A Look At The Red Bulls Protected List And More
By: Dave Martinez | November 24th, 2009
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?
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Comments | Add your comment
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I wish all the players from this year were unprotected….
Posted from
United States
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Matthew Mbuta??
Posted from
United States -
Ahhh, worried about losing Zimmerman. Confident with the ball I hope the Union don’t take him.
Posted from
United States -
My bet is Danny Cepero will find a new home.
Posted from
United States -
Mbuta, Cepero and Zimmerman not on the list? Cant believe it! I would easily switch Zimmerman with Mendes. There are too few spots think.
Posted from
United States -
Boyens, Petke, Cepero, Mbuta and Zimmerman were all surprises for me, though I could have seen any combination of these guys being left out.
I know Petke is up in age, but the way he closed out the season, he deserved a protected spot. Boyens I understand why he wasn’t protected, but he is another one that played so well down the stretch. Mbuta has a ton of skill yet the Bulls refuse to use him. Cepero I spoke for in the piece. But Zimmerman, out of all these players, is the shocker to me. He can handle the ball, guide crisp passes, is unselfish and very young. Why they didnt protect him I do not know.
Rest assured, the Union will either pick up Danny or Zimmerman tomorrow.
Posted from
United States -
I would have rather made Richard available instead of Zimmerman. The latter one has so much more potential than Dane.
Posted from
United States -
Hey Check it – based on who is available, and the ten man limit placed on the Union, here is my shot at who they would draft:
W. Barrett,
A. Guevara, P. Richetti, R. Mulrooney, N. Grabavoy
Jay Heaps, J. Riley, Andy Iro, M. Petke
J.ConwayPosted from
United States -
I agree with Pico, Richards should not have been included, his speed is useful but not when he cant figure out what to do with it. Every time he gets the ball he gives it away.
Posted from
Canada -
For most of the season I agreed with what most had to say about Richards…however, over the last several games, notably after the coaching change, I thought that Richards decision making and play making improved substantially. He was quicker to pass, which was his major problem in the first half of the year as his first touch is not particularly good and therefore his ability to beat the defense with the dribble is almost non-existant. In the latter stages of the season he consistently looked for the open man and I thought did a good job. The exclusion of Zimmerman to me is problematic, as I thought through the run of play he was probably one of the top 4-5 players on the team last year, despite how little he played. He must have shown very poorly in practice.
Posted from
United States -
I suppose I would have subbed Medes for Zimmerman (or Petke), as I think he was a powerful winger when he played, but otherwise I’m satisified with the list. Like you, Dave, I think Carlito has loads of potential: he’s tall, fast, and great on the flanks. He was hampered by poorly timed fouls and his injury. Otherwise, I think he perfomred well. And in this league, quality wingbacks are in high demand.
Posted from
United States -
I am rather sad and shocked that Cepero, Petke, and Zimmerman didn’t make the cut, but like you said, you can only protect so many people.
Other than Richards (though even he had a couple decent matches in him this season), I can’t really say I’m opposed to anyone being on the list, but Danny, Mikey, and Nicky are my boys.
Posted from
United States
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