Now that it’s over, now that we know Dwayne de Rosario, Julian de Guzman and natural grass at BMO won’t get Toronto FC into the playoffs, let us drop all hint of sentiment.
The team isn’t nearly good enough. Here’s my case for the very few players I think ought to return:
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Dwayne de Rosario: Best outfield player on the squad, hands-down. Decidedly not a captain, but no one else here is either. DeRo’s biggest drawback is going to be his insistence on becoming a Designated Player. I suppose he’s earned it, but how many other teams in the league would consider him one? As long as there’s a few of them, fine. But if not, the rebuilding Reds could end up severely over-paying for a man who somehow isn’t content to earn darn-near half-a-million playing in his hometown. If you’d told him that was even remotely possible when he broke in with the Toronto Lynx in 1997, I wonder what kind of funny look he’d have given you?
Julian de Guzman: Here’s where the mess Mo Johnston left behind will really need some cleaning up. Julian didn’t really want to come here when he did. He was in a nasty back-salary dispute with Deportivo la Coruna, and was still hoping to land one more contract in Europe. When it didn’t come, Mo was waiting. Julian didn’t exactly leap at Mo’s offer, but it was worth over a million a year, so he came home at least a year or two early. He’s been good for TFC, but far from great. I want him back for his many and wonderful skills. But those DP slots are going to be crucial to the rebuild, and if DeRo gets one, there will be serious pressure for Julian not to. Thanks a bucket-load, Mo!
Stefan Frei: Just a great little season for TFC’s Swiss goaltender. He could count on his defence a bit more this time around, and it gave him the confidence to uncork some marvelous saves – particularly in the air. I suppose he’s a tradable commodity, but I just want to see him play more. Could be worth a big transfer fee in another year.
John Conway: Whatever diverse ways the Reds destructed, it sure wasn’t the backup goalie’s fault. Conway barely got a minute, but had some fine showings in the Champions League, and his long, bullet throw that set up Jacob Peterson for TFC’s CCL goal against Salt Lake was simply astonishing. Fine cover for Frei, and I hope he gets some league games in 2011.
Chad Barrett: I was hugely critical a year ago, but Barrett’s undoubted grit and hustle are finally settling into MLS dependability. I think he’d be better used as the winger Toronto FC has famously never had. Still young – and famously under contract.
Maicon Santos: Yeah, he doesn’t have Mista’s skill-set. But Mista’s not producing, while Santos can hold the ball up nicely, and gets opposing defences bent out of shape. A huge bargain over Mista, who is going to need to be shipped out so his DP spot can go to someone who can actually help.
Nana Attakora: Rumours walk the night that the only young Canadian TFC has ever developed into a consistent starter would like to move out to a bigger, better club. Couldn’t blame him in the least, but he’s certainly welcome if the Reds can find a way to give him what he wants.
Adrian Cann: TFC’s Canadian feel-good success story of oh-ten is 30 years old now, and could use a nice, long, comfy contract. Whoever gets Toronto’s GM gig should take care of that quickly.
Dan Gargan: Perfect MLS support player. Can defend and play the midfield, and those long, hard throw-ins would be a dandy weapon if the team can find a more creative way to utilize them.
Nick LaBrocca: Also an MLS support guy, but you need those guys if you happen to play in MLS. Nice touch, can create, and I like his work rate. I’ll certainly take him over Peterson.
Any and all young Canadian kids and Academy grads: … Assuming they can make the roster and actually help out.
Everyone else (Garcia, Harden, Hscanovics, Ibrahim, Mista, Nane, Sanyang, Saric, Usamov, White): Gonzo!
(Is Emmanuel Gomez still out there? Sure liked what I saw before he got hurt.)
Thoughts?
Onward!