Does Toronto really want McBride? How about the Chicago players?
Brian McBride is coming back to MLS, that much we know. The question now seems to be where will he land.
Early indications seem to be that he wants to play for Chicago, his hometown team, but first he would need to get Toronto to let go of his rights. So does Toronto really want McBride?
TFC general manager Mo Johnston is being coy about it saying the team 'needs another striker' but also pointing out that they are, 'sitting on a little pot of gold here.' So is Mo just trying to get the offers up or might TFC be serious?
Meanwhile in Chicago, at least one player is a little concerned about the addition of McBride to their roster.
But there is another factor in this move that needs to be resolved. If McBride is going for designated player money, Chicago will need to pickup another DP slot* as they are using their slot for Blanco. So not only would the Fire need to give something to Toronto for McBride's rights, they would also need to give up something else to get the second DP spot. That's a lot to surrender, but maybe we now know why coach Denis Hamlett packed his team with forwards during the off season.
As far as salary cap space, Toronto looks to be close to their limit, so they would probably need to clear about $300k to make space for the $400k portion of McBride's DP salary, while Chicago would only need to free up about $100k. (Allocation money might make these numbers a little different)
My guess is the MLS really wants McBride and McBride really wants Chicago, so the league will find a way to make this happen. Just think how much the MLS brass would love to promote the Blanco-McBride connection. Two legends from the US-Mexico national teams coming together in Chicago.
* Under MLS rules are teams received one designated player slot that they can use to sign a player for more then a $400k a year salary or trade to any other club. Only the first $400k of the player’s salary counts towards the team’s salary cap. No team can have more then two designated players.
Early indications seem to be that he wants to play for Chicago, his hometown team, but first he would need to get Toronto to let go of his rights. So does Toronto really want McBride?
TFC general manager Mo Johnston is being coy about it saying the team 'needs another striker' but also pointing out that they are, 'sitting on a little pot of gold here.' So is Mo just trying to get the offers up or might TFC be serious?
Meanwhile in Chicago, at least one player is a little concerned about the addition of McBride to their roster.
"If [McBride] is asking for designated player money ($400,000 or more), players might get moved or traded or dropped," Fire forward Chad Barrett said. "There's a good chance he would take my spot, but I think I've gotten off to a good start and am contributing. The coaching staff knows that."With the way the Fire have played this season, a change might not be the best idea. Then again, I think most people would pick a McBride over a Barrett any day (no offense).
But there is another factor in this move that needs to be resolved. If McBride is going for designated player money, Chicago will need to pickup another DP slot* as they are using their slot for Blanco. So not only would the Fire need to give something to Toronto for McBride's rights, they would also need to give up something else to get the second DP spot. That's a lot to surrender, but maybe we now know why coach Denis Hamlett packed his team with forwards during the off season.
As far as salary cap space, Toronto looks to be close to their limit, so they would probably need to clear about $300k to make space for the $400k portion of McBride's DP salary, while Chicago would only need to free up about $100k. (Allocation money might make these numbers a little different)
My guess is the MLS really wants McBride and McBride really wants Chicago, so the league will find a way to make this happen. Just think how much the MLS brass would love to promote the Blanco-McBride connection. Two legends from the US-Mexico national teams coming together in Chicago.
* Under MLS rules are teams received one designated player slot that they can use to sign a player for more then a $400k a year salary or trade to any other club. Only the first $400k of the player’s salary counts towards the team’s salary cap. No team can have more then two designated players.
Labels: Brian McBride, Chad Barrett, Chicago Fire, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Finance, MLS, Salary, Toronto FC, trade
posted by Mike H at 11:01 AM
3 Comments:
Wow,
Chad Barrett sounds like a whiny little school kid who's about to get his soccer ball taken away.
His remarks will only lead to more taunting.
Seriously, who does Barrett think he's convincing with "I think I've gotten off to a good start and am contributing. The coaching staff knows that."
What a puss!
Barrett to the USL !
I still can't believe McBride is leaving the amazing world of football, to go play soccer in America. Where he won't be respected all that much, as a professional athlete.
This is a prime opportunity to make the Chicago Fire exciting. I was born and raised in Chicago, moved to L.A. 20 years ago and have never been a fan of any L.A. team. I gotta tell ya this is the first time I was interested in any team when the Galaxy got Beckham AND Donovan became one of his favorite targets. I look for games on t.v.
If MLS and Chicago cares about elevating this game it should absolutely do everything possible to acquire a world class striker like McBride and pair him up with a world-class playmaker like Blanco. Only the Galaxy have a pair like this today in MLS.
He led Fulham in scoring a of years ago. The Fire are in a slump, and I can't think of a more interesting time to bring in a striker of his caliber.
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