A REYNA BUYOUT?

By: Dave Martinez | November 19th, 2007

The New York Times is reporting that the Red Bulls are looking to buy out Claudio Reynas million dollar contract, thus freeing up space for a second DP signing.

With rumors flying that all teams shall receive an extra DP, The RBNY Organization is staring at a situation where three world class players may be manning their starting 11 (4 if you count Jozy, who will most certainly NOT be a DP). This will leave the organization in a position of strength, only matched by teams like the LA Galaxy (They are granted another grandfathered spot to Landon Donovan for the next season, which will not count as a DP, eliminating LA’s quandry).

Through a season marred in injuries and disappointment, Claudio Reyna, along with Coach Arena, have become the face of the decline. RBNY and their European mentality will not accept anything less than victory. On the field, Reyna was every bit at the helm of this ship as Arena was. So expect the same fate for Captain America.

A Claudio Recap . . .

Reyna showed his value early on, with flashes of brilliance sprinkled in later in the season as well. His leadership, especially when close to 100% health, was a valued asset. It was the thought of the organization that it would take more than just dynamic goal scorers (JPA) to make this season work - it would also take a leader who has gone through it all.

Enter Claudio Reyna.

Reyna was every bit the central defender that we see now in the likes of a Shalrie Joseph - only shorter and with even better field vision. His straight forward, no nonsense attitude, and his moniker of “Captain America” brought with it an instant respect before he even hit the pitch.

But then . . . he hit the pitch. And as history provides, and so many of us tried to deny, Reyna and the injury bug once again formed an unbreakable bond, at the peril of the RBNY organization.

Now, with the season collapsed before our eyes, and new options to explore, the Arena / Reyna experiment comes to an end (save the chance he will come back at a MUCH smaller contract).

It was a noble experiment that shot us in the foot (not as bad as Denilson to Dallas, but equally as hurtful). And we will breathlessly sit by awaiting for the actual monetary buyout figure that will continue to cost our franchise, at least through our next season.

Tis the life of Metro. Always full of surprises.