El Zurdo Rojas Hearts NY (and MLS)

By: Dave Martinez | December 18th, 2008

I love hearing the offseason quotes of MLS new comers. Depending on the person, the critique usually falls within three categories; glowing approval, dismal disappointment or vast ambiguity. So, while I was trolling the spanish news outlets, I picked this Jorge Rojas interview up from Correo Del Caroni out of Venezuela.

Now, unlike my translation of an Osorio article a few weeks ago, this one won’t get anyone in trouble. On the contrary; Rojas has loved his brief stint, and answered all the usual questions with a heavy reverence to the MLS product.

For example:

Asked to compare MLS to the Venezuelan League:

“Over there, its much faster and more physical. They try to be very precise. Ours is a different rhythm, with more touch, less physicality, a slower pace – there are many differences. As far as the organization goes, they want their players to feel good, that nothing is left desired. One must dedicate themselves only to playing. Your not thinking about whether you will get paid or not, if you need clothes or other things. Thats the way it should be, and thats the way they operate.”

In other words; Jorge Hearts New York. Or better put, Jorge Hearts the USA. Not to pontificate too much, but his glowing appreciation for the simple things in life, like getting a steady paycheck and not worrying about clothes, further highlights the things that we take for granted on an everyday basis in this country. I remember when Schelotto came to the states, he told a story about getting involved in a fender bender, and within minutes, a cop was there processing the accident information. This floored Guille, as most murder victims in Argentina would be lucky to get attention within a 24 hour period. No lie.

Makes you realize just how lucky we are, no?

But I digress.

On His Experience With Red Bull This Season

“The time came when the team (Red Bulls) wasn’t winning. It had been two months that they hadn’t done it. With various incorporations, we helped give them a complete turnaround. We were able to make it to the finals and no one gave us nothing. That is thanks to the hard word, and seriousness (of the team). For me, it was a very good the 10 games I played. One has to get acclimated.”

Does he have ANYTHING bad to say? Like being benched? Anything?

Well, no. Quite the contrary . . . .

On His Offseason Approach and His Goals for 2009

“For now, I will continue training on my own accord, trying not to stay still for too long. In February we start the new tournament. I will be sharing with my friends.

We have to rev up from zero well, better adapted. You already know what you are playing for, have a good preseason here or with them to help me sustain this year. In this, I had highs and lows because I left one team to go to another and I got no rest in the process. For things to go well, I hope that 2009 will be my year in the MLS. I like the league, the way they play and how they treat me.”

Sounds like a man on the road to redemption.

What have we learned? Well, for starters, Rojas was quick to point out how important his arrival was initially for the Bulls. He was definitely a big part of the mid season turnaround, as were Pietravallo, Cichero and Mike Magee. He has shown the ability to compete effectively in this league, but took a downturn. If you take his word for it, it was rest related. And from all signs, he is looking at 2009 as the year to spotlight what he can really deliver.

I am a big fan of a positive attitude, and it is quite rare for a South American player to laud over the MLS like he just did. This is especially true if you consider the fact that he road the bench during the teams most pivotal point. Though his garunteed contract is already a moot point, I think Rojas actually wants the opportunity to redeem himself. And that can only work in the Bulls favor for 2009.

Does this change your perspective on the Venezuelan? Can he still be a key to the Red Bulls future success? Grab your coffee and keyboard, and let me know whatcha think.