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 . . .

Hopefully, they don’t get the Dane Richards treatment.

By the way, it is nice to see the ownership do a little something to keep the local boys fit and inspired during the off season (that is, if they are footing the bill!). Though this is by no means a trial for them, they may impress enough to warrant a look. Who knows!

Anyhow, share your thoughts on the trio’s trip.

New York Red Bulls: Don’t Forget the Lyrics from Red Bulls Reader on Vimeo.

Um . . . thanks Red Bulls Reader?! OOOOOF. Is this cringy . . . but I have to admit. Danleigh Borman is better than most boy banders.

Enjoy on this Wednesday morn . . . . eek.

#1 – 15% of the vote

JUAN PABLO ANGEL

The Red Bulls Captain has carried on this season with injuries that have hampered his performance and kept him off the pitch for long stretches. Even so, Red Bull fans haven’t forgotten the man who bought them to the big dance last season. Speculation has grown recently regarding Angels future, but there is no question in Metro fans minds – they want the Colombian striker back for one more season.

#2 – 10% of the vote

NICK ZIMMERMAN

Here is one of the few bright spots Bulls fans have had to hold on to all season. Nick Zimmerman, an after thought at the start of the season, has become a regular part of the Bulls lineup, and a dangerous one at that. His ball control and developing cross ability has produced valuable minutes, but it is his vision and ability to keep play at a fluid pace that has made him invaluable to the team. The best part? The kid is a rook, and would cost very little on a 2010 payroll. That is a bang for your buck!

#3 – 10% of the vote

BIG MAC KANDJI

Though Kandji has suffered a season of let downs, compounded by injuries, it seems Bulls fans still see the same hope in the prospect that they had late last season. And why not! The kid is still a huge target forward, with an excellent first touch, and a youthful enthusiasm for the game that is quite exciting. One disconcerting theme mentioned along with his name this season has been criticism of his practice habits, and dedication to improvement. I may chalk that up to a lost season. Hopefully, Kandji will have it all together for a magnificent 2010.

#4 – 9% of the vote

JEREMY HALL

After a strong start to the season, Hall has cooled his jets a tad as the team has done the same. Even so, Bulls fans view him as a building block for the backline, especially the wings. Great ball control and pace, Hall has the tools to excel, even when he is played in an unnatural right back position for an entire season! Along with Zimmerman, Hall is viewed as one of the better pick ups by the Osorio/Agoos tandem.

#5 – 8% of the vote

SETH STAMMLER

Mr. Versatility rounds out the top 5 for the Bulls. Need a Centerback fill in? Call Stammy! Central defense crawling to a slow halt? Stammler to the leg breaking rescue! Wingers letting you down? No worry! Seth has that covered too.

The fact is Stammler plays whenever, where ever, effectively, and with passion. And that is more than enough to ingratiate the base, who only wishes the same effort would be applied across the board on this squad. No real surprise here.

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I had the opportunity to pick Nick’s brain on his first professional season, which has definitely been a unique experience for a young guy to go through. Here are 10 Questions with Nick Zimmerman:

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1- Nick, when you were announced a Red Bull at the draft, the team was coming off of an MLS Cup appearance. What did you see your role being on the team as opposed to where you are now?

Actually, I don’t think the role has changed as much as the expectations have changed. When I was lucky enough to get drafted, I wanted to work as hard as I could to learn and make the team. My goal then was to do anything I could do to help the team – play any position and to keep learning and developing as the team could best use me. I still feel the same way now with the same goal. However, I think some of the fun I have when I attack has shown in the games and there is now an expectation for me to be involved in an attacking style of play.

2- Have you ever been through as difficult period in a season as you have this year?

No one is satisfied with the results of our team so far and everyone is working hard to get this changed around. We all hate to lose and no one gets used to it. As this is my first year as a professional, the coaches and my other teammates have helped me to transition from college.

3- Why do you feel it took so long for you to get noticed?

I am grateful to the Red Bulls for drafting me and giving me a fair chance to make the team. I came from a less publicized Division 1 college team that didn’t have a great deal of success while I was there despite some good players and coaching. If Coach Osorio and his staff hadn’t selected me, I wouldn’t be here now. So I appreciate the chance to play in MLS and I look at each practice and game as a chance to contribute and opportunity to continue to learn and improve.

4- That leads me to my next question. Recently, Coach Osorio has been rumored to be on the chopping block. What has your experience with the coach been so far this season?

Coach Osorio has been very supportive and I appreciate the chances he has given me to be on the field. He has also worked hard with me in practice.

5- Did you ever see yourself winning Dane Richards starting job when you were first drafted?

No, I’ve never thought in those terms and I don’t think this has happened as Dane and I have both started at the same time. We have a lot of talented players all of whom are professional and who can start at any time and who have started this year. Who starts is a function of what the coach is trying to achieve on the field based on availability of players and playing style of opponent.

6- In your eyes, who are the team leaders and what are they saying to the club as RBNY continues to suffer through devastating losses?

All the veterans have been vocal in trying to get us back to a winning mentality and I keep learning from them.

7- Who has been most instrumental in helping your development?

There has been a bunch of players. It seems like each teaches me something and shows me ways to improve from training between games to positioning in the field.

8 – People look at you as one of the few bright spots on the team moving forward. What has your first season in New York treated you?

The fans have been great and they really know soccer. It is good that their expectations are high as they should be. It is a tremendous opportunity to play in New York. As a player, I need to do everything I can to justify the support of the fans.

9- What have you learned so far in your first year as a professional athlete?

To always stay focused. Soccer is my first love but it’s also now my profession. I have an obligation to the Red Bulls, MLS and most importantly to the fans to put my best effort into preparation and then to play well when I am on the field.

10 – Finally, what are your personal and team goals as the season winds down?

Stay focused, keep learning, improving and try to contribute in any way I can.