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.

Comments

[Steve]

YEE HAW!!!!!!!!!

On to the MLS CUp!!!!!!!!

[kahlva]

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.

[jdawg]

fair trade.

[dallasfan]

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...

[Graeme]

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.

[bgnewf]

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.

[Barry Jive and His Uptown Five]

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.

[El Rey]

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!!

[Adam Spangler]

just curious to see what McBride's impact is

[JRo]

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.

[EDB]

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

[RK]

Up and down week for TFC! They lose the Canadian Champions gimme, get Chad Barrett, but get to host the All-star game...

[Acme]

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.

[Betinho]

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...

[Shakes]

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

[brett]

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??

[brett]

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

[Barry Jive and His Uptown Five]

O/T: Is the guy in Barca shirt/Chicago Soccer sidebar ad the same guy from No Country For Old Men?

[kco]

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.

[Shakes]

I believe that's Puyol, one of Barca's defenders.

- Scott

[nate]

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.

[krelmatrix]

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.

[Ted]

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.

[Dannyc58]

"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.

[Hincha Tim]

I assume that McBride is taking DP type money. Where is Chicago getting its second DP slot from?

[Jake Wright]

Depends on which Barrett shows up in Toronto.

Young, promising striker for old, proven striker seems a fair trade for me...

[kahlva]

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.

[BadgerB]

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.

[JB]

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.

[HomeyBoehme]

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.

[Sticky]

"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.

[rbade00]

Hopefully we can get Barrett a flight to Toronto today !

[Curtis Spiteri]

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.

[Fire Ron Guenther]

I won't miss Chad Barrett. However, I hope McBride stays healthy, he is quite injury-prone.

[Steve]

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.

[kpugs]

Sorry Toronto, I feel for you. I'd rather give up a big time player for free than take Barrett.

[Steve]

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.

[brett]

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

[brett]

: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....

[Fumar]

"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

[noname]

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

[paul Lorinczi]

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.

[Marshall]

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'.

[EDB]

It won't be a dp deal. If it was then Chicago would not have to worried about the allocation position.

[Ed Ho]

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.

[KingSnake]

From the mists of ancient times, the Elder Scrolls tell tales of Chad Barret scoring goals ...

[Mike]

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.

[Pablo Chicago]

"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.

[drewcore]

McBride woot! although i do think barrett is talented, just needs to work on consistency.

[Jeff]

"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??

[Eugene]

That's a good deal for Toronto. They get a forward now, which is what they needed. They get allocation money to help them go out and get another forward, which definitely helps. And the kicker is the 1st round draft pick (assuming it's for next year).

Next year O'Brian White, a Canadian forward, will likely go high in the draft if not #1. Mo is clearly lining up 2 shots to get him in the first round or the possibility of trading for the #1 pick to take him there.

Trader Mo, at it again.

[onionsack]

CHICAGO will play TORONTO in the playoffs and Barrett will score a brace to knock them out..you heard it here first.

[Fumar]

I love all the praise slung at MO. A few weeks ago, a Barrett plus money or draft pick for McBride deal was suggested on this site and everyone was up in arms about getting equal value. I seem to recall thing like, "anything less than Rolfe, Mapp, and Conde is crap." At the very least TFC fans wanted two starter for McBride.

Fire fans, being the more rational types, explained that TFC held to bargaining chips. McBride wasn't going to play in Toronto. If they knew what was good for them they would take something instead of nothing.

Now it looks like MO took something (a inconsistent forward and a pick, as predicted) instead of nothing and TFC is praising the big MO as a genius.

I just hope Chad is well recieved up there, even after he starts shanking clear goals. Good Luck TFC!

[paul]

Stupid system and should be abolished now. McBride is 36 and who knows what he has left? The fire paid too much and Barrett, despite awful misses, will do well in toronto if not played up top alone. draft picks and money just make the trade more unbalanced.If Mcbride doesn't resign after 09 does Toronto pay the fire? of course not.

[Michael F.]

Not a fair trade.

[Bob]

From Blancos' foot to McBrides' head. Fire should tear it up.

[Fumar]

This is win-win for the Fire and the Fire. Not only do they get a proven finisher, they lose a proven shanker. Addition by addition and addition by subtraction. It would be great to keep Barrett around until he finds his form, but because Hamlett won't sit him, he was struggling on the field instead of in a reserve game. This takes Hamlett of the Chad Barrett crack pipe cold turkey. The best possible solution for the Fire.

Now let's go win the Supporters Shield and the MLS Cup and take some more TFC value out of this deal.

[djking2]

I just hope we get this one done before the Olympics get under way. McBride is ill prepared to play such a tight schedule at this point and I can see him easily being out for the rest of the season

[Betinho]

djking - he's right on schedule if you are a Fire fan. If he was still at Craven cottage he'd have had his rest and would be in preseason training. The Olympics will do that for him and you'll ahve a refreshed and match fit BMB for the stretch run. if this would have got done earlier he might be burnt out by the end of the season. I'm worried about this match fitness in Bejing...

[Joe]

TFC midfield is not better than our midfield. Barrett get 2 to 3 chances a game and usually doesnt convert any of them. So I hope he turns it around for TFC but him getting the boot from us is gonna do nothing but hurt what little confidence he had left.

