In the NFL he's known as "Mr. Irrelevant," and he gets some press because it's so unlikely he'll make the roster. I think he even gets a car and some bonus money, although I don't know who puts that up. Anyone know who have been the last picks in previous MLS drafts? I think the whole concept is rather funny. This year the league champion L.A. Galaxy have the 60th, and final, pick in the draft. (Edited to add a link I found) http://espn.go.com/magazine/flemfile_irrelevant_20010417.html
These names aren't gonna mean much to you, but here are the Mr. Irrelevants for the 3 SuperDrafts in league history... 2002 - Lars Lyssand (San Jose ) 2001 - Matthew Cross (Kansas City) 2000 - Ali John Utush (Los Angeles ) [DC actually passed with the final pick... this was second to last] There's always a player or two in the last few rounds to make a roster. 2002 - SIXTH ROUND: Jeff Moore (Metros defensive midfielder - 18 games played in 2002) 2001 - SIXTH ROUND: Russell Payne (emergency backup keeper for the Metros on occassion); Miguel Saavedra (P-40 in Chicago); Daouda Kante (eventually ended up in New England in 2002, and was one of the top defenders in MLS the second half of the year) 2000 - SIXTH ROUND: Angelo Rivillo (Burn midfielder). FIFTH ROUND: Ian Russell (SJ - starting midfielder for 2 years)
Just wondering who actually makes the team through late rounds 4-6... Any all stars came out of the late rounds? can't think of one rite now...
Get the next issue of Andy Mead's excellent Emerald City Gazette for an analysis of the first seven years' worth of various MLS drafts, including a look at busts and steals. It's supposed to be out this week.