Spencer against Roberts? I would say that Carrieri is going to be the one fighting for a starting spot. Most likely against Spencer. I would assume that Roberts will start to give us the height we so badly need up front. I wonder if Connolly knows something we don't or if he is clueless.
Re: Spencer against Roberts? Yea, he sets up a couple of funny dichotomies, at least to my way of thinking. While Carrieri came on strong last year, if the Rapids get Roberts and put him instantaneously into the starting lineup, I figure it's Spencer's job to lose, with Carrieri coming off the bench around the '65 or '70 mark to run his ass off agaisnt the tired defenses. While Buddle v. West may be one competiition going on in Crew camp, by mid-season it most likely will be Buddle v. Cunningham or even, god forbid, Buddle v. McHead. IMHO Buddle is that good, and is only likely to get better, presuming he is 100% coming off his injury. As far as West goes, as good as he can be sometimes, I think Andrulis will get Buddle in the lineup no matter what, and if it's not up front, then West sits. As far as DeRo v. Barclay goes, I'm not sure DeRo's main competition won't be Mullan. Mullan ain't exactly Ronaldo but last year Barclay couldn't have beaten a 60 year old Pele. I'd have to see it to believe it that Devin has improved that much in the off season. Of course, he was played out of position last year at right mid most of the time when he did (infrequently) play, so maybe he'll look more natural up top if given the chance. A lot of course will depend on how either of these two mesh with Golden Boy, which really shouldn't be that hard, though DeRo, with his incessant and often childish dribbling, has had trouble with in the past. I agree with him about Beckerman. It'd be nice to see - finally - what this kid has going for him. We saw some glimpses last year, but then he disappeared quicker than Basra will in March. I'm not convinced Hankinson really wants to give him that chance though, and is more likely to go with established vets as long as he any notsofresh veteran bodies to go with. Sorry for the length of this endoftheday post.
He forgot one: can Alecko knock out Santino to start up top with Earnie? And another one: is there any way that, barring an injury or Nats duty, Josh Wolff doesn't start every game for K.C.?
Ray loves Santino, as long as he is healthy he has the starting spot. Hope Beckerman gets to play, but Hankinson showed very little faith in him last year.
Re: Re: Spencer against Roberts? Andrulis has his favorites who start no matter what, and McBride seems to be in that camp as well as Mais (the Mais infatuation kills me). But I definately think that he'll take West's position.
But Ray is sure gushing about Eskandrian too. If they both produce early, I see Stewart going to the midfield. If one does and one doesn't, well, there's your answer.
Re: Re: Re: Spencer against Roberts? Not a Crew fan like you, but I think Mais was the most important player on your team last year in terms of consistency and performance. I might only write two or three names in the Columbus line-up in pen on a week-to-week basis, and his would be one of them.