*Memo to MSG Network*- Please keep Tab out of the broadcast booth! He serves as a reminder of the BAD Metro memories of the past...such as his constant whining, numerous leaks to the press and his refusal to sit on the team bench whenever he was injured. This would be like Joe Pisarcik announcing NY Giants games or Bill Buckner broadcasting games for the Red Sox. We keep hearing about what a great future the team has, so let's go of the past. I know it was Shep's kid's graduation, but anyone else would have been welcome. Is this the first time Tab was at Giants Stadium during a Metros game where he wasn't playing?
F-You. I thought Tab was spot on. What impressed me most is that he got every free kick in this game right. When Metro had a free kick and Mathis and Guevara would both be over the ball, he would say "this is out of Clint's range" or " this is the perfect distance for Mathis to take it from", and sho' 'nuff Tab was right every time! He gave great insight into Metro's strategy, the kind of insight that can only be gleaned from an insider. Don't get me wrong, I love Shep, but I didn't miss him today.
Hell, I would like to see Tab come out of retirement and be a sub or a spot starter when needed off the bench. Give him the league min, with bonus of 100 thousand if he plays in a certain number of games and we win a championship. Or we call him a player/ coach give him the league min as a player and more money for the coaching title get around the salary cap that way no or I wonder if a future performance bonus comes under the salary cap? I doubt it. Ramous, Guevara, Mathis, Clark and possibly one of the two Argentines we will go through opponents like water with an inside the field game.
I heard Tab can't announce the next game as an analyst as he injured himself getting out of his chair and pulled his hamstring.
I thought Tab provided unique insight. When he slipped in the "we," it was very telling. He was the most fouled player in the early days of MLS. Those fouls took a toll. Please don't conflate Balboa with Ramos. When he was healthy (and he never wanted to be unhealthy) he brought some great moments to the Metro. In the first season especially, he was hacked down by lesser talents, leaving him with two plastic knees. He was the first Metro. His behavior since retirement demonstrates his affection for the club. His presence in the broadcast booth, in Shep's absence, was in my opinion most welcome. I hope he joins the broadcast team on a regular basis. So the new tradition has begun. And it is going great five matches in, but we do need to respect the little bit of heritage we've accumulated.
The funniest thing was, he kept saying "We" everytime he referred to the Metros. At one point, he realized he said it and apologized to "everyone listening in the DC area". I thought it was pretty funny. BTW, Richie, I like the idea of Tab coming out of retirement to be a player/coach. It would be great to have Tab available during the Gold Cup, for late subs, or in case of Injury ( someone else's injury, not Tab's). This is of course assuming he can stay healthy, and hopefully less playing time, would make it easier for him to do so. He can be a great late game sub, and provide a spark for the team.
Watching a replay of the game after returning home from it, I thought Tab was okay. His main problem was not speaking up enough. JP had to keep things going at times, but that can be solved with more seasoning behind the mike. He feels a little awkward right now. I don't know if I like adding him to the booth permanently. Three guys doing any sport is too much. A lot of British matches only use one. Frankly, you find the right guy and that's all you need. As far as Tab speaking of "we," I've once or twice fallen into that myself on these boards, so I'm not going to knock him.
This isn't a shot at Tab at all.., but that exactly is what I liked the most. Turn on ESPN and see how the announcers love the sound of their own voice. They talk too much and it almost takes away from the game. Tab is also a huge soccer fan and it showed in the broadcast.
Ditto. Any one else remember Tab's last home game versus D.C.? He was the only player that game for the Metros that showed any skill. He danced around defenders, and was constantly making accurate passes. The most remarkable one was the one that (I think) he was on the right flank, and sent a perfectly timed cross to Mathis who one timed it.
That was probably due to JP being used to his analysts speaking up more and Tab's inexperience, so JP would set him up but Tab not realize it. If they were to stick together it would sound a lot more smooth, even if Tab talked the same amount as he did this time. But I'm assuming this was a one-shot deal anyway.
I'm not knocking him at all. I thought it was great. I love it when the commentators are on our side. DC fans probably hated it, but who cares, you know what MSG's slogan is: "THIS IS OUR TOWN"
I find it amusing that despite coming to the US from Uruguay at 14, playing college ball at NC State, and playing a good deal of his pro career abroad, Tab developed one heck of a Jersey accent. I also think he did a credible enough job to at least explore the possiblity of other broadcasting opportunities in the future. As contrast compare Tab to his old Thistle team mate Harksie on MLS Wrap.
That's exactly my point. He's around the team more now that he's retired than when he was an active member with the team. He's not hanging around the team since he loves the MetroStars. He has several business ventures he needs to promote and stay in the spotlight, which includes his dopey website and summer camps, so he's not doing it out of the goodness of his heart. Not to mention future ambitions in broadcasting.... QUOTE]Originally posted by DoctorK So the new tradition has begun. And it is going great five matches in, but we do need to respect the little bit of heritage we've accumulated. [/QUOTE] The only heritage Tab established is how far he could fling his captain's armbands after being awarded a yellow card or being substituted. Concerning those who still miss him, do you honestly believe the roster changes that were made this year would have been possible if we still had him on the payroll? He killed the Metros in the salary cap dept. Good riddance and Shep welcome back next week.
It wasn't just the DC game. He seemed to be the only player trying against NE in the last game of the season. He left the field in tears... for those of you eho tink he didn't care, or try.
His salary didn't kill us. It was almost completely incentive based. When Tab left the field in New Englend it was one of the sadest moments in US Soccer. When he was able to be on the field he was pure magic. One elbow to the head started an unfortunate string of events. I think he would be a great addition to the booth.
The only heritage Tab established is how far he could fling his captain's armbands after being awarded a yellow card or being substituted. Concerning those who still miss him, do you honestly believe the roster changes that were made this year would have been possible if we still had him on the payroll? He killed the Metros in the salary cap dept. Good riddance and Shep welcome back next week. [/QUOTE] No we wouldn't have been able to make all teh moves. But most, yes, no doubt. As far aas his flinging his arm band..Damn why would we want a player who cared, who had passion for the game. People like you so misrepresent him. You have a hard on to disparage him even in retirement. Get over it.
It was a very nice surprise to hear Tab and later see him in the booth. It was a very pleasent addition, his passion and love of the Metros came thru and clear. I remember seeing his wife a few seats from me gathering a few kids to take with her to meet him after the game( last season)his son down there speaks volumes of how this family feels about the team. Certainly would welcome him in any form associated with the team, he is part of our Metro family.
What was it they said about Patrick Ewing? Sometimes the greatness of an athlete is not measured in the accolades he's won but in his passion for the game, or something like that? (I'm horrible on quotes, I know) Certainly in the metropolitan area, unless you're in pinstripes, we don't count the pieces of hardware one has earned. Might be something to do with the fact that there are few to go around, but still...