[Dcorr]

It's a good deal for Toronto. They had nothing before, McBride wasn't coming here anyway, and now we have someone to play. The real key will be whether McBride can play in the TFC system like Dichio did - hold the ball up long enough to let the midfielders, Guavara, run into the box - that's what Cunningham and others just can't do for us at the moment. Welcome to Toronto, Chad

[brett]

Fumar - i said the same thing about all the praise Mo is getting... everyone was like "2 starters, d.picks, allocation, and the title to your stadium"....

but when i said "1 player, allocation or $$, and d.pick(s)" they said i was crazy and the deal would be trash...

[Bill]

For those who mention TFC having to "give up" McBride, I was under the impression that, from McBride's perspective, it was the Fire or no MLS and that part of his incentive was to return home and settle down a bit. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought there was no way TFC or anyone else was going to get him, if not Chicago.

[giggsylou]

How is Barrett, draft pick, and cash for BMB fair? TFC shldve demanded Rolfe. Chicago stole this one.

[brett]

Bill - BMB has stated it was chicago or retirement....

the "give up" BMB was about the allocation spot not the player himself

[brett]

giggsylou - hows it fair?? b/c TFC isnt LOSING anything, they are only gaining...

TFC wasnt getting BMB, they held the allocation spot for returning players.... sseeing as noone else worth while was returning they wouldve just lost the spot and got nothing

[spark]

I'm a TFC fan and gotta say Fire fans should be pretty stoked that this was the deal. If our forward situation wasn't what it is, there is no doubt we would have pushed for one of your midfielders. Everyone's going on about McBride's age - who cares - you now have 2 great veterans on your club with heaps of experience - that is priceless. Hats off and good luck.

[Dominghosa]

All I have to say is what I've already said before...FINALLY.
I don't know what Chicago was waiting for in giving up Barrett. He's much, much younger but the kid doesn't have much of a future anyway. Kind of harsh. And could be wrong. But that's where it looks like it's heading.

[John]

1. Maybe the fire will go on a run and win MLS Cup. What is more likely is:
--as mediocre a finisher as Barrett is, they'll miss him
--they won't get McBride back for a very long time (especially if the US can pull a miracle and advance)
--McBride has a history of injuries
--other teams in the East could pull away while the fire is waiting for McBride to return. I really respect McBride and am glad he's going to finish his career back in his hometown. But 2 years ago that is what people were saying about Reyna as well. McBride and Reyna have very similar health records. Granted Reyna signed as a DP and mcBride evidently isn't. But those Fire fans who are assuming they just got a huge addition could be crying in their brats come post-Olympics.

2. For TFC, getting Barrett is pretty weak. But they were never going to get Mapp or Rolfe. More importantly, TFC needs to acquire a forward. that forward isn't Barrett. But as soon as TFC uses major allocation money on a foreign forward they no longer are first in line for McBride. Which means they nada, zippo. So the idea of holding the Fire hostage, as attractive as it seemed to some Red Bull and TFC fans, ultimately wasn't tenable (unless TFC was prepared to not use their allocation that was first in line which basically means they're not going to upgrade their forwards).

As it is, TFC gets someone they'll start right now (Barrett), can get rid of Cunningham as soon as they acquire someone else, and can acquire foreign forward help while still getting a first round pick and probably more if Barrett leaves.

3. The Dichio news is big news. Sorry to hear any player get hurt badly. Head injuries especially (shades of Ramos, Gros, Paule).

4. The FCD fire-sale, what a mess. At one point, that was a team with a lot of talent, a lot of young talent and now they look like they're blowing everything up and starting over. If Hyndman was the wrong decision (and I agree with Ives on that point) than things are going to be very ugly in Frisco-burg for a couple of years.

[martha]

Toronto fans think they fleeced Chicago for taking Barrett off their hands?

Thats laughable. I woulda been willing to give him for free. Come back after three games and tell me how you like him.

Plus the last pick of the first round has a higher percentage of ending up in the USL than being a good player.

[Andrew]

Hey Ives, This is off topic a little but I was wondering if you know who these teams are that are interested in Jeff Cunningham and what they might be offering. Would this move primarily be to unload Cunningham's salary or does Toronto definitely want something back in a trade?

[jj]

I actually think TFC got a very good deal here. McBride is washed up

[Miguel]

It was said on FSC that, besides Barret, money and draft pick, Toronto also get an additional International roster spot. They will use this to get an International forward and will not have to cut a current International player.

[papa bear]

picks, allocation money and the senior international spot that Chicago is also supposedly giving up (according to FSC) would have been more than enough for TFC to get a quality player this year. Barrett is just a bonus if he works out.

It's basically the deal everyone but Mo "We want Mapp, Rolfe, Barrett and Blanco for a 37 year old" Johnston knew was going to happen.

@Posted by:Hincha Tim | July 25, 2008 at 10:32 AM

If it was DP money this entire drama would have been completely unnecessary. I'm guessing it'll be a Schelotto type of deal. Max MLS salary plus the part/all of the allocation money they got from RBNY for Osorio to bump it up to the $600k+ zone.

[papa bear]

@Posted by:Andrew | July 25, 2008 at 08:27 PM

That team would be called Houston "dear god we need a forward, any forward" Dynamo.

@Posted by:jj | July 25, 2008 at 11:03 PM

did you not watch his late season run with Fulham last season? There is a reason they wanted to keep him ya know.

Get used to seeing a lot more of ths:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzbX3L8Wpm0

[Dave]

I think Garber forced TFC to accept the trade. They had been negotiating for a while trying to get a good deal, but the MLS wanted it so that it could be announced at the All-Star game.