I've just been noticing how many moves have been going on with other clubs - Chicago trades Wolff to KC, Kovalenko goes to DC, Moreno, Pope and Williams go to NY for Petke, etc., etc., etc. Besides our move for Hong, which was months ago, we've pretty much been quiet as fleas. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? We are the champs so if it ain's broke, don't fix it. But I do think there are some things that need to be addressed and I haven't even heard any rumors involving our Galaxy. Who will take over for Cienfuegos? I think we at least need to bring someone in this year with taking over that position next year in mind. Cien would be a great mentor and we really need to start thinking about the future. Cobi still has some strong legs to run on, but eventually we will also have to start grooming some other flank players. I just wanted to see what some Galaxy fans thought about our signings, or therefore lack of. It would suck if we don't pay attention to this now and go the DC United way right after we get into the new stadium. A losing team in a few years time won't do much to keep the focus there. We need to remain solid as we've somehow always managed to do (best record in history of MLS !!!).
By the way, I know we offloaded Craig Waibel to San Jose, but this is not the kind of big trade/transfer I'm talking about...
I think we will see maybe one or two moves at most. We have a championship team and no cap problems. In 2004 we will probably see Cien and Lalas retire and Ruiz go to Europe. Next offseason will be the one for big moves.
Not much the Galaxy needs really. I thought the Hong acquisition was great; he is an excellent defender, who bolsters our shallow defensive pool, and he's a hero to the Korean community. In terms of replacing Cien, there are a number of solid forwards and midfielders who filled his shoes at various times last season. IMO, Cien is a great competitor, who sets a great example, but he is no longer a key to our success. I agree with Gooner, the Galaxy is aging, and needs to prepare for some retirements. Maybe the best thing for Galaxy to do is trade their 2003 picks for some additional ones in 2004.
By all accounts this is a deep draft with a lot of talent. Not my evaluation - but that's what I read all over. Who knows - next year could be a weak year. Which is to say, I would not trade picks in 2003 strong draft for picks in 2004 which might be weak. This is the year to bring in one or more midfielders (Memo?) who might succeed Cien, and let the old master show them a trick or two. Our defense has been shored up and we need to give Tyson a shot at being the "other" forward. So, this is the year to address creative midfield.
Cadaver, if we get anyone, I agree, it should be a midfielder, and I like the idea of another hometown hero -- in my perfect world all players would rep their hometown! I know little about Gonzalez. Do you know where to find info on him?
Do you think we need someone up top to partner this year with Ruiz? He'll be fooling nobody this year and I wouldn't be surprised to see him often double-teamed. Cobi did a GREAT job in the playoffs being a scoring threat, but will it last the whole difficult regular season? Let's face it - Albright is not the answer. Glinton might have potential a few years from now, but right now he's definitely not the complement to the Fish. The other options certainly don't make me 100% confident, although I do know that on any given day Sasha can have a hattrick. Thoughts?
I think you guys will try to get Chivas Martinez. Great for marketing, hes the only professional to come out of CARSON.