It should come as no great shock that TFC, along with 16 other MLS teams, passed in today's phase one re-entry draft. I had been told for several days now that the Reds were very unlikely to pick anyone and the reason was simple -- there was no value in doing so in the first phase.
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Both players selected in the draft were on the cheap side. Joseph Ngwenya went first overall to DC United. By picking him they agreed to pick up the option year of his contract, which is thought to be $75,600. That's hardly going to handcuff United, but it's still a little more than most fans would like to see paid to an attacking player that has two goals since 2008.
Columbus picked up Aaron Hohlbein from Kansas City. He was out of contract, which means that the Crew have agreed to submit a "Bona Fide Offer" to him. In practice that means a five per cent raise, or $42,000.
Some might be surprised that the bigger names didn't attract attention. Again, it comes down to money and fit within each team's cap. There is little doubt that a player like Jimmy Conrad would help most clubs. However, is he worth $244,387.50 to teams? Even if he is it makes sense to wait and try and get him at a lower number.
Between now and next Wednesday will be when the real affect of this new system will be felt. Players can talk to teams and work out contracts that make sense. With a fairly high pick, Toronto may yet land something out of this draft.