Reading the various reports from spain (thanks 3rd degree), I cannot but feel excited for, at the very least, what Clarke is doing with the team's "chemistry-building" process. I didn't get the same feeling from reading the reports from Chile last year. Clarke cleary knows that is one area that badly needs repairs, and good for him for the various things he is doing to improve that. Hopefully this is a good omen of things to come.
That's all well and good, but I wish we had more of our core players participating in the on-field portion of this "chemistry-building." We really need Gibbs, the mysterious disappearing d-mid, and the inexplicably "fatigued" Davis all out there logging minutes together in preparation for the upcoming season. Does fielding Stone, Wagenfarh, Behnke, Rhine and Curtis for these preseason matches really help us get ready for the season? I know lots of it is unavoidable due to injury and CC doubtless knows more than I do, but I wish we were getting more of a head start than we seem to be.
Jambon - 3rddegree mentioned (briefly) that Cory is in the process of moving from Europe to Texas and is expected to join the team next week. So, no mystery.
Actually, the mysterious disappearing d-mid I was referring to was the fellow from the witness protection program that is supposed to muffle that giant sucking sound in the middle of our midfield.
That is all valid, and especially with so much roster shake up the starting unit does need to get time together...but there is a cup is half full side too (yes - I have officially changed my name to pollyanna and am currently in my office wearing a skirt ) The young guys (Stone, Wagenfuhr, Behnke) are getting great experience playing in the first teams against solid competition and let's not forget that guys like Nhlecko, Curtis, Jolley haven't been with the team long either. We've still got over a month for the first squad to get time in together - but the fact is that once April hits some of these guys (Wagenfuhr, Goodson, Stone, etc.) won't be seeing much of the pitch, so now is probably an opportune time to get them blooded in the system so when the heat of summer comes around they can make some important appearances. (This is also the primary reason I'm disapointed that Nunez has been banged up - I thought Spain might be his best opportunity for quality minutes before summer.)
Colin and I talked a little bit about it, he is a little frustrated he can't get more of his team here and/or ready to play. But I would agree good progrees son chemestry front. Playes seems positive and ready to get it going. Jolley and Talley have both ben real positive additions in terms of locker room form where I am sitting. Cory will be here Sunday, Quill looks ready for full traning, not sure on Talley, Kreis, Gbandi, Glinton, and Nunez.