Barrett to Toronto FC confirmed
Good morning all. I'm making my way to the airport to head back home and wanted to check in with some of the latest info I've gathered here in Toronto.
The trade between Chicago and Toronto FC for the rights to Brian McBride does involve Chad Barrett. A source with knowledge of the deal confirmed to SBI that the package I discussed last night is, in fact, what Toronto will receive. TFC will acquire Barrett, a first-round pick and allocation money in exchange for the allocation spot Chicago will now use to acquire McBride.
The deal doesn't end there.
Chad Barrett is in the final year of his contract so TFC had some incentives included in the trade that will mean Chicago must give up something more if Barrett doesn't re-sign with MLS in 2009.
So why did TFC do the deal? Apparently Danny Dichio's concussion is worse than first believed and the rest of his season could be in jeopardy. With Jeff Cunningham buried in the basement of the TFC doghouse, Toronto was desperate to add a veteran forward. The club is still searching for an international forward but the hope is that Barrett will be able to step in and start while the club searches for a second striker.
As for suggestions that MLS commissioner Don Garber forced Toronto to make the deal, that is not the impression I am getting. It really came down to Toronto's forward situation becoming so dire that it had to act for fear of hurting its own chances of securing a playoff spot. Say all you want about Chad Barrett, but he has scored goals in MLS and can produce if given chances. Toronto's midfield is good enough to produce chances. It just hasn't had anyone to finish them lately.
As for Kenny Cooper and Juan Toja's impending moves to Europe, there was considerable buzz at BMO Field last night regarding the moves, with some sources saying both were done. Both players flat denied that deals were done, but players aren't always the first to know when deals are complete so we should find out pretty soon whether FC Dallas actually sells two of its best players, which would effectively pull the plug on this season.
What do you think of the Chicago-Toronto FC trade? Did TFC get enough? Did Chicago give up too much?
Share your thoughts on these stories, and any other developing stories, in the comments section below.
Ives Galarcep is an American soccer columnist for ESPNsoccernet.com and creator of SoccerByIves.net.
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YEE HAW!!!!!!!!!
On to the MLS CUp!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Steve | July 25, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Crazy MLS.
TFC desperately needs a forward. So they have to TRADE the rights to McBride (an amazing forward)... for Barrett (an OK forward).
I'm a firm believer in players playing for whatever team they want, so Yay for McBride getting to go to Chicago. But crazy MLS.
Posted by: kahlva | July 25, 2008 at 09:40 AM
fair trade.
Posted by: jdawg | July 25, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Dallas FC is quickly becoming the worse team in the MLS. It's already a fact that their management is the worse what with the selection of that failed Brazilian move last year and the hiring of an unproven college coach who has never won any hardware at the college level.
and now with their 2 best players on their way out, i don't see how they will recover from that. Not with the dubious management in place. SIGH...
Posted by: dallasfan | July 25, 2008 at 09:41 AM
If this is in fact true, I know many Fire fans will feel this is a steal and well worth the value [while saying good riddance to Barrett]. However, TFC gets bolstered with a 4-4-2 setup having Chad if they keep Ibrahim in the lineup and have Barrett be the setup man for him [since Chad struggles to finish - what did the FSC guy say - that Barrett should have 20 goals this season?].
I'd be more interested to know what the secondary conditions of the deal are personally.
Posted by: Graeme | July 25, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Dichio being hurt worse than we were led to believe is the huge news here Ives. Thanks for breaking it.
It definitely explains why TFC had to make the move in the way they have. And let me be the first to welcome Chad Barrett to Toronto and to TFC. May you make the Fire fans choke on their bile.
Posted by: bgnewf | July 25, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Sounds like a fair deal. Barrett, a first round pick and MLS funny money. Don't say I didn't tell you it would go down like that.
Toronto had a choice, take something or take nothing. They made the right choice.
