
3. M Santiago Prim, Argentina, 20, 5-11-90, International, $32,600/$32,600 (waived)

VII. In

 

As others have said, down to 20 in terms of guys under contract, as the Crew declined the options of not only Rusmir and Prim (waived), but also Mendoza, Cunningham, Burns, Riggs, and Sippola.

http://www.dispatch.com/content/blogs/covering-the-crew/index.html

Of course, just because we declined the option doesn't mean a player couldn't return at a lower price, like Griffit did last year. However, since Burns, Riggs, and Sippola are already so low paid, I don't see that as an option. And I don't see Mendoza or Cunningham coming back, either. Productivity being the problem in the latter's case, and no way Mendoza comes back for less money with his tail between his legs.

Still, it was interesting to not that the Crew made offers to both Rogers and Ekpo. If things don't work out overseas, they'll both probably be back.

So, where does that leave us?

Well, first off, with lots of open roster spots (10, 8 if Rogers & Ekpo return). And at all roster levels. Of the 20 guys under contract, I'd project 15 as "Senior" players, but 3 of those make the $42k/$42k and could easily be moved down to the 21-24 slots if more senior players are signed (Francis, Anor, Heinemann), and Balchan and Meram also make a $42k base. So, really, on 10 guys who make more than the $42k base (the minimum salary for exempt players).

So, at least 5 spots open on the senior roster (3 if Rogers & Ekpo come back), with room for 8, if needed. And 10 spots overall.

Second, with some serious cash.

Mendoza ($500k), Cunningham ($140k), and Rusmir ($160k) free up $800,000 in base salary. Throw in Gardner ($50k), Prim ($32.6k), Burns ($42k), Sippola ($32.6k), and Riggs ($32.6k) and that is almost $1 million in savings. Throw in Rogers ($140k) and Ekpo ($200k) and that's a lot of savings.

Right now, here are the salary numbers for our 15 senior players:
Base = $1,489,927. Last year's cap = $2,675,000. Free = $1,194.073 million.
Guaranteed = $1,870,594. Cap = $2,675,000. Free = $804,406.

Again, I don't know which, if either, number is used for cap purposes. Or how Duka's and Tchani's numbers will change for this year, but we still have some operating room. I know that.

I. Senior Roster/On Budget (SR): Players under Contract. 15 of 18-20, club's option. Cap at $2,675,000.

Team can opt for only 18 players, but will still be charged a min amount per open roster spot below 18 towards the cap. DP's count $335,000 if not paid down via allocation $$. In season DP's count $167,500 against the cap.

#. Position. Player, Nationality, Age, DOB, Roster Notes, '11 Salary Base/Guar.
1. GK William Hesmer, USA, 29, 11-23-81, $152,500/$163,500.
2. GK Andy Gruenebaum, USA, 28, 12-30-82, $65,000/$66,667.
3. D Chad Marshall, USA, 26, 8-22-84, $250,000/$320,000.
4. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, 30, 8-26-80, International, $110,000/$115,000.
5. D Julius James, Trinidad & Tobago, 26, 7-9-84, Green Card, $62,794/$72,169.
6. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, 24, 10-2-86, International, $42,000/$42,000.
7. M/D Danny O'Rourke, USA, 27, 5-31-83, $121,000/$133,500
8. M/D Rich Balchan, USA, 21, 1-18-89, $42,000/$58,875.
9. M Eddie Gaven, USA, 24, 10-25-86, $209,633/$209,633.
10. M Dilaver Duka, USA, 21, 9-15-89, $90,000/$223,000.
11. M Tony Tchani, Cameroon, 22, 4-13-89, Green Card, $90k/$194,000.
12. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, 22, 5-24-88, International, $42,000/$42,000.
13. M/F Justin Meram, USA, 22, 12-4-88, $42,000/$66,375.
14. F Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, 26, 10-9-84, International, $120,000/$121,875.
15. F Tom Heinemann, USA, 23, 4-23-87, $42,000/$42,000.
-----------------------------------------------------
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Losing Mendoza ($500k), Cunningham ($140k), and Rusmir ($150k) saves us a pretty penny. Not to mention Rogers ($140k) and Ekpo ($200k).

