Photo by ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
The talent in the MLS Re-Entry Draft has been diluted a bit since the initial list of players was released. Players have either been traded to new teams or re-signed with their current clubs, leaving fewer options for MLS teams to choose from.
That does not mean that there are no quality players still available for selection.
Julian De Guzman, Conor Casey and Juan Pablo Angel are just some of the bigger-name players still up for grabs as MLS teams prepare for Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft. The draft is set to begin at 3pm ET on Friday, and there figures to be plenty of movement as teams can select players and offer them cheaper contracts than the ones they are already on.
Other players who could also enter the fold with new teams and make immediate impacts are goalkeepers Bill Gaudette and Kevin Hartman as well as veterans Ramiro Corrales and John Thorrington. There are also players like Danny Califf and Stephen Keel available, which should have teams wheeling and dealing in one of the busier days of the offseason.
Here is a closer look at some of top players still available as well as the full list of players eligible to be selected (the draft order is based on reverse order of the 2012 MLS standings):
Top Re-Entry Draft Targets
JULIAN DE GUZMAN
The Canadian midfielder was said to be working on a new deal with FC Dallas, but nothing was agreed upon and now De Guzman could join his third team in two years. He can still provide some good bite, so expect teams in need of help defensive help to look his way.
CONOR CASEY
Casey has been plagued by injuries in recent years yet some teams might still view him as a player who is worth the risk given his wealth of experience and quality hold-up play. Casey’s starting days look past him, but he is a viable options for teams to have on the bench and could also serve as a mentor for young strikers.
JUAN PABLO ANGEL
Like Casey, Angel has been slowed by injuries recently. Still, he is capable of providing veteran leadership and the occasional spark off the bench, so teams in need of bolstering their forward corps might not hesitate to pull the trigger on the Colombian striker.
KEVIN HARTMAN
One of the bigger surprises on this list, Hartman should not be available for long. The veteran goalkeeper is still capable of starting for a number of teams across the league and can also help groom teams’ up-and-coming netminders.
2012 MLS RE-ENTRY PROCESS LIST
CHICAGO FIRE
Jay Nolly, Dan Gargan
CHIVAS USA
Juan Pablo Angel, Peter Vagenas, Danny Califf, Alejandro Moreno
COLUMBUS CREW
Will Hesmer, Julius James
COLORADO RAPIDS
Tyrone Marshall, Scott Palguta, Conor Casey, Hunter Freeman, Jamie Smith, Ian Joyce, Joseph Nane, Tyson Wahl
D.C. UNITED
Michael Chabala
FC DALLAS
Bruno Guarda, Kevin Hartman, Julian De Guzman, Scott Sealy
HOUSTON DYNAMO
Colin Clark
SPORTING KC
Olukorede Aiyegbusi, Luke Sassano
LA GALAXY
Chad Barrett, Andrew Boyens, Bryan Jordan, Pat Noonan
MONTREAL IMPACT
Shavar Thomas
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
Tim Murray, Blair Gavin
NEW YORK RED BULLS
Bill Gaudette, Stephen Keel
PHILADELPHIA UNION
Chase Harrison
PORTLAND TIMBERS
Lovel Palmer
REAL SALT LAKE
Paulo Jr. Araujo, Kyle Reynish
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Andrew Weber, Mike Seamon
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
Tim Ward, Jean Alexandre, Ramiro Corrales, Joseph Gjertsen, Khari Stephenson
TORONTO FC
Eric Avila, Adrian Cann, Ty Harden
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
John Thorrington
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What do you think of this list? Who do you hope your club picks up? Who is the best player available?
Share your thoughts below.
Conor Casey! I’m ready to believe. Bring him to New England, we do need a hold-up striker.
Also don’t know why Blair Gavin isn’t considered good enough for a GA salary
Would love to see Califf in Seattle we could use another veteran on the back line with Park being traded.
Hurtado and Califf that’s solid and an upgrade over Parke
Ives…. any news about Casey going to Philly??
I would love to see Hartman go to Philly. McMath could use a veteran training partner and someone to really challenge him for the number 1 spot.