Posted by: Barry Jive and His Uptown Five | July 25, 2008 at 09:41 AM
LOVE IT!!!!!! I hope Barret breaks out of his slump and does well. He is a hard worker but can't finish to save his life!!
Posted by: El Rey | July 25, 2008 at 09:42 AM
just curious to see what McBride's impact is
Posted by: Adam Spangler | July 25, 2008 at 09:43 AM
As a Fire fan, I'll say that it's fair enough. Barrett is a hard worker who is able to create a few chances here and there. If TFC gives him a little company up top, he'll likely work out just fine for them. Best of luck to Chad, and hopefully the change of scenery will be what he needs to realize his potential.
Posted by: JRo | July 25, 2008 at 09:46 AM
As a fire fan, i actually think we gave up to much for a 36yr old striker with only a year or 2 left.
I whish chad well, and he is a decent set up man up top.. just not the best finisher.. he has always been a class guy and I whish him well
Posted by: EDB | July 25, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Up and down week for TFC! They lose the Canadian Champions gimme, get Chad Barrett, but get to host the All-star game...
Posted by: RK | July 25, 2008 at 09:47 AM
More than fair, at least Barrett will miss the open net instead of not even getting a shot off like TFC normally plays.
Too bad we couldn't have unloaded some more dead weight.
Posted by: Acme | July 25, 2008 at 09:49 AM
Fair deal....let's get it on. Can't wait to see BMB in the USA shirt again and then back in the MLS. Here's to Barrett and TFC use that money and get a dang DP or something...
Posted by: Betinho | July 25, 2008 at 09:50 AM
I'm sure the TFC supporters groups will have a chant for him figured out by the next home game, vs. FC Dallas.
Now we just have to pray that Trader Mo seals the deal on one of the many international names being linked to the club, like Paul Dickov.
- Scott
Posted by: Shakes | July 25, 2008 at 09:51 AM
what if TFC chooses not to resign barrett?? do the fire still have to give up something??
again i hope barrett finds his place soon... he just comes up short at Chicago... perhaps a change of scenery will do him good...
If TFC want him back next season then im positive he'll sign again.... honestly he cant be drawing much if any interest abroad...
word on the broadcast is that the Buddle Offer was up to 7 figures??? i know you mentioned to offer, but did we ever find out how much??
Posted by: brett | July 25, 2008 at 09:58 AM
Graeme- excellent point... ive always thought when we run the 4-4-2 Barrett always did well (paired with Rolfe) but when he's the lone forward, it was suspect
Posted by: brett | July 25, 2008 at 10:00 AM
O/T: Is the guy in Barca shirt/Chicago Soccer sidebar ad the same guy from No Country For Old Men?
Posted by: Barry Jive and His Uptown Five | July 25, 2008 at 10:03 AM
I would hate to be an FC Dallas fan right now. Stadium lost to the far reaches of suburbia, an ownership that's WAY out of touch, unproven coach, and now the loss of it's best players. Profitable or not, something needs to be done before FC Dallas loses touch with the very city it represents.
Posted by: kco | July 25, 2008 at 10:04 AM
I believe that's Puyol, one of Barca's defenders.
- Scott
Posted by: Shakes | July 25, 2008 at 10:04 AM
Best of luck to Chad - I hope he goes on to become a star. It just wasn't clicking for him in Chicago and I'm afraid it was never going to. Pretty fair trade considering TFC needs.
Posted by: nate | July 25, 2008 at 10:05 AM
I think Trader Mo did pretty well on this one.
He basically gives up very little in the way of tangibles (would he have used the allocation spot otherwise?). Chicago gets a quality, but aging (with a recent major injury) forward for the last 2 months of this season plus all next season. Toronto gets a decent starting forward (5 goals midway through the season), guaranteed compensation if he performs well enough to bolt from MLS after the season, a (probably) mid-round 1st round pick in 2009, and allocation money.
Not bad at all, from the Toronto standpoint.
