Reports from Spain and stateside claim that the Red Bulls have thrown their name into the ring of fire that is the Rafa Marquez negotiations. For weeks, Marquez and Barcelona have been unable to secure a contract, though word has it they will be signed away by Monday. Regardless, the Bulls have made an offer to the Mexican great to come stateside where he would be treated like a hero instead of just another aging cog in a super machine.

Marquez would be a definite draw at Red Bull Arena. He is an icon to the passionate Mexican fanbase, and a sex symbol to the ladies as well; a Mexican Beckham if you will. On the footballing side, Marquez would do much to solidify what has been a porous defense, becoming the steady centerback anchor this team has not had since the days of Jeff Parke.

Now, reader, before you attempt reading this over again, no, you are not suffering the aftershocks of eggnog overconsumption; this is real. What do you think?

Good Morning Black Friday Shoppers!

For those clammoring for a good holiday deal, check this out:

The Bulls are offering 4-Game Holiday packs, which will include tickets to the opening game at Red Bull Arena and your choice of three other games throughout the season! Prices start at a very reasonable $64 per seat. Not a bad deal, eh?

Wash away the horrid taste of 2009 from your mouth with the sites and sounds of Red Bull Arena. Contact 877 RBSOCCER for more info – and remember – the Holiday Packs go on sale Monday, November 30, at 10 a.m. Pick up some discount tickets while they last!

It has been a long, rough year, but one thing I can always be thankful for is my little niche in the blogosphere, right here on TheOffside. Thank you to everyone who takes time from their day to visit here, sharing your opinions and insights. You make this alot of fun, and I appreciate the support everyday.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! And many blessings to you, your friends and family.

Zimmerman was a clear target in the minds of Red Bull fans. He is a box to box midfielder, with a pass first mentality and a tremendous work rate, especially for such a young player. Remember, Dane Richards was always a penned in starter until Zimmerman showed another dimension on the right and won the spot (briefly). He is also quite the bargain, making only $20k in 2009.

Some may feel that Zimmerman’s value is blown out of proportion, since it is based on a window of only a few weeks in which a lagging team fed off of the excitement of a young, debuting midfielder. Others feel the loss will be a hurtful one, especially if he winds up developing into the threat many think he can become. One thing everyone can agree on is this; he is a prospect who may be worth the risk. And it is the Union that are willing to undertake that task.

Well, what are your thoughts? Has Red Bull lost a valuable commodity, or is this kid a one hit wonder, now laid at the steps of the enemy? Hit us up, let us know what you think . . .

I have BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!

. . . . There is a guy mowing the lawn at Red Bull Arena as we speak!

Oh the fun a slow work day and the Red Bull Arena Webcam can provide. Who else can supply you only the finest in soccer, energy drinks and landscaping?! TheOffside, that’s who . . .

Let’s take in the latest photos from RBA – including pictures of the soon to be completed Red Bull Logo, some seating, and the aforementioned gardener.

See ya this afternoon. And enjoy the pics.

The Red Bulls have released their protected list ahead of this Wednesday’s expansion draft. The following will not be calling the City of Brotherly Love home:

Juan Pablo Angel
Danleigh Borman
Bouna Coundoul
Kevin Goldthwaite
Jeremy Hall
Carlos Johnson
Macoumba Kandji
Carlos Mendes
Ernst Obster
Dane Richards
Seth Stammler

I look at the list and wonder; does this have Jeff Agoos and Richie Williams finger prints all over it? Or is the interim coach in limbo the one calling the shots? Strangely, I feel uncomfortable on both of those fronts. But that is a mystery for another time.

INCLUSIONS and EXCLUSIONS

I happen to be in the camp that feels the Carlos Johnson can bounce back after a tough season hampered by injuries and red cards. Yet even I would admit that it is a tough gamble to take under the circumstances. 11 slots are so few and valuable. Mike Petke, who was a rock in the back all season, has become waiver bait, and Petr Nowak just might bight on his veteran leadership. Is the Carlos Johnson gamble worth that type of loss?

A surprise name left unprotected is Nick Zimmerman. He showed a lot of promise in the midfield, and I am sure he will generate quite the sizable bleep on the Union radar screens. He has alot of the right tools, and it would be a shame to see him employ said talents against the Bulls on a regular basis.

Recently called up Red Bull Academy product, Giorgi Chirgadze will also be made available. Mind you, MLS rules say that any player selected would have to receive a senior contract, so the chances of him being scooped up are slim.

And what of Carlos Mendes? Just a few years ago, Mendes was a steady starting force alongside Jeff Parke in a stingy centerback combo. Last year, he saw more time on the bench than Juan Carlos Osorio. His inclusion came as a bit of a surprise, but the long time Red Bulls veteran seems to be earning a reprieve for 2010.

Finally, there is Danny Cepero. He lead the Red Bulls to the MLS Cup just last season, holding up a patch work defense in the process. His struggles this year bought about project player Bouna Coundoul, who has clearly gained favor with whomever is making these decisions. Now? He is at risk of being snatched away from the Bulls 2009 plans. What a difference a year makes.

What are your thoughts on the protected and the vulnerable?

Congratulations Cleetus, from the East side of town!

Now you know the hell that is artificial turf.

It started with Javier Morales having to painfully leave the game when he planted his foot, and crashed knee on knee with Golden Balls. The unforgiving turf compounded the situation, with Morales knee having no where to move but the direction Beckham kicked it in. With no give beneath him, it was the tendons in his leg that had to give way.

Then Beckham himself was injured and couldn’t serve that classic bending cross with his turf consternation. As the night drew to a close, what began as a slight ankle contusion turned into a limping, dragging appendage.

Donovan Ricketts? His hand blew up like an RPG when he took a dive on a shot and landed on his palm. I am sure I can find a way to blame the turf for Donovans penalty miss too! (or maybe not)

And the list went on and on and on. Throughout the night, players were clutching their ankles, knees, leg muscles and all as the turf gave them a pounding the likes of which would make Stone Cold Steve Austin giddy.

Now compound that one night of misery and physical pain by 14 years and you have yourself the New York Metro Bulls.

But anyway . . . Congrats to Real Salt Lake for a tremendous job, and to the Galaxy for a valiant effort.

Former All Star, MLS Cup Winner, Boca Jrs. Legend and league MVP Guillermo Barros Schelotto has just been asked to take a sizable pay cut by the Columbus Crew, to the tune of $400k. He is 36 years old, and will be 37 in May, so a pay cut is naturally the way a team would look at such a player at this time in his career. But $400k? After all he has done?

Let me rattle off some facts for you:

- He has accumulated 19 goals and 22 assists in 51 regular season games.
- He has 2 goals and 6 assists in 5 postseason games.
- He was benched by the Crew in preference to a defensive style on the road leg of their series with RSL, but upon his insertion, he found the net. Twice.
- He single handedly turned the Crew around from perennial wanna-be to constant contender.
- He has won a grand total of 21 trophies in various competitions internationally and here in the US.

The guy does two things very well; get a team scoring, and get a team winning trophies, both critical to the future of Red Bull.

So what would you do if given the opportunity to sign him? Would he be worth a trade? And what would you place as his price tag? Have your say in today’s poll and comment below:

Guillermo Barros Schelotto:(answers)