MLS Hot Stove: Suggesting a blockbuster

 

What is a Designated Player slot worth?

Two years ago, when the New York Red Bulls acquired Chivas USA's DP slot, it cost a former MLS MVP in Amado Guevara. Last year, when D.C. United acquired Colorado's DP slot, the cost was as former MVP (Christian Gomez) and a first-round pick.

With word emerging on Tuesday that Red Bulls head coach Juan Carlos Osorio would rather trade away his team's second DP slot than have two DP salaries on the books, we can start to think about just which teams might be in the market for that slot.

One natural trade partner exists and it is none other than the same team that gave the Red Bulls the second DP slot in the first place, Chivas USA.

Here is a trade that could help both teams and could shake up the MLS off-season:

The Red Bulls would trade their Designated Player slot and goalkeeper Jon Conway to Chivas USA for Jonathan Bornstein, Maykel Galindo and a swap of first-round picks.

Why would Chivas USA do the deal? They enjoyed a strong season with both Bornstein and Galindo missing a big chunk of it with injuries (they combined to play 31 out of a possible 60 games). With forwards Ante Razov, Alecko Eskandarian and Justin Braun in the fold, Galindo is expendable and there were already rumors about him possible heading to the Seattle expansion franchise. Bornstein is about to enter the final year of his contract, meaning the club could lose him at the end of the year.

Most importantly, Chivas would then have the mechanism to add a high-profile Mexican star, something the club shied away from years ago, but appears prepared to do now. Someone like Adolfo Bautista would be a big score for the Goats, both on the field and at the box office. Secondly, Conway would step in and start for Chivas USA.

So why would the Red Bulls make the trade? The club would acquire two talented players who could step in and start, which is precisely what Osorio said he wanted instead of the DP. Bornstein would give Osorio the type of dangerous attacking fullback he has craved, and would allow him to move Kevin Goldthwaite into central defense. Bornstein could also be used on the left flank, bringing the type of versatility that will be crucial to a team that will compete in the Champions League next year.

Then you have Galindo, a speedy striker who could be a terror playing alongside Juan Pablo Angel. One of the Red Bulls' biggest priorities this off-season is finding a speedy forward and Galindo would fill that need.

The draft pick swap might seem inconsequential, but the 2009 MLS Draft is shaping up to be a loaded one (assuming MLS can sign the bulk of the underclassmen it has targeted) and a high draft pick could fetch the club another useful player like Luke Sassano was last season (skeptics can also argue that it could bring another Eric Brunner, who the Red Bulls wound up letting go during the season over a contract squabble). Moving up from No. 14 to No. 9 might not seem like much, but it could mean the difference between a rookie starter and project. Could Chivas wind up just throwing in the No. 9 pick without getting one back? Perhaps that could help the deal get done if Bornstein were against signing a new deal.

Then there is the cap-friendliness of the trade. Even if the Red Bulls re-signed Bornstein to a new deal (he made $77,500 last season) the overall cap hit wouldn't be that much. Let's assume Bornstein's new deal saw him earn double his 2008 salary(let's say $150,000), combine that with Galindo's salary ($79,750 last season) and you're talking between $230,000 and $240,000. The combined cap hit of a second DP and Conway would be at least $435,000. That's a savings of almost $200,000, savings that could go toward re-signing Dave Van Den Bergh and/or adding at least one other quality player (most likely a defender).

Signing Bornstein to a new deal might be what makes or breaks a deal like this because having him play without a new deal would leave the Red Bulls open to too much risk of losing him for nothing next winter.

There would also be the gamble of handing the goalkeeping duties to playoff hero but still inexperienced Danny Cepero. Cepero showed plenty of ability and potential, but he also has a grand total of six MLS games played (though four of them were playoff games and an MLS Cup final). Ultimately, it is a gamble the club will need to take because Conway's salary

Will this trade happen? Assuming the Red Bull power brokers in Salzburg approved the trading away of the Red Bulls second DP slot, It wouldn't shock me of some variation of this deal did take place. Chivas USA needs some star power and a goalkeeper, and could be one impact player away from being a title contender. The Red Bulls need to add a handful of quality players and this deal would be a big step toward building a stronger roster for 2009.

What do you think of the trade? Would you make the trade if you were the Red Bulls? How about if you were Chivas?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[el oso]

Can you remind us, what happens if a team trades a DP slot? Would RBNY be short 1 DP slot forever, or some limited time?

