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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.