I'm not able to find the source being referenced, but yesterday in MLS' Gringo Report, they stated that there are clubs down in Mexico that are wanting to bring in Espinoza. The team has denied it, calling it silly. But the thing is, Espinoza's in a contract year, so he'd go on a free. I know I've had a conversation with someone fairly recently about Espinoza being in a contract year and I'd thrown out Mexico as the place that we would likely be fighting with to keep Roger in a KC uniform.
I also read this yesterday and believe this to be a credible rumor. Espinoza's effectiveness and style of play would be attractive to the Mexican teams. I am not sure that he would be a immediate starter on one of the big three clubs in Mexico, but probably would get a lot of minutes on any of the others.
The players association should be releasing salary info soon yes? Wonder where everybody stands this year, what kind of space we will have to "pay" players next year. And losing Roger would suck. His style is one of the more unique on the team and works great with the way we play as long as he doesn't pull a Roger and get himself sent off...
Considering we were looking for a DP and haven't made huge additions, I'd say we have some cap space.
I would hate to lose him to a free transfer. If he must go, I would rather get something out of it. Would his absence mean losing a title run? We will find out this weekend.
I hope we get to keep Espinoza for quite some time to come. The only thing bad about keeping Roger around for the long haul is that I figure he has to have a shortened career due to the fact that he doesn't pull out of situations where he probably should: 50/50 balls where the other guy is coming in hard, Roger goes right in as well with no hesitation - many times to the receiving end of some brutal hits and collisions. I also figure this is why he'll always be a red card liability - but one that I accept gladly.
Since you brought it up salaries from last year, Nagamura made $225K, Espinoza made $100K. I don't think Nagamura is making that this year, at least I hope not.