[Sterlinho]

It's a great idea for Red Bull, but it would suck for the Sounders.

[Matt]

As a Red Bulls fan I love this deal, which is why I can't see it happening. Also, will Chivas really want to take on a goalkeeper who will miss several games at the beginning of next season?

[northzax]

interesting. seems like a potential win-win, if Chivas can actually find a high profile Mexican willing to wear the red and white.

while I hate seeing DP slots unused, I think Osorio is right in thinking that two quality starters (at say $200k each) are worth more than your average DP.

[Energy Drink]

Cepero
(Boss)

Leitch-Boyens-Goldwaite-Bornstein
(Petke, Jimenez, Mendes)

Richards-Stammler-Ubi-Van den Bergh
(Mbuta, Pietravallo, Rojas, Sassano, Magee)

Angel, Galindo
(Kandji, Wolyniec)

[EdTheRed]

@el oso: each team starts out with only one DP slot. RBNY's second is, as Ives points out, the one they originally got from Chivas USA (for Amado). So if they trade one away, NY wouldn't be "short" a DP slot, they'd just be back at square one.

[Erik Abarca]

That will be nice, considering Galindo stays healthy.

[lakaix15]

Ives, I love your idea you should tell Osorio....

But.... what about Kandji isnt he the speedy talented foward that we have????

[SCNewJersey]

Ives, as usual, I'm lovin' every word of it. I want this trade (and the consequential signing of VDB) NOW!

[Energy Drink]

(assuming Kljestan transfers)

Conway
(Kennedy)

Vaughn-Thomas-Burling-Mendoza
(Talley, Suarez, Ebert, Curtin)

Harris-*Mexican Star*-Nagamura-Flores
(Victorine, Marsch, Wicky, Paladini)

Razov, Eskandarian
(Braun, Nurse)

[northzax]

el oso: NYRB acquired this slot from Chivas in the first place for (I think) three years. so no, RB won't get it back after some time.

[Richard, UK]

I think Ives is bored.

[lakaix15]

EVEN BETTER!!!!

Cepero
(Boss)

Boyens-Jimenez-Goldwaite-Bornstein
(Petke, Lietch, Mendes)

Richards-Stammler-Ubi-Van den Bergh
(Mbuta, Pietravallo, Rojas, Sassano, Magee)

Angel, Galindo
(Kandji, Wolyniec)

[kahlva]

Hey Ives,

When does Red Bull's "lease" on the 2nd DP run out, anyway? Isn't it only good for next season (and then reverts back to Chivas)? When, supposedly, they're looking at the whole DP thing?

[el oso]

Yes, but is it permanent? (Granted, MLS can change the rules whenever it wants).

[northzax]

no, in two years, the slot reverts to Chivas. this isn't RB's slot in the first place, they traded for it.

[Danny]

Please be true. I pray to heaven that Chivas gets "Bofo" because then I would have an even bigger reason to HATE Chivas! Please be true.

[kpugs]

I definitely think if the DP slot is to be traded that it should be for more than one player who could immediately start.

RBNY would only have it for this season anyway before it reverted back to Chivas, so I can even wrap my brain around possibly only having Bornstein for one season and losing him to free agency or Europe.

Galindo's injury is what worries me. In theory that would be a pretty good trade, a blockbuster but a fair one. But what if Galindo doesn't have it anymore? He's still only 27 so maybe it's worth the risk.

[eric]

Those are 2 great talents to have signed for $160k total! I think that makes them more valuable than ex-MVP's (with attitude questions) locked in at almost DP prices, although of course Bornstein is going to get a pay hike or a ticket to Denmark.

I don't see why Chivas would swap draft picks over that. They should be able to play hardball to avoid that, they're probably the single most eager team to use the DP slot, especially considering NY no longer wants it and that other LA team has no assets.

[Ives Galarcep]

Guys, I've been told the DP slot is the Red Bulls through the 2011 season, which would be three more years (and which happens to be when Beckham's contract expires).

And Eric, it isn't as if the Red Bulls are desperate to get rid of it. Osorio said he would prefer to keep it and if the options are get a less-than-ideal trade and hold onto it and sign a big-named player in the summer, I think Salzburg would choose the latter. As it stands I wouldn't say it's a guarantee that Salzburg even okays the trade of the second DP slot.