Posted by: krelmatrix | July 25, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Even if Barrett continues to waste two or three wide open chances a game, Toronto still got a good deal here. A draft pick and allocation for pretty much nothing? Good job Mo. He continues to fleece other teams.
Posted by: Ted | July 25, 2008 at 10:11 AM
"If given enough chances"
How many players in the MLS that are listed as "Forward", or in the world even, don't score if "Given enough chances".
I mean the more sittters missed, the more likely one EVENTUALLY goes in.
He is terrible.
Posted by: Dannyc58 | July 25, 2008 at 10:13 AM
I assume that McBride is taking DP type money. Where is Chicago getting its second DP slot from?
Posted by: Hincha Tim | July 25, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Depends on which Barrett shows up in Toronto.
Young, promising striker for old, proven striker seems a fair trade for me...
Posted by: Jake Wright | July 25, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Hincha - this season he'll be prorated for only 2 months, so it won't be DP money.
It's next season they have to sort it out.
Posted by: kahlva | July 25, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Looks like a fair deal both ways. The heart of the trade is the TFC slot on the allocation list (to be able to sign McBride) for a draft pick and some actual allocation $s. Barrett it just the extra 'act now' throw-in to get the deal done.
Note: It blows my mind that a player with Cunnigham's raw talent has worn out his welcome at yet another team so fast.
Posted by: BadgerB | July 25, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Hincha Tim -
He said he would not need a DP contract.
Not sure what level he is going to be - but it is not going to be a DP.
Posted by: JB | July 25, 2008 at 10:37 AM
TFC made this deal out of complete necessity.
I do not understand all the sympathy for Chad Barrett. He is not a striker, period.
I enjoy that he works hard, but have him work hard in the USL where he belongs. He is not, will not, and has never been an even mediocre MLS striker.
Posted by: HomeyBoehme | July 25, 2008 at 10:43 AM
"Chad Barrett, but he has scored goals in MLS and can produce [a single goal] if given [about a dozen] chances."
I like Chad as a person - he works hard, he's sincere, and I know that Luis Arroyave says he's a great interview because he's a straight-talker. But the frustration he creates is unbelievable! Who knows, maybe the TFC fans will energize him... if they don't turn against him. For his sake, I hope he scores in his first game.
Maybe Mo has some magical sports psychologist up there in the Great White North who will figure something out for Chad.
Posted by: Sticky | July 25, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Hopefully we can get Barrett a flight to Toronto today !
Posted by: rbade00 | July 25, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Okay, I've had a chance to sleep and think about the excitement of having Brian in Chicago. i knew we were going to give up someone, and Chad has been the current favorite by us Fire fans to go.
HOWEVER, I too hope the best for Chad. He's young, agressive and has a great work ethic.
He'll score several more goals this season due to his determination alone, but be prepared for several missed chances along the way TFC fans.
Chad's the hard working, nose to the grindstone player supporters will love and get behind, and I wish Chad all the best.
Thanks for your commitment, your passion and your enthusiam over the years Chad.
Posted by: Curtis Spiteri | July 25, 2008 at 10:50 AM
I won't miss Chad Barrett. However, I hope McBride stays healthy, he is quite injury-prone.
Posted by: Fire Ron Guenther | July 25, 2008 at 10:53 AM
I have a feeling from all he's said that McBRide will be signing a reasonbaly valued contract with an option to step into the Fire coaching ranks (ala Armas) when it expires.
Posted by: Steve | July 25, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Sorry Toronto, I feel for you. I'd rather give up a big time player for free than take Barrett.
Posted by: kpugs | July 25, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Oh yeah....TFC fans go buy up the antacids there's going to be a run on it real soon. If you think tis just the misses that are frustrating you will learn otherwise. Chad Barrett's Football IQ = zero.
