Taking into consideration several factors like, attendance draw, performance, durability and estimated salary......I'd say Barrett simply because he probably isn't presently paid much and he hasn't missed a Quake minute and he happens to be at least one of the top 3 defenders in MLS. Granted, most people might ask "WHO?" when he is introduced.
As will be made clear by his absence, Richard Mulrooney (with, as others have said, Wade Barrett a close second)
Toss up, Richard or Wade. It's going to be tough to play with out one, if both were out the Quakes would not be contenders.
I'm going against the grain and saying Robinson. He's really stepped it up. He was terrific in the Club America game I thought.
If Donovan didn't go to the World Cup and get such a big head, the 'Quakes would be in 1st place right now.
Our unsung hero is Wade Barrett! Most of the league has never heard his name, but without him we wouldn't have gone this far... this year. He has been the only stabilizing factor in our porous defense. DEFENDER OF THE YEAR!!!!!!!!
Only 35 goals allowed this year, second best. LA has allowed 33 and Chicago has allowed 37. All other teams have allowed over 40 goals.
Barrett sure showed his worth in the two LA games. He was up to the challenge, even though he was called upon to go forward frequently. His crosses were superb, and his shot on Hartman near the end of the first half was strong, except that Hartman made a great reaction save. His ability with Jeff to handle Ruiz and Jones caused LA to attack from elsewhere. For the season his play in the center of defense until Jeff and Troy could get back was as good as his great play on the left side of defense. His play all year as the only constant in every game in the long MLS season has shown why he deserves to be named the Defender of the Year.
Mulrooney. Finishing the game on a broken ankle. And one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. Wish him well.