[Julian]

Hey Richard in the UK, shut your pie-hole. It's the off-season. We're all bored. Don't you have a Chelsea or Liverpool jersey to sniff?

[nico]

i'm confused, is this 'trade' just a bunch of fun hypotheticals? Or is this something that you've heard is being considered?

[John]

It's worth trading the DP slot no matter how much people lust after Del Pierro or Henry and dream of them in a RB uni. It's simply too destructive of team depth to have 2 players making DP level money, especially if you play more than 30 games.

Now, I can't see a deal of this magnitude going down for what Ives proposes. Here's why: RBNY acquired the DP slot effectively for 4 years. Now they'd basically be dealing it for 2 years.

The previous examples--well, you've got Guevara (you can say "MVP" but basically what we're talking about is a talented attacker). The second example (Gomez), he was out of contract. So the argument that a DP slot is worth an MVP player is pushing it a bit. It's more accurate to say that the two DP trades have involved players who were talented attackers but also had issues in terms of their willingness to stay in the league--they were both gambles. And in both cases, the team trading for those gambles lost.

I think if RBNY could trade the DP slot for Galindo, that would be an amazing trade. Without a 1st round pick. Without Bernstein.

[ag nigrin]

Ives you are a genius if this comes true...Now is this pure speculation on your part or is this blockbuster trade possibly in the works! Bornstein would reinforce our left back weakness and Galindo would pair up nicely with Angel... Cepero, Boss and Patterson-Sewell would be fine as GKs...no real need for damaged goods Conway! RBNY has to hold onto VDB and we need an attacking midfielder still.
Hopefully we can sign Kassell real soon too!

[Ossington Mental Youth]

DP slots are sort of a novelty now, theres only a few instances when the slot has bettered a team (Angel, Beckham, soon to be Schelotto) and more instance when its been ineffective or pointless, no need for examples here). Dunno why someone would reach for a second slot

[Trex]

I say do it because there's a fair chance that by the 2010 season all teams will be given a 2nd DP slot, if that happened then as of right now RB would end up with 3 DP slots which would definately not work with the low salary cap. If we trade it now we may end up getting that 2nd slot back in a year anyways. Sounds good to me!

[fubar]

The Goats will never go for it. Why have a keeper that misses four games and is out of form until probably May/June? Why trade away a good left flank player? Why give away Galindo when you can keep him AND get the DP slot next season?

This is a terrible trade for Chivas and the fact that all of you NYRB fans love it makes it all the more reason for voting thumbs down.

Patience from the Goats (in this case) will serve them well...Sorry Ives, no nibbles from the West Coast.

[Chris]

Sorry no. What the hell would be the point of this. Let's trade our DP slot for a guy that is bound for Europe within a year and a forward who spent almost all of last season injured and has not proven he can regain his 1st years success. Or we could sign Henry. Yeah real tough decision here.

[Richard, UK]

Re: Julian

It was a glib and tongue-in-cheek quip, you humourless twonk.

I really couldn't give a toss about Liverpool or Chelsea, I support Nottingham Forest.

Gee, you're angry.

[eric]

Gotcha, Ives. I guess I was assuming Osorio was speaking for the organization when he made those remarks! I'm still hoping for a 2nd successful DP next to JPA, NY with a great MFer would be a great club to watch.

I do think you were underselling Bornstein's health. Galindo missed twice as many games as he did.

In a way, John is right, although I would say that your margin for error is gone if you use both DP's. But MLS needs to fix that fast, it has the situation where it's 2 biggest markets want to use 2 DP's but threaten their ability to compete. That's exactly the opposite of what they are trying to create.

[cbr]

RB needs depth bad. I'd also tease the LAG with that DP see what they have to offer. They may lose Lando forever and want to replace his slot with a big name forward. Lord knows they have the money for it.

i know he's old but Klein would sure up our RB spot. Klein and first rounder (their pick should be high right?) may be fair to both teams

[ELAC]

Something to consider:

Bornstein will not re-sign unless his salary gets doubled. He almost went to play in Israel last year.

Maykel Galindo is still recovering from a groin injury that took him out of the entire 2008 season practically. He also does not respond to "tough guy"-type coaches. He is emotional and can be volatile at times.

