It’s time for everyone’s favorite, post-MLS Cup event – the Expansion Draft! I can hear the cheers of millions of kids on this glorious day! Okay, it’s not that exciting, but hey, it officially kicks off the 2011 MLS season, something that for many of the league’s fans can’t get here soon enough.
Wednesday, we learn the fate of players left unprotected by their current MLS club, so the new kids on the block (Vancouver and Portland) can start the task of building their roster. It’s a necessary evil for the current teams and a 48 hour non-stop board meeting for the expansion teams to determine their depth chart, as the list was released on Monday evening.
If I’m John Spencer or Teitur Thordarson, I’m looking to draft a team with potential and take a few players of value. Do you take a top tiered player and “hold ‘em for ransom” aka allocation money and draft picks? I would, but let’s see the approach of the Northwest clubs today in the draft. In the meantime, here’s 10 players that should find themselves in new threads come 5 pm Wednesday.
Portland
1) Juan Pablo Angel – With the first pick in the 2010 Expansion Draft, the Timbers sacrifice cap room for a proven goal scorer and someone who will bring people to PGE Park in 2011. They probably won’t make the gutsy move, but they should. Who cares if NYRB gave you Jeremy Hall for pennies, draft JPA.
Vancouver
2) Blaise Nkufo – Blaise gets to play in his favorite North American City and Vancouver get their veteran goal scoring presence in the Swiss international. Potential captain?
Portland
3) Dax McCarty – This guy’s stock fluctuates more than the price of gasoline, but it’s a buyer’s market and he’s a bargain right now. Wonder if rumors of a flare up with MLS Coach of the Year Schellas Hyndman have anything to do with his FCD departure.
Vancouver
4) Devon McTavish – Tommy Soehn doesn’t overlook one of his former United players. McTavish’s versatility will be the determining factor in his selection.
Portland
5) Anthony Wallace – Hoist the cup one day, pack your bags the next. See Brad Evans circa 2008.
Vancouver
6) Eric Brunner – The Crew centerback is an MLS starter…he just shared the role with Andy Iro. The OSU product goes West to pair up with Jay DeMerit on the Whitecaps backline.
Portland
7) Alex Nimo – He has played over 40 games on loan from RSL over the past two seasons, a rare opportunity to draft familiar talent. But if there is a way to sign Nimo without drafting him, I don’t think Portland will waste a draft pick on Nimo if that is the case.
Vancouver
8) Pat Onstad – This move is similar to Seattle bringing in Kasey Keller in its first expansion season. The difference here is the age. Onstad has got about one year left in the tank. He could spend it in Vancouver. If the Whitecaps want to go younger, look for them to steal Chris Seitz from Philly.
Portland
9) Pat Phelan – The Revs D/M has played in 57 MLS matches since 2008. His experience for his age and versatility will suit John Spencer’s side well.
Vancouver
10) Stefani Miglioranzi – With Brian Carroll in the Union fold now, Migz is on the outside looking in. His calming and patient presence in the middle is just what is needed on any expansion side, just ask Peter Novak.
Other players that could be picked…
Toronto FC – MID Julian de Guzman – A lot of people have him going to Vancouver. I could see it, but if he was anything but Canadian, that selection would not make sense. A designated player who can’t pass and can’t score….why would you want that mess on your books?
Columbus Crew – FWD Guillermo Barros Schelloto – It’s pretty quiet on the Schelloto front, but I could see either expansion team taking Guille and having him build a locker room up like he did in Columbus. Plus he did lead the Crew in scoring in 2010. Legs or no legs, the guy’s brain put him on an MLS bench alone.
San Jose Earthquakes – DEF Tim Ward – Solid, young defender who can play either left or right back. Plus he looks like a younger, leaner Mr. Clean. I smell sponsorship!
Sporting KC – MID Sunil Chhetri – Drafting the most popular Indian player could be an international marketing coup for a front office who is up to the challenge. Think about it…1 billion people and he’s India’s Landon Donovan. He’s not too bad on the field either.
New York Red Bulls – FWD Ibrahim Salou – Before Juan Agudelo, Salou was turning heads in Red Bull Arena.
