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?

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.

“The offer is a very good offer,” he said. “The club is a very good club. I am considering the offer. However, I would like to stay in the United States. But I’m not sitting around. I want to work. I have to work.”

Interesting denial, especially considering that the Once Caldas front page has been promoting Osorio for the past two days (screenshots after the jump):

Once when he “officially” signed on . . . .

. . . . claiming he will commence work the second week of December. Or today’s feature . . .

. . . . with this front page splash, detailing Osorio’s initial “transfer wish list” for the club moving forward and highlighting the clubs directors mulling the fax. The bottom of the page actually has an inset featuring an interview with his new assistant coach, Pompilio Páez.

Who is to be believed, ladies and gentlemen?

My guess? Osorio signed on prematurely. With his apparent popularity in Colombia going through the roof, combined with a team that is struggling it’s way through the league table, it seems the directors may have jumped the gun on the announcement before Osorio’s contract expired in December to give the fans a little something to look forward to. This puts the former Bulls coach in the unenviable position of towing the line he has already crossed; signing with a team while still “signed” with another.

What do you think is going on here?!

Juan Carlos Osorio is a head coach once more. He takes on a squad that is currently 8th in their table, with 7 wins, 7 draws and 4 ties, accumulating 23 goals for and 14 against in that time frame. Osorio, infamous for his defensive positioning and tactics, inherits a squad which already boasts the lowest goals against in the league, and is in the top half of the scoring tables as well.

I am sure every Red Bull fan will be following this storyline during the offseason – just in case those numbers take a turn for the worse.

Jeter is breaking down the left flank, and he sends a beautiful cross to Johnny Damon.
Damon dribbles passed the defender and finds a wide open A-Rod!
A-Rod with a chipper to Matsui . . .
Matsui lines it up and hits a glancing head . . .
GOOOOOLLLLL MATSUI!!!! GODZILLA DOES IT AGAIN!!!
YANKEES LEAD 1-0!!!!

Ok, wrong World Series.

Jack Bell and the Times reports Red Bull have inked a multi-year deal to be the American home of the Football World Series (not to be confused with the baseball final or the World Series of Football). The format is simple; the tournaments take place in different areas of the world. Being that Red Bull is the host for the American event, they will be immediately inserted into the competition. Three international squads fill out the remaining card.

In Amsterdam, the three teams included host Ajax, Benfica, Sunderland and Atletico Madrid. Not a bad showing, especially for the soccer aficionado. This will also give the Red Bulls more opportunities to test their mettle against some of the best in the world in a tournament that may take place after the World Cup.

The multi-year aspect of this is exciting as well, securing supporters a look at world class competition, even if the participating teams will be playing during their off season. In my humble opinion, tournaments like this are necessary in drawing more of a spotlight to the American Soccer community.

What do you think? Cool or lame? Drop me a line, let me know . . .

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.