Harsh criticism of ReAL's draft...

Dadof3 · 01-24-2005, 04:41 PM

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/feature?id=322563&cc=5901

Sorry I do not have time to work through all of his criticisms, but it is strange that we did not pick up anyone to help us this year (all young...not ready) or at at least one of the positions we need major help (outside mid...I'm going with the theory that Ellinger expects the newly licensed driver to start at D-mid within two years).

This is without even going into the debate whether we took some players earlier than anyone else would of...it is possible (probable) that we could have gotten BOTH Besagno and O'Rourke (Besagno with the 13th pick).

My thought...we brought in Ellinger for this exact purpose. He is the one with the experience with these guys. If it does not work out...well, I hear Siggy and Dir are both available...and known for their abilities to spot talent. Color me one of the people not suprised in the least that those two working together helped the 20's qualify with three straight wins. Additionally, with that coaching staff, there is no chance any of the players will be overweight (not much left at the buffet when Sig and Dir are finished :D ).

Czar Jake · 01-24-2005, 05:49 PM

and here is GM Pastorino's response:

Quote:

They were also eager to dismiss criticism of the expansion team and its moves to this point, including the picks RSL made at the SuperDraft.

"I love the fact that some of the pundits have such strong opinions. Good, bad or otherwise I think that strong opinions are great for our league, great for our organization. We want people to have strong emotions for and against us; that's the kind of team we want to be. I might clip a couple of those [articles] and put them in a desk drawer, and pull them out in October to see whether or not their punditry came true. Every team came out of the draft thinking that they got exactly what they wanted or that they had filled holes in their roster. They're excited about where they are. So the pundits can't all be right," said Pastorino.

Whole article can be read here
Whoever got this quote must have really done some great reporting! :D

SoccerPrime · 01-25-2005, 06:05 AM

I understand Dadof3's (I'm almost a Dadof2 BTW) POV. But to be honest, if your building a expansion franchise, your going to win faster out of the gate with SIs and older MLS players than with great draft picks. Ellingers picks were based on the future not 2005. At least thats how I convince myself that its ok not to draft O'Rourke.

Jim Umber · 01-25-2005, 08:00 AM

I'm sure that Ellinger has a plan and is following it. We won't know until we've played at least a few games, how well the plan is working, but I'm sure he has a plan. AND I believe it will turn out to be a good plan. I believe in Ellinger. He knows what he is doing.

SoccerPrime · 01-25-2005, 12:44 PM

All true, however...
http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/players/461977.html
*sigh*

Nojoke · 01-25-2005, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

All true, however...
http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/players/461977.html
*sigh*

Right now it's all hype and marketing.

bordelais7 · 01-25-2005, 03:16 PM

True. It's cliché, but only time will tell. As fans we don't have a whole lot of factual evidence to work with as far as who is better. Why not trust the guy that actually worked with them?

Jim Umber · 01-25-2005, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

All true, however...
http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/players/461977.html
*sigh*

This, remember, is from a team that canned everyone and started over. I think I could find some fault there, too.