Collateral Damage: Chris Leitch Traded to San Jose.
By: Dave Martinez | March 2nd, 2009
It is the roster compliance deadline for all MLS clubs today; their last chance to get the roster to a solid 24 (or less) players. This does not mean that players still can’t be added through April, it just means that any player movement moving forward will most likely result in a cut to the current roster.
One of the first moves to achieve compliance involves a trade with fellow West Coasters (the Bulls are West Coast Champs, right?!), the San Jose Earthquakes. The Mercury News reports Red Bulls have sent Chris Leitch to San Jose for one of its 8 international slots and allocation money (yes, even MORE allocation money. Metrofanatic just did an article on this very topic).
Leitch proved to be more than a servicable player, especially considering most people thought his signing would be a stop gap for the 2008 season. He stepped in last season when the defense itself could barely hold up, and did his part to strengthen the backlines. Before becoming a Metro, Leitch was doing a good amount of travelling from team to team, offering his services. After establishing himself with the Bulls, his stock has seemingly gone up. To think the Bulls are able to get more money and an international slot for the services of a man that at one point was considered a journeyman; that is a testament to the hardwork of Chris Leitch and Coach Osorio.
Overall, Chris Leitch did his part in what was an improbable 2008 season. Looking forward, his loss will only create more questions for that defensive end of the field. With Leitch gone, and no new signings announced (as of yet), where do the Bulls stand on defense?
BTW – expect more roster announcements later in the day.
img credit: Andrew Zarate
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Comments
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Hey Dave,
I’m getting more and more excited about Pacheco because here’s more information and good news:
http://www.mls-rumors.net/2009/03/incom.html
Posted from
United States
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wow, i was hoping we’d sign a new starter at RB and use Leitch for depth, but as it stands now, we’ve got no one there. mendes can play even tho he’s a CB. zimmerman and hall have been tried there. ogunbiyi is another CB but maybe osorio is making room for him on the senior roster. the international slot in the trade is hopeful news. we’ve been looking at a lot of LBs, but who’s the RB?
Posted from
United States -
Almed – I read that earlier on the post blog. He would definitely solidify things.
And I am with cb – I thought Leitch would be a servicable backup to the eventual starter. As of last count, I believe RB were at 25-26 on the roster, after the Leitch cut.
Now look at the roster and try to find someone who warrants a cut – good luck. Its not an easy decision. Developmental slots will most likely go to Boss, Traynor and Zimmerman. That leaves one developmental open. And then who do you cut from the seniors? Borman is developmental. Echeverry, though unproven and injured so far, seems to have Osorios love, so even if he is the logical cut, I think he may be in the safe zone. Who does that leave? Sassano or Sinisa? Andrew Boyens – who had an excellent 2008?
Tough calls for JCO today for sure.
Posted from
United States -
Sassano played well last season but Sinisa was phenomenal at times.. I really hope we dont give Sinisa up..
Posted from
United States -
I wouldnt want to give up either. Sinisa has the spark to be a servicable CAM in the future. And Sassano was awesome last season, especially for the playoff push. Again, tough call.
Posted from
United States -
we have one more spot to cut? Id loose Echevery or Boorman at this point personally.
I liked Leitch but Im happy to get the $ and especially the international spot. Looking better than ever for Pacheco
Posted from
United States -
I hope Etcheverry is the odd man out. With Oduro and Kandji, who are fast and young, why hold on to an old, slow forward who has proven to be injury prone. As far as Leitch goes, I’m sorry to see him go but he is possibly the WORST passer of the ball that I’ve ever seen.
Posted from
United States -
I hate the guy personally, so… one word (in the voice of Max Bretos):
YEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Posted from
United States -
Dave, sorry amigo, but Boss can’t go developmental. Players over 25 yrs old are senior roster only.
I think Echeverry and Boss will get cut. I hope they’re looking for alternative employment.
Posted from
United States -
JG – hilarious.
And My Editor in Chief strikes again! Good work Eug! I wasnt even aware Boss was 25 . . .
Posted from
United States -
you guys see the mike petke video on RBR? I like how they have the camera following them around off the pitch like that.
Posted from
United States -
Hey Dave,
was today’s game on TYC? Did you get to watch it? Man! This season cannot start soon enough!
Thanks in advance
Posted from
United States -
Hey Pico – nah it wasn’t. Shame. If it is in the future, Ill get the old camera ready!
Posted from
United States
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