OK, CyberRays fans, where's our draft speculation?

I think we could stand to have another forward. We're stacked in the back and I think we're fine with the midfield (until Vench leaves). I'd take Kim Patrick if she's still around. She's fiesty, has great ball control and service and a nose for the goal. She has experience being the team leader at Tennessee and being a part of the UNC system. Whatever team gets her will be extremely lucky.

 

I think our big pickup in the draft will turn out to be Mandy Clemens.

By the time we really get to pick, there aren't going to be any impact players available. I'm not saying there's no chance anyone we draft will make the team; it's just that if they do it'll be because they're a marginal improvement over Theresa Wagner or Lisa Nanez. If anyone we draft actually turns out to be a starter, or even an important sub, it'll be quite a pleasant surprise.

 

I agree with Druid Squirrel. By the time we pick, unless other teams miss somebody, there's not much of a chance that we'll get someone who's a huge impact player. We draft 12th, and then not again until 28th. I think by the 12th pick, we go with best available forward or midfielder, and see if that pick isn't just a touch better than someone we've got on the bench.

I know players I'd like to see on the 'Rays, but it isn't likely to happen without some trades.

 

Dangle Dorn & # 12 for NY's # 9. NY need warm bodies. SJ will then be in position to draft a valuable contributor, either Portland's Misaki or Barr.

 

cachundo is exactly reading my mind.

 

If it happens, buy me a beer on opening day.

 

After the insults you flung at me on the Charge forum?

Good try, though.



Which reminds me...anyone hear anything concrete about Latham yet? Women's Soccer Insider recently reported that it rumoured she's already going to San Diego as an allocation. You might very well owe bigo that beer, cachundo.

 

ooooh that could work!

 

I'd say the CyberRays need a power forward and playmaking midfielder about equally. Mandy Clemens should help Katia on the attack (a la Julie Murray) but the Rays still need someone playing the role that Christina Bell did in that first season. In the midfield, without Sissi the Rays are in trouble. If she's not at 100%, who steps in? Especially if this is Tisha's last season, the team needs a backup.

I do think there might be someone decent at either position left at the 12th pick, like Marcia Wallis or even Erin Misaki. I agree the other one will have to come through a trade, or by dropping a current international for a discovery player.

Question: what ever happened to those "future considerations" due from Philly for giving them the Rays second round pick last year? I think I'm remembering that right - does anyone else know?

 

I'll half answer my own question. A note on the 2002 WUSA draft recap says: "The San Jose CyberRays trade its second round pick (16th overall) to the Philadelphia Charge for future considerations."

I still don't have a clue what "future considerations" really means. Did they somehow factor into the Clemens trade?

 

That means a player (or players), another pick(s), or cash can be dealt for later (or in the future as defined).

 

I think it would be great if Callie Withers was still available when we pick at #12. I worry about both Sissi and Tisha slowing down and/or retiring soon, and it would be great to bring Callie into the pros with the Rays so she could anchor the mid in coming years.

BondOne

 

We get Barr, no trades needed. Yea for us!!