Still, I'd expect a move for a legit foreign player. Either a forward, CAM/CM type, or an impact winger. Between O'Rourke, Tchani, Balchan, and Gehrig, I'd hope we have CM/DM covered.

Still, with open spots and Duka and Tchani making the jump, I don't see anyone on one of the lower rosters challenging for a Senior spot, though Gehrig will certainly play some.
-----------------------------------------------

II. Exempt Roster/Off-Budget (ER): Spots 21-24. 2/4 filled. GA players. $42,000 Min.

No age restriction. No MAX? Up to two Homegrown Players can be singed to GA contracts. No limit on # of Homegrowns.

21. M Cole Grossman, USA, 21, 4-10-89, $42,000/$42,000.
-----------------------------------
22. D/M Josh Williams, USA, 22, 4-18-88, $42,000/$42,000.
23.
24.

I'd expect our top two draft picks (hopefully at least one GA eligible) to occupy two of these spots, maybe more. I think Grossman will stick around, but I'm far from certain. Williams' spot, who has been here two years, but played less last year (suspension/injury) than two years ago, is even more precarious.

I certainly don't see either guy challenging for significant minutes or a SR spot.
-------------------------------------------------------

III. Apprentice Roster/Off Budget (AR): Spots 25-30. 3/6. $32,600 Min.

Players making $32.6k must be under 25 in 2011. Spots 29-30 can be left open and the club can receive $35k per slot in allocation money. No indication of a MAX salary here, so players on this roster could make MORE than $32.6k as long as they meet the age requirement.

25. M Eric Gehrig, USA, 23, 12-15-87, $32,600/$32,600.
26. D Korey Veeder, USA, 19, 10-13-91, $32,600/$34,475.
27. F Aaron Horton, USA, 18, 5-19-92, Homegrown, $???/$???
28.
29.
30.

Gehrig the head of the class here. He saw significant action with the Senior Team, but unless unless he gets a salary bump to $42k, there is no other roster he can be on. Prim already waved. Expect a low draft pick to take at least one spot here. Or another HG player.
------------------------

IV. International Slots. 4 of 8. Teams start w/ 8, they can be traded.

Emmanuel Ekpo (Nigeria), and Julius James (Trinidad & Tobago) have green cards. And I believe Tony Tchani (Cameroon) does as well.

1. F/M Emilio Renteria, Venezuela, Senior Roster
2. D Sebastian Miranda, Chile, Senior Roster
3. M Bernardo Anor, Venezuela, Senior Roster
4. D Shaun Francis, Jamaica, Senior Roster
--------------------------------------
5.
6.
7.
8.
--------------------------

V. Out of Contract = 2.

Played last year, this year, who knows. Hopeful on Robbie since we protected him. We made offers to Rogers & Ekpo, but both declined.

1. M Robbie Rogers, USA, 23, 5-12-87, $140,000/$140,000 (Senior Roster)
2. M Emmanuel Ekpo, Nigeria, 23, 12-20-87, Green Card, $200,000/$222,250 (Senior Roster)
-------------------------

VI. Out = 8
1. D/M Josh Gardner, USA, 28, 9-14-82, $49,200/$49,200 (SR) (Expansion Draft, Montreal).
2. M Dejan Rusmir, Serbia, 31, 1-28-80, International, $159,996/$170,496 (SR) (waived).
3. M Santiago Prim, Argentina, 20, 5-11-90, International, $32,600/$32,600 (AR) (waived)
4. F Andres Mendoza, Peru, 32, 4-26-78, International, $500k/$595k (SR) (option declined)
5. F Jeff Cunningham, USA, 34, 8-21-76, $140,000/$152,500 (SR) (option declined)
6. M/D Kevin Burns, USA, 25, 3-26-85, $42,000/$42,000 (SR/ER) (option declined)
7. D/M Ben Sippola, USA, 21, 7-13-89, $32,600/$32,600. (AR) (option declined)
8. GK Alex Riggs, USA, 22, 3-17-88, $32,600/$32,600 (AR) (option declined)


VII. In = 0.
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Per the usual, feel free to fix my many mistakes.