It would seem to me that in preparation for expansion it would make sense to increase the foreigner allocation by one spot and enlarge the rosters slightly... that way, when expansion actually took place they could cut back on the rosters on each team but would still have available and proven talent who were familar with the standards of the league to fill the new teams... I just remember last time, when they actually cut the foreigner slots from 4 to 3 the year BEFORE the expansion... then, when the fusion and fire were added they had to look completely outside the league for players... i think it was very lucky that at least the fire seemed to come out of this smelling like roses, but it would have seemed to make sense to "blood" more players in the league prior to expansion... comments??? rand
I think the bigger restriction in American players not foreign players. There will always be a ton of foreign players the league can buy. There will not always be a supply of American players. If they had to increase the foreign player limit at some time, I'd do it exactly when they expand. That way, the American talent will not be stretched as thin. Of course, that's only if they had to increase the number of foreign players. I think it's fine the way it is.
Good plan I think it's a fine plan to swell the ranks before expanding. That's how cell division works, and them amoebas is sure smart! The roster expansion is a good idea, but the foreign allocation isn't necessary, since most foreign stars are guys like Valderama, Ruiz and Stoitchkov who've played for their national teams plenty and are already proven.
Re: Good plan What's the point? You expand the rosters and either leave the cap where it is (thus lowering the average salary) or raise the cap and increase the expenses for all the teams in the league (many of whom are still bleeding money). For what? To be able to lure away some guys who are currently or would be playing in the A-league so they can sit on the bench in MLS. Why not just let them play in the A-laugue, get some experience, and bring them in when the need/opportunity arises.
Re: Re: Good plan There is a big point to it. Giving each of 10 teams two more roster spots for developmental players gives MLS the ability to reduce the damage that expansion does on level of play. Teams that lose players to expansion picks then have more depth to absorb the loss. Expansion teams get a wider pool of players that, at least, have endured a year of training at the intensity and speed of MLS, and can at least start competently. My opinion is that 5 or 6 players a year come out of NCAA and don't make it, because they cannot break into 15 player rosters on NCAA experience. And they never make it back because no one in MLS has a year or two to invest in them. Giving those 20 players a year to train with MLS squads is a worthwhile chance to retain them when the league expands, and should help expansion teams fill out rosters.
Re: Re: Re: Good plan Agreed. Expanding the American roster size would help both players and the clubs. Clubs don't really have depth. Pro talent might get overlooked because players didn't get a long enough look. Eddie Robinson is a good example of college talent developed into pro talent. He got only a few minutes last year and hacked. When the Quakes had trouble in the backline he stepped in and came up big, had a great year. Now he's getting called up to the National Team. Adding roster spots will do nothing but help.
Expanding rosters would also be helpful for clubs playing in continental competitions. As it stands, a few injuries can really cripple a team. Or when half the team gets food poisoning.
It's entirely possible I'm missing something, but we already have expanded rosters: the four "developmental" players each team is allowed. It gives college players willing to play for peanuts a year or so to break in before they have to fight for the fifteen roster spots for AMericans (and don't forget... green card holders). Now, of course, there's only one reason we can't expand it more (or pay those developmental players a living wage): MLS doesn't have the money. It would be a great idea (especially because expansion could dilute the talent pool of seasoned professionals greatly...), but MLS can expand without it.