Maybe it's just me, but I don't remember the CrewFO working like this in the past (last several seasons at least). It seems like they're willing to go out and sign up these players a little more willingly than before. Obviously, the risk is reduced by getting Testo and Scott on loan with the option to buy. Is this some new concept that they came up with in the offseason that they just started using? Hopefully it pays off this season with some really good results.
Have other clubs used this "loan with option to buy" option recently in MLS? I don't really any. Is this some JIm Smith business savvy finally coming through?
I think that the Metros may have used this technique last year on a couple of guys from Argentina. I know they were on loan, just not whether there was a buy-out option involved. Regardless, they just chose to send them packing after last season...
I thought MLS wasn't keen on loans - but apparently they've changed their tune. I remember Forchetti and Galvan were on loan last year for the Metros, but I don't know about "option to buy". This has been a pretty good offseason, I think. Of course, we'll know better about half-way thru the season if it'll all pan out or not, but they appear to be making good, aggressive moves to improve the squad.
Come to think of it whats the difference between a loan and a loan with an option to buy? Isn't that option always there if the price is right? Or os this something where there is a set price before the loan is arranged?
the thing that impresses me the most... we still have BOTH allocations left. that to me is a very good sign. we've improved our squad with discoverys, trades and draft picks.
I believe "loan w/ option to buy" includes a set price - or an algorithm to set the price (if he scores X goals the purchase price goes up Y dollars).
Our FO has done it's job. It's down to you know who at this point. At least we have strenghtened out staff with the addition of Coach Murphy.
I would respectfully point out that IMO our Front Office "did it's job" before LAST season, too. Paule and Hejduk were HUGE acquisitions to go with a very talented roster, and the whole thing fell apart because the guy on the bench couldn't deliver when we hit some bumps in the road. And it scares me to death that the same incompetent is in charge today.
hey guys...just wanted to note that Fabian Taylor signed a similar deal where we actually only get him for a year loan, and then the deal is revisited with a 2nd year option...if you ask me, these clubs are getting smart and making sure they cash in on potential stars coming out of their systems, can't blame'em if thats the case..
So if Scott (or Fabian Taylor or Testo) draws interest from big clubs like La Liga or Premier League teams, who makes the decision whether or not to sell him? Us, or the home club?
So this leaves us with one full roster spot and two allocations. Is there one in the pipes before the season starts or are we waiting to use it mid season or for the August stretch run when the international transfer window opens up? I'll echo the feelings of others about the off season being productive and having some concern about whether Greggy can get them to win.
GK situation is supposed to be resolved very soon - maybe even this week. That would probably be the last roster change until August.
What kind of goal keeper are they going for? A replacement for Bush or someone to challenge his position.
Outside looking in I saw the Crew play last Saturday. Although I wasn't particularly impressed with the team play, you showed a very solid defense and a good base of players. Now to find out three key attacking players did not play, Lagos did not play, and the signing of the Costa Rican player, I am beginning to think the Crew has potential to be pretty darn good this year. With the signing of Scott will you be forced to drop any player(s)?
Re: Outside looking in None... we already had the salary cap room and the roster spot. Our salary cap space really increased with the departures of both McBride and Clark. I haven't heard a peep about Mais' re-hab, and I'm beginning to wonder if he'll be back. If not, and he has to retire due to his body quitting on him, that would free up a lot more salary cap space.