Posted by: Steve | July 25, 2008 at 10:57 AM
LOL, i love how alot of people are out here talking about how Mo is such a great deal striker by getting 1 player, allocation/d.picks, and money for an allocation spot they probably wouldnt use...
sounds familiar?? ive been saying since day 1 that TFC would get 1 player, d.picks (or allocation)and $$.... and why?? TFC doesnt need a player from the fire for today (forward is their weakness and oddly enough isnt our strong point)... the allocation and/or draft picks would have been the bonus... thats the reason why ive always thought they'd get it done.... being able to build in your interest for the future is more important then grabbing some random player from the team
Posted by: brett | July 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM
:Fire Ron Guenther- BMB injury prone?? he's had one major injury that i know of... in fact ive known BMB to take a beating and keep on ticking....
Posted by: brett | July 25, 2008 at 11:02 AM
"Maybe Mo has some magical sports psychologist up there in the Great White North who will figure something out for Chad."
This I have always said is Chad's problem. Get him talking to a shrink and the goal will start looking MUCH bigger.
Best of luck to you Chad. Just make sure to save one last shank for when the Fire come up North. October 18th Chad. If you're not sitting yet, do the Fire fans one last favor and shank a sure goal over the bar.
Thanks,
Chicago
Posted by: Fumar | July 25, 2008 at 11:04 AM
This is a steal for the fire. They keep Rolfe, dump Barrett and get McBride (who will actually manage to put Blanco's setups into the net).
What I am not clear on is that at some point it was mentioned that Chicago would need a DP slot to get McBride and they would need to make a deal with another club to get that slot. Is that still in effect or does McBride not count as a DP?
noname
Posted by: noname | July 25, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Barrett has improved year over year.
I was not impressed last year, but I saw promise in him this year. Next year, he could be the real deal.
Posted by: paul Lorinczi | July 25, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Y'know, it does seem bizarre that a "forward-desperate" team gives up a chance to get Brian McBride. I guess if he would never play for them, better to get something out of the deal. But cherry-picking locations seems to favor some teams. Is any incoming potential DP going to pick St Louis, KC, Toronto? Maybe, but LA, NY, seem to have an advantage. In this case Chicago's got the advantage on a quality player because of hometown status.
I have no idea what all of this means, of course. I'm just sayin'.
Posted by: Marshall | July 25, 2008 at 11:42 AM
It won't be a dp deal. If it was then Chicago would not have to worried about the allocation position.
Posted by: EDB | July 25, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Toronto shouldn't be getting anything here. This allocation system is definitely a large inhibitor to getting SR Intl players into MLS. This isn't Tornonto's fault mind you.
What if Rnahldinho was allocated to Palermo instead of just negotiating with ac Milan.
So, for free agent players, we need more of an open market system and then just make peopel conform to the salary cap. as it stands, we have this hindrence and we have large exceptiosn to the cap - like LA. Neithe rof these things is good for the league.
Posted by: Ed Ho | July 25, 2008 at 11:51 AM
From the mists of ancient times, the Elder Scrolls tell tales of Chad Barret scoring goals ...
Posted by: KingSnake | July 25, 2008 at 12:03 PM
I have some good memories of Chad. But they are few and far in between. Still I wish him the best of luck. Perhaps a new club will do good for him.
Posted by: Mike | July 25, 2008 at 12:08 PM
"Say all you want about Chad Barrett, but he has scored goals in MLS and can produce if given chances. Toronto's midfield is good enough to produce chances."
What is Blanco? Chopped Liver? If Barrett finished half of the chances Blanco gave him, he'd be the league's leading goal scorer this year.
Posted by: Pablo Chicago | July 25, 2008 at 12:15 PM
McBride woot! although i do think barrett is talented, just needs to work on consistency.
Posted by: drewcore | July 25, 2008 at 12:24 PM
"if Barret does not re-sign with MLS in 2009"
So if he re-signs with MLS it does not have to be with Toronto and there is no compensation??
Posted by: Jeff | July 25, 2008 at 12:28 PM