MY TAKE: DANE RICHARDS as TRADEBAIT

By: Dave Martinez | February 21st, 2008

( kudos to me for somehow being able to put up two legendary cartoon characters back to back in successive stories, and somehow, being able to make em fit the story. I am a GENIUS! )

I was Dane Richards greatest detractor early last season; the Jon Stewart to his George W. Bush, the John Bolton to his United Nations, the Stewie to his Lois Griffin . . . you get the idea.

But even great non believers can be turned . . . I mean, look at how Luke Skywalker showed Vader the light?

Needless to say, I am now walking with the Force by my side.

Dane Richards is a commodity that this humble writer feels can not be replaced.

Not easily at least.

SO DAVE, WHY THE CHANGE OF HEART?

If you can recall, the Dane Richards experiment started off with a dud. Once Marvell Wynne was gone, our right sided speed demon, we had Hunter Freeman fill in the position. Freeman, though no where near as speedy as Wynne, offered a much better cross from the corners, as well as better vision of the field. Unfortunately, he succumbed to injurys. The loss of these two speedsters opened the door for Dane Richards, whom, up to this point, seemed to be more of a drifting winger instead of a penetrator, who used that speed to open up the field.

Once given the ball, we saw what Dane could do. His speed caused all defenders fits. As the season progressed, his ball handling was becoming spectacular in leaps and bounds.

Basically, every game, he got better. And better. And better.

He, along with Dave Van Den Bergh, showed the most consistent growth as the season progressed. And their actions deserved a change of heart on my part.

When someone plays their hearts out, game in and game out, and they show improvement along the way, it tells me two things: This player WANTS to play here, and this player WANTS to be better. And that is all you can ask for.

Sure Dane doesnt have much of a power shot, or a shot at all! And yes, his vision, and passing, and crossing can all use a major overhaul. But Dane is now a sophmore in our league. He has been capped by the JAM team. He has gained major experience.

And to top it all off, him and Jozy are best of friends! How can you go wrong?

PATIENCE

In our league, it is a rarity to acquire a young, motivated, hungry player with quality skills. Dane is this player. And patience will be a major ally in this arena. Dane gives our attack a unique look.

Taking it a step further, Dane adds to our upcoming 2008 attack. Say we are using the vaunted 3-5-2, or the 3-4-1-2. Immediately, you nullify the attacking threat of your backs, meaning that the wing men will be the ones pushing the ball forward. On the left, we presumabley have DVB throwing in sharp crosses. But a speedster and line breaker he is not. Dane, on the other hand, provides the penetration needed to break the opponents back lines. With Osorio, and his known ability to train and educate a player, Dane Richards will have the chance to blossom into one of our leagues top 5-10 wingers.

BASICALLY, I BELIEVE IN THE KID . . . BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK?

So you know where I stand. And this news of Dane as tradebait has raised many an eye brow.

Voice out your opinion with this handy little poll!

And feel free to comment at will. Am I overselling Richards (much like I do Parke)?