I know he's 33, but what does this mean for the Revs? Are we preparing to dump Daniel Hernandez, like he originally wanted? Are we done with Leo Cullen, whom the coaching staff adores? Or are we finally ready to keep some depth and have four central midfielders available when Joseph recovers? If Vazquez plays a true attacking midfield, how will Nicol adapt the tactics? Just figured I'd generate some questions to talk about. I wasn't sure if this really fit with the news thread, but I'm sorry if I screwed it up by starting another.
Frpm what I've seen, Joesph needs to be back in the lineup as soon as he's ready. Holds the ball better than nearly anyone the Revs have ever had. DH still seems to be up and down from week to week. Has he tempered his ego a bit? Don't really know what to think of Cullen, but I'll admit I overfocus on who has the ball maybe too much and don't pick up on marking/away from ball stuff all the time. Bottom Line: I don't see any roster moves / dumps being made until absolutely necessary, so Nicol et al can see where Vazquez fits in to the puzzle.
I should think with $100,000 left and roster space that no one would go. It seems to me that if Vasquez is a playmaker that he could fit in on the bigger pitches, like HDC, where tiny Cienfuegos managed to spray the ball about to acres of greensward and slow down what was often on the verge of becoming a slogging sprint contest by exhausted horses. I have no idea if Vasquez is an "answer," but I certainly would think he is an option. Also, Joseph may be hurt a bit more than let on and also Nicol is looking for insurance. All speculation at this point but I bet the decision was made with a calm look at all the possibilities while sipping a few cups of tea. JIM DOW
If I recall correctly, Nicol declined to sign Vasquez when he first came through because he played too much like Cullen and Hernandez, i.e. we didn't need yet another defensive-minded middie. So if Vasquez really is another DM in the same vein as those two, I bet we're shopping Hernandez (mostly because Cullen's got little trade value, and Shalrie's untouchable). I'm not sure what Nicol's looking to get instead of Daniel, but it sure looks like a move that'll make Daniel expendable.
Boy, is any team more low-key about signing players than the Revs? Is this conscious decision or just bad/non-existant PR? Anyway, I'd be very surprised to see Joseph or Hernandez go anywhere (at least this year) - since they're the only "sure things" at midfield. We'll have to see what Vasquez role is and what he has to offer. I doubt anyone's being shopped though.
Actually, Nicol said the same thing about both Vasquez and Uribe. They were both of the same mold, IIRC, though Vasquez was apparently the better of the two.
Vazquez signing Fans- My argentine source here in Chi town tells me that Vazquez will be a great addition to our Revs. Joseph, Hernandez, and Cullen are all some form of D-mids. Vazquez is quite confortable acting as a link player into the attacking 3rd. He supposedly is a fine passer of the ball. You don't play at 5 years at River Plate and the national team by accident. I wouldn't be overly worried about his age - the last thing the Revs need another young player. Support our Team!
What team has roster slot and enough Cap space to take on Danny Boy? I really doubt that he's going anywhere but I agree that at this point getting a first round pick for him would be ideal. It could be that we would trade him and keep his salary on our Cap limit. That's risky with such small rostres but who knows how bad they might want to unload him.
Just for fun Q: What team has roster slot and enough Cap space to take on Danny Boy? A: Colorado, in the scenario where they trade the #2 pick and Scott Vallow for Hernandez and 2003 cap space. NE sends Reis to Metro for their #2 pick and Eddie Gaven (or #1 pick). Metro sends Grafer to Rapids for Beckerman. Revs give Hernandez and Reis for Vallow, Gaven, and the 2004 #2 picks from Metro and Rapids. Rapids give Vallow, Beckerman and the #2 pick for Hernandez (with 2003 cap space) and Grafer. Metro gives Gaven, Grafer, and the #2 2004 pick for Reis and Beckerman. I honestly have nothing against DH, but his value is probably at a peak now - ditto for Reis with Metro scrambling for a keeper. Still, does anyone believe a team would give its #1 pick for either player? NE doesn't need any starters, but could start building for the future. Hopefully, SN's contract will be extended so he will have an incentive to think that way. Metro and Rapids each give up a pick for a player who can start for them for years.