FINAL UPDATE and POST FOR 2 WEEKS (yes another VACA!)

By: Dave Martinez | December 27th, 2007

Hey Red Bulls fans!

I am off to the home of the MLS Champs . . . Houston.

Why?

Because I like to go cow tipping. Problem?

Anyway, I will be gone for the next two weeks. So here is some stuff you should keep your eyes open for, as we head into the new year . . . .

- WHAT WILL OSORIO BRING TO THE TABLE? - I think alot of Bulls fans do not realize the magnitude of this acquisition. Osorio is an international coach, with plenty of clout in the South American world, and connections to the EPL. Can we see some former Man City players manning the field come 2008? Or maybe Wilmer Conde will follow from Chicago (man do I hope so . . . ). Osorio will bring a different flavor to the team. And I am looking forward.

- THE MARKUS SCHOPP EFFECT - What will Red Bull do now that Schopp has officially retired, and has therefore cleared up a TON of cap space for us to play with? 3 starts, 5 games played, 1 assist. $200,000. Looks like alot can be done with that money. Amado Guevara anyone? (and PLEASE lets cross our fingers that CHIVAS doesnt hold his rights . . . . I think MLS was debating that rule or was about to make it obsolete)

- 8 INTERNATIONAL SLOTS. PERIOD - No more Youth and Senior distinctions - each club may now hold 8 international slots on their roster, regardless of age and experience . . . just so long as you can fit these talents under the cap. Will this mean a few trips down South for our new manager? Hey, its worked for DC . . . and RSL got a HUGE bump from 3 argie additions . . . I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one. But expect the Bulls to begin exercising their new found money and expanded boundaries.

- SUPERDRAFT JANUARY 18th - Yes, i will be back in time for this one. Doesnt change the fact that the rumors will start flying about the time I am gone. The superdraft is an important indicator of where Osorio will be guiding this club, even if we dont have a first round pick BECAUSE of him (remember, Jozy was a second rounder).

- CONSTRUCTION ON RED BULL PARK - Its coming . . . . its going . . . . its there . . . . kinda . . . sorta???

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That should keep ya busy till I am gone!

And how about some random DP and International names to throw at you?

- Ronaldo is rumored for a return to the Brazilian leagues, specifically with Flamingo. Thinks some American green can change his mind?

- Boca Juniors has just signed an inexperienced, small time coach, and rumors have it he is looking for a makeover. I wouldnt mind picking up “geriatric” players like Martin Palermo, would you?

- Guille Schelotto is one step closer to making the move back to the mother land. Gimnasia and Racing are both after his services. If he is on the go, maybe he would take New York and its vast Argentine community into account, if our front offices made the pitch. And what could we give up? How about a draft pick, an allocation, possibly a player (hmmm . . . Dane Richards? i know, its sacriledge, but still).

- Andriy Shevchenko rumors have died out significantly, but it doesnt change the fact that a player of his magnitude would be an immense pick up for any team (regardless of what some idiot fans would have you think - like the ones clammoring a few weeks ago that Del Piero is “over the hill” and “not worth a DP.” Idiots.). of course, our DP slots are claimed . . . but we can dream right?

- BRING BACK SOME AMERICANS! Eddie Lewis from Derby County, Kamani Hill from Wolfsburg, and/or Danny Califf from Aalborg would be great pick ups. They know the league, or are at least familiar. Can you imagine Eddie Lewis crossing it over to Angel time and time again? ooooofa. That would be nice.

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Guys, it has been one hell of a year one for this sports writer. Thanks for making it so special. I look forward to a championship filled 2008!

Happy Holidays,

Dave