My 2 cents

[HIncha Tim]

Until the MLS modifies the salary cap or does not count a DP's salary against the salary cap (or at a reduced amount) I think that DP slots are not that valuable. The hit that a team takes to its depth in quality and quantity in order to take a DP (roughly 1/4 of its salary cap)just does not make it worth it. I think the MLS should allow DP's total salary to be off the books (or maybe a charge of $200k). Better yet, I would have a modify MLS rules to have a soft salary cap where teams can go over it but have to pay a pretty steep tax (maybe a tax of 2$ for every $ spent over the salary cap) that goes to the other teams for salaries. That way if there is a team with deep pockets (NY or Seattle?) they can build a glory team. I don't think glory teams are bad for the league if they don't bring the league down financially (they would't with the tax), and bring more fans into the stands to watch their team play against the glory team. Think of what the Cosmos brought to the table in terms of fans. If that could be replicated but more financially stable it would only be good for the league. I would love to watch RSL play today's equivalent to Pele, Georgio (and Cruyff of the LA Axtecs) and the NY Cosmos.

[sack]

Fantastic Ives, let trade for 2 guys that were injured consistantly in 2008. Gallindo will be lucky to see the pitch more than Reyna at the rate he is going and Bornstein between international callups and injuries would suit up maybe 10 games all year.

I guareentee you all there is NO WAY IN HELL that the RBFO allows that DP to slip away. They desperatly want a huge name to open Red Bull Arena with and they will veto Osorio in a NY minute.

[OgreDave]

I could definitly see this happening, but the questions about a bornstein european move and a possible injury hole potential in Gallindo are valid issues.

As for Richard in the UK: Don't pay no mind, I thought your comment was funny! Glad your here in the mix.

[Reid]

while i can't stand BOZO, when i do watch the mexican league, he is an impact player and definite a player i would love to hate in MLS.

[Tim]

Stop living in a fantasy world Ives. Chivas would never go for that trade. The track record on DP's is horrendous and Chivas would be in better shape keeping those players.

[Smith]

It would be funny if we traded the DP to Chicago for Conde & Marmol. Of course, they'd have to add Rolfe to the deal.

(Cue up Music...Papa Bear Angrily throws down his Kilbasa, races down to the basement of his mom's home & hugs his framed Peter Nowak photo)

[Skinn]

Richard in the UK. Just don't tell Julian you're bigger than Jesus. He'll a) never understand it; b) never let it go.

[eric]

Smith - Conde, Marmol, & Mapp for DP and a draft pick would be a darn interesting proposition (that would be my counter offer, anyways).

[Ethan]

Onyewu scored in Standard Liege's 3-0 win, and Tevez had 4. I hope Tevez goes to City, not because I love City, but as a football fan, I want him to be starting somewhere, although, anywhere in the MLS would be preferable.

[Ethan]

Eric: Could Chicago afford to spend that much on 3 players? McBride, Blanco, and X? They might actually be able to and do pretty well with the team they have.

[Aljarov]

I don't know why people think DP slots are really worth that much in this league. Half the teams don't have them filled and half that do are terrible sides with or without their DP's.

I wouldn't do that deal as Chivas. The biggest question would be how long would the DP slot be for....if it's just going back to Chivas then I guess it's the equivalent of 3 years.

Chivas could always work their way around the DP issue by signing their guy to the parent club and then loaning him to MLS for whatever they want....much as NY could (and did with Schopp). Those parent club loopholes make a mockery of the whole DP rule in the first place. (Chivas only signed Palencia to the MLS team because at thatpoint it allowed MLS to equally share the cost of the contract after it was approved by the league).

[Bobby]

Nice thought Ives. All my thoughts for RBNY are compiled into this one. New Stadium plus bad economy equals need to either top level Eastern Division team or high profile player to put butts in the seats!

[Steve]

C'mon guys I know you think us midwesterners are dumb but what do you take us for?

A team would have to be stupid to trade for a second DP slot. I mean no team would be stupid enough to do that.

Oops, sorry.

[mike from linden]

i love this deal, i hope it gets done solely because Red Bulls need depth and Van Den Berg.

[Hayseeds are funny]

"C'mon guys I know you think us midwesterners are dumb but what do you take us for?"

Some would call midmesterners hayseeds, but luckely it's not up to them what a DP slot is worth... pssst ... just keep walking down the midway with your cotton candy, there Hoss.

[eric]

Ethan - that trade would clear enough cap room for another DP, although I might have failed to account for paying for a whole year of McBride.

