Thursday’s Tidbits

This can't be happening. I was hoping this was over for good. I still believe that this is Garber's poker game playing out. Not over by a long shot. The only way I can see Beckham staying is if Simon Fuller (his manager) smacked some sense into him about his long term future. If he stays in MLS, he has a chance at some great business opportunities in his future.

Dave, I was just going to post that. http://www.latimes.com/sports/...

New story just out about the Beckham saga. Fox Sports say he's staying with the Galaxy.

http://msn.foxsports.com/socce...

George,
Believe me, I am glued to conspiracy theories as much as the next avid LA Galaxy fan - but, pertaining to the last observation you made (... the article that had the player cuts is gone from the official blog). I just went back & checked it's still there. It's the blog article titled "Mexico-USA Viewing Party; LA Galaxy Training Notes".
At this point, I am inclined to think that if LA Galaxy & MLS manages to hand over David Beckham to AC Milan, then, maybe, LA Galaxy and MLS will not be willing to let go of Landon Donovan, just yet. If that's the case we still have a good attacking & passing player. The only thing is against tall, physical, athletic defenders - many of his plays get nullified. This is where I strongly feel that Bruce and Dave have to strategize and give important roles to all of the other starting players. If Donovan gets the appropriate shielding and dummy runs that pull away few players then he would have opportunities for fast breaks and quick-shots. But, I don't think our group/school of players are there yet.
My next question is: If San Jose has already picked Bobby Convey, and we're next in the selection order for US Internationals who want to head back to MLS... then, who will we get?
I am still very concerned about our defensive line. Tony is experienced and he's a good leader and knows Bruce & his style well - but, the MLS players of today are way more faster, cunning, and tricky as a collective than when he last played. Again, I'm very concerned!

Sorry. My bad, that article is still there. Although I was almost certain they removed it...

I don't know what's going on with the Galaxy and what they're trying to hide. First, they don't give us lineups for the scrimmages. Then the match report from the official blog is taken down. Now it looks like the article that had the player cuts is gone. Very strange.

I was thinking about our best starting XI with our current players, and here's what I came up with. Of course, I havesn't seen the team play during preseason, so this is just speculation:

------------------Ricketts-------------------
Franklin---Gonzalez--(Sanneh,McDonald,?)--Dunivant
Klein-----Kovalenko-------Miglioranzi------Lewis
--------------Buddle-----Magee-------------

This line-up isn't too bad, although the midfield is a bit old and also could use a good centerback. I think we may end up getting a talented CAM, which would allow Kovalenko to go back to his natural DM position.

They cut Leo Bautista? I thought he was doing well in pre-season and then they cut him?

Dave, I don't know. I would assume we would have an all-around mid-level team with a few standouts as the season progresses. As it turns out, that's what wins the majority of MLS games. It will be interesting to find out. Of course, with all the money burning a hole in AEG's pockets they could pull off a surprise DP.

So When we let Beckham & Landon go who will replace them?
Any Ideas?????