Buzz and I have posted our report cards for the season. They can be found at: www.3rddegree.net talk amongst yourselves. peet
Most of the grades look right on target to me. However, I'd give Jason a bit higher grade than Peet or Buzz. Kreis finished #6 in the league in goal scoring even while battling through injuries so I think Jason earned a B+ this season. For the players where Peet and Buzz disagree a bit, interestingly, it seems as though the average of the two grades reflects the players' performances pretty well: Vaca: Peet C+, Buzz A-; avg: B Zarco: Peet D, Buzz B-; avg: C- EJ: Peet D-, Buzz C+; avg: C-
I agree with most observations too. Would love to be a fly-on-the-wall in EJ's house one day - to see what he's "really" like. Bet it t'would b interesting.
Good stuff. 3D rocks. I generally agree with the comments, but would grade them a little differently I think. My favorite analysis was the Ryan Suarez trying to be Roberto Carlos by trying to do to much when he sometimes needs to concentrate on defending. When Suarez learns that, he has a chance to be a great player, until then, IMHO, he takes too many chances to be called a defender. I wonder if Jefferies did the same thing Scolari did and just made a 352 and called Suarez and/or Broome midfielders how that would work? As for the Johnson analysis, well I disagree, but most of you already knew that. Before grading him so harshly, look at his points per minute played and put those against the other forwards both on the team and in the league. As for the ego, it's very very difficult to succeed as a striker without having supreme confidence in one's self. 9 out of 10 have huge egos. There aren't many Kreis or Cerritos out there that can stay humble and still succeed. As for starting for other MLS teams, I'm sure he'd start many more games at DC, KC, NE, CHI, CO or LA. All of those teams were searching for a quality target forward either all season or most of the season. -Tron
[QUOTE As for the Johnson analysis, well I disagree, but most of you already knew that. Before grading him so harshly, look at his points per minute played and put those against the other forwards both on the team and in the league. As for the ego, it's very very difficult to succeed as a striker without having supreme confidence in one's self. 9 out of 10 have huge egos. There aren't many Kreis or Cerritos out there that can stay humble and still succeed. As for starting for other MLS teams, I'm sure he'd start many more games at DC, KC, NE, CHI, CO or LA. All of those teams were searching for a quality target forward either all season or most of the season. -Tron [/B][/QUOTE] Tron, I dont disagree with you in principle. But the point that I driving at with EJ's attitude is that it is effecting the way his teammate's relate to and treat him. Players off the record have told me and many other people that EJ is such a brat and a baby that he is unbareable and spoiled beyond belief. His self confidence may oneday make him that special player, but right now it is making him nothing more than a punk kid with an attitude. With his current frame of mind, he wouldn't be starting for any MLS team. again, I hope he gains some perspective in Manchester and some maturity.
[ Players off the record have told me and many other people that EJ is such a brat and a baby that he is unbareable and spoiled beyond belief. His self confidence may oneday make him that special player, but right now it is making him nothing more than a punk kid with an attitude. With his current frame of mind, he wouldn't be starting for any MLS team. again, I hope he gains some perspective in Manchester and some maturity. [/B][/QUOTE] I've only heard this from you, and not from many other people. How can someone from the projects be spoiled. If he's spoiled by prior coaches then the Under 17 coach needs to be addressed about this.
Good stuff. My biggest concern is Pete's comments on Jefferies: "Don’t forget the team’s terrible record in “big games”. Also many have questioned Jeffries substitutions in many matches. The last match is a perfect example where you have to wonder why Zarco was subbed in for Oscar instead of Vaca." Being from A&M, it sounds disturbingly familiar to the RC Slocum syndrome. RC has had oceans of time and gobs of money - but hardly ever wins the big games and has NEVER found a good QB. Those traits were visible after 2 years in RC and are visible with Jefferies. I give Jefferies one more year and if we don't get to or past the semis next year, Jefferies will suffer the same fate as Dave Dir - good but evidently not good enough.
Ok I will back Peter up. I have been told the same thing by numerous players and staff. And have witnessed it myself almost every practice. He is a whiny little brat. that being said he will have days where he is the best player at practice. If he can decide to be a hard worker and bust his but, he truly could be great. As for how a player from, as you say, "The Projects" be spoiled... ask Alan Iverson, he can tell you. But I will say when you are THE MAN with all the youth National Teams it can happen. In fact I have heard rumors that with the National Team his attitude is worse then when he is with the Burn, because they NEED him.
Sad to hear that. He has incredible skill. If he cannot smooth things over with his teammates next season, perhaps a change of scenery is needed. Of course, DC United would be willing to trade something for him (like maybe the #1 overal SuperDraft pick?). I hope things work out for him in the offseason and next season at Dallas though. That's the best scenario IMHO. -Tron
Well if he goes to Europe with too much of a wrong attitude he might come back with some SERIOUS nicks. He better stay out of Germany for sure. Good point on Alverson.