We have two allocations and both are the first two on the allocation pecking order. We had the worst record last year so any lottery will have us weighted the most. We have the #1, #5, #11, and #14 picks in next weekend's Superdooperdraft. We have easily the the most cap space in the league at this point. Taken all together, these four facts give us a huge loaded gun to go hunting for players in the next couple of weeks. We have all this power over not only what we want but also over other teams. Every other team needs to take us into account somehow in going for almost anything they want. So far Hudson has set up the team to make amazing strides forward. What an opportunity for our coach and GM! Hudson should be able to mold the team into almost exactly what he wants. In fact one could say that his/their whole future in coaching rests on what he and Kaspar do in the next couple of weeks. (Well maybe longer but much of what they want to do will go down in the next two weeks.) Can they do it?
allocations And, also, the developmental roster has been increased by two players, so with good draft picks (not DC's strength particularly in years past), there will be additional depth that could be available. About the allocations: I'm very curious to watch the next few weeks.... I'm trying hard to imagine desirable and yet realistic scenarios that would involve DC trading allocations for quality players already in MLS.... I'm finding it hard. Connolly on ESPN sees Stewart going to Dallas, http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=254349&cc=5901 "Based on one source that believes that Stewart will ultimately end up in Dallas, there's a good chance that Moore becomes the player who D.C. goes after (more on that later).... Of course, Stewart landing in Dallas is all speculation, but it remains the surest bet as of now." Connolly also has Moore being pursued by Hudson. Still, perhaps Moore doesn't come to MLS or the league places him back in New England. Moore doesn't come to the MLS/goes to NE. Stewart goes to Dallas.... Unless Ray has a marquee league signing under wraps, what's the use of allocations (for the near future, at least), except in trade? Signing a player like Ivanov doesn't involve an allocation, does it? Hejduk? Interesting idea. I wonder what Frankie says about DC. As Ursula says, we'll see....
Oh, another thing: given the increase in the developmental roster, I hope that Ray keeps all the draft picks.
To be fair to Ray and Dave, the two allocations and the draft picks have inherent limitations. Very few draftees have made an immediate impact on their teams. Perhaps Eskandarian will, but DC management would be wise to play down expectations, particularly for a forward. It's possible that a defender or defensive midfielder drafted in a high round could help in 2003, but the odds are against it. Draftees are investments for the future, for 2004 and 2005. The allocations could produce (and should produce) players who can make an impact now. But MLS teams have a limited selection to pick from. MLS does not pay well compared to many other leagues. Its season is out of sync with many of the other leagues. MLS does not really offer high visibility or status to foreigner players or opportunities to improve one's game. And not every foreigner would blend well with a largely American side. Ray and Dave are looking for a relatively rate commodity -- players outside MLS whom MLS can afford and will contribute immediately. Of course, that's their job, but it's not necessarily a snap. A further thought -- identifying players on other teams who can contribute to your team is not so simple either. If you look at Premiership rosters, for example, you find many players that were purchased for big bucks (pounds?) but have hardly ever appeared for their new team. Partly that's the result of the nutty approach to team payrolls in England, but it's also a result of the difficulties of scouting players properly. Frankly, I am not sure why anyone would want to be fair to either Ray or Dave, but there's no point in making ourselves crazier by expecting modern versions of Pele and Maradona to appear on the DC roster by the end of the month just because DC can pick some players.
Good post Jim but also in fairness to the fans when a roster is blown apart, as United's has been, expectations will automatically rise.