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 . . .

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?

If you are keeping score at home, that is now 9 players that started 2009 with the Bulls, who now find themselves elsewhere. Here is a rundown of the entire 2009 Exodus – and boy, what a difference it is from the start of the year:

- Albert Celades (retirement)
- Jon Conway
- Alec Dufty
- Oscar Echeverry
* Walter Garcia (on trial at Leeds, future unknown)
* Juan Carlos Osorio (coach for Once Caldas)
- Leo Krupnik
- Dominic Oduro
- Alfredo Pacheco
- Juan Pietravallo
- Khano Smith

That is almost enough players to field a team. Not good.

Their quest for this goal has lead them to Red Bull trainee and Jeff Agoos pet project, Walter Garcia. Garcia is currently trialing with Leeds in hopes of securing a contract with the club. He notched only one appearance as a Red Bull, and will most notably be remembered as the final lynch pin pulled on the grenade that was the Agoos/Osorio partnership. As a matter of fact, he played so little time with the Red Bulls, that it is a challenge to find a picture of him with the teams kit!

Osorio felt that the investment and training put into an out of shape, former Argentine prospect would be a waste for a club that was itself trying to reformulate. If Garcia is taken by the England side, it will be Osorio who will have the last laugh in that argument.

Besides, as an Argie, it would stink to lose yet another countryman. Boo lack of Argies!

If they are the winning combination, Red Bull had better start moving fast; as predicted, DC has already sent out feelers to the Williams camp, enticing the once beloved United figure to come home once more and lead the team to the promised land. Quite the proposal.

Meanwhile, Red Bull are entertaining the other half of that duo. Curt Onalfo “enjoyed” a rather mediocre stay at the Wizards, keeping a fairly even record of 27-29-22, with two consecutive playoff appearances in consecutive years, before this seasons collapse. Onalfo was originally hired as the KC coach by Peter Vermes for his “attacking style” and “exciting” play, a stark contrast to past KC coaches of recent memory. Those same attributes are what make him an appealing fit for the Bulls, who languished in 0-0 ties and 1-0 losses throughout the Osorio era.

On one end, it is a welcome sight to witness Red Bull aggressively pursuing American options who understand the MLS game and rules. But is Onalfo ready to take the step as Sporting Director? Who knows. One thing is for certain; the communication, which was none existant and dextrimental in the Osorio/Agoos era, would surely die with the friendly, on the same page Onalfo/Williams pairing.

What are your thoughts? Is Onalfo the answer? Are you still clammoring for Peter Wilt perhaps? Share your thoughts below.

You have heard stories about how this economic downturn has effected people from all areas of life, from the financial district to the local McDonalds. But what about the caffeine addicts out there? Well, for those who feel coffee just isn’t enough, but paying two dollars a can for Red Bull is too much, they have turned to the next best thing: a crime spree.

Red Bull cans are flying off the shelf – but no one wants to pay for them! Check this out:

Exhibit A – The NJ Police Blotter (report here)

LYNDHURST — Kelly Vannote, 25, of Kearny, was arrested Thursday, Nov. 5 at 10:30 a.m. for shoplifting $142.20 worth of Red Bull from ShopRite on New York Avenue. She also had warrants out of Warren County Sheriff’s Department for $3,396 and Newark for $500. WCSD took custody of Vannote.

and not to be outdone . . .

EXHIBIT B – Red Bull Stealing Spree In Buffalo

James Taylor really, really likes Red Bull, according to his Buffalo police arrest report. Taylor, a 50-year-old East Delavan Avenue resident, is accused of visiting the same Rite Aid drug store four times over two weeks to steal numerous cans of the energy drink.

Taylor’s alleged energy-drink crime spree began Oct. 25, when police say he stole nine $6.99 four-packs of Red Bull from the store at 1410 Delaware Ave., near Forest Lawn Cemetery. The thefts increased over the past 48 hours, when police say Taylor stole five four-packs of Red Bull just after midnight Friday and four more four-packs just after midnight Saturday. Those thefts had a total value of $125.82 for the 72 cans. Finally, at 9:40 p.m. Saturday, when Taylor reportedly tried to steal three more packages of the energy drink, a store employee caught him and threw him into the store display. The pair wrestled on the ground before officers showed up and arrested Taylor. Some, if not all, of the thefts were recorded on the store’s surveillance camera. Taylor is charged with third-degree robbery.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this recession is hitting harder than Mike Tyson’s fist on Little Mac’s face. How will this theft be controlled, and how will this effect the Red Bulls ability to pick up a second DP?! Share your thoughts on this sloooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow news day.