The 2009 MLS Draft is finally here and things aren't any more clear today than they were a month ago as far as how the draft order will wind up shaking out.
Teams have spent the past few weeks talking trade but none of the deals for the high picks in the first round have been completed yet, leaving the draft's outcome a total mystery just hours before it will kick off.
There were no deals last night (save for RSL sending Dema Kovalenko to Los Angeles in a long-rumored deal for allocation money), but there should be some major moves made before MLS commissioner Don Garber reaches the podium this afternoon at the St. Louis Convention Center.
I will be anchoring ESPN.com's coverage of the MLS Draft here in St. Louis, and will be holding a live draft chat starting at 1pm. Be sure to check it out and feel free to submit your draft questions.
SBI senior correspondent Dylan Butler will be providing the live draft coverage on SBI today. He will be doing his own live commentary throughout the draft, as well as reporting all the deals, so be sure to check in here for the latest picks and trade talk.
For those of you wondering about the talent in the draft, here is the SBI MLS Draft Big Board, with the Top 25 overall prospects in the draft:
SBI MLS Draft Top 25 Overall
1. Steve Zakuani
2. Stefan Frei
3. Sam Cronin
4. Omar Gonzalez
5. Kevin Alston
6. Chris Pontius
7. Peri Marosevic
8. Michael Lahoud
9. O'Brien White
10. Rodney Wallace
11. Jeremy Hall
12. Brad Ring
13. Lyle Adams
14. George John
15. Matt Besler
16. Jordan Westbrook
17. Kyle Patterson
18. Babajide Ogunbiyi
18. Darrius Barnes
19. David Hertel
20. Josh Boateng
21. Ryan Maxwell
22. Baggio Husidic
23. Quincy Amarikwa
24. Evan Brown
25. Steward Ceus
What do you think about today's MLS Draft? What are you hoping your team does today? Share your thoughts below.