[Allegre]

I think RBNY is posturing to bring down the price of some of the DPs they are looking at. These players always use MLS as a posturing strategy with the European Clubs.

[Dr. Rockzo, The Rock N' Roll Clown]

I thought Chivas had talked about going all-American. Trading for a DP and signing a Mexican star would certainly put a hold on that; just what that team needs, another identity crisis.

[Eugene]

Interesting proposition, but I'm not sure of trading for Galindo given his horrible injury problems last season. That would be trading a lot of value to Chivas for a guy that might not re-sign and another that might not play. Than NY would get no starters.

Perhaps a ratcheted down deal of DP slot to Chivas USA for Bornstein (but must re-sign) and Flores and swap 1st round draft picks.

I don't like "blockbuster" deals in MLS, I like little deals that put together a good squad. The big deals are risky and prone to blowing up completely. Just ask Colorado how Christian Gomez worked out for them this season. Or how Amado Guevara worked out for Chivas USA the season before.

[Jmc]

Keep it up and you might get hired as the GM for the LA Galaxy. That is one of the worst trades for RBNY you could possibly suggest.

(1) Galindo is a sucker's bet - always hurt.
(2) Bornstein is gone to Europe next January.
(3) More than half of the league's first round draft picks have been out of the league in 3 years.
(4) Why would you throw an extra player in the mix. The DP spot is enough given Chivas current desperation for a Mexican DP.

[orange315]

As a RB fan I hope they do not make this trade. Like people have said already, Galindo is overrated, and Bornstein is a one year rental. If we absolutely have to trade the pick this off-season then try to get a bunch of draft picks.

I like the idea that someone came up with to tax a team if they go over the cap. Thats pretty much what MLB does, Yankees, Sox others just pay the luxury tax and it helps out small market teams while the big teams maintain their status. If MLS teams who are able to do that want to (RB, Galaxy, Seattle) than they should be able to. It doesnt guarantee success (See Rays in baseball) and it wont be detriment to the league if they can spread some wealth around.

[Michael F.]

This idea makes too much sense. That means our beloved RB's won't do it.

[Chivas-guy]

Kennedy has impressed out here in LA. I'd be remiss to bench him for Conway, they're about level in terms of skill in my opinion.

[Joamiq]

The fact that some RB fans love this deal and some hate it alone makes it an interesting proposition. I would hesitantly support it. If we can use the cap space to resign VDB and add a defender for depth, that would certainly be a good thing. We can worry about 2010 when the time comes, but that would give us a deep squad for 2009.

Obviously though, Chivas is not going to do this unless they have a pretty good idea for that DP slot.

[Ryan]

Even if Bornstein is out next season we may be able to ship him in the summer and at least get some money for him but he would really have to impress the first half of the season b/c im not sure that many clubs will be willing to pay much for him

[chicagosoccerguy]

Fire wouldn't give Osorio conde ever- so get off the crack pipe!

[Tim F.]

I don't like it; I don't think the Red Bulls get enough in this deal.

I think the Red Bulls need/would benefit from two solid keepers, not one. I think that Galindo and Bornstein are prone to injury and will do us no good unable to play. I think the Red Bulls should use the DP slot to attract and a center midfielder.

[coach don]

Attention Jeff Agoos...

As sporting director, it's your turn to actually do something. If you are in over your head (i think he is) simply look to others, like ives, for guidance. we'd hate for you to end up like your buddy, alexi lalas. at least that clown has talent and can join the circus (or be a shotgunning sideshow act for television)

[scott47a]

The quick positive reaction from Red Bull fans should be a tip-off that this deal is too one-sided to make sense.

There is a salary cap in MLS. If you are Chivas why would you trade two low-priced guys who are decent to load up your roster with higher-paid players.

I think this is a bit to dreamland on Ives' part. I don't see Chivas trading Bornstein.

[NONAME]

I also support Naughty-ham Forest.

[Matt]

Sounds like the idea of a RBNY supporter;

Chivas would (or should) never go for that trade...maybe if they'd found somebody who could replace Galindo, but they were unable to do so for the entire year. And a good left back is like gold in this league.

As compensation for that they're supposed to take a goalie who can't even practice with the team until a month into the season and the right to fork over ten to twenty times the money to replace one of the guys they just traded away?

[joe]

Nothing more than speculation.......boring!