Vanney In, Kirk Out for the Galaxy

By: Laurie | February 15th, 2008

Anybody ever catch reruns of the old, original “Star Trek” series? (It’s one of my husband’s favorite shows, so I’ve seen all the episodes in the interest of marital harmony.) In honor of Capt. James T, I would like to say into my communicator:

Kirk out.

(Yes, I am easily amused. Especially when Fridays roll around. Work with me here.)

What I mean by this is that our Quavas is headed out the door to DC in exchange for long-ago Galaxy defender Greg Vanney. Because apparently it felt so good to have former Galaxy guy Carlos Ruiz back in town that we’re going to start a collection.

I’m a little puzzled by this one. Vanney has had a great career. (And he was the first American ever to play in the French Ligue 1, which places him high in my French-football-loving opinion.) And with Ty leaving and Abel Xavier a question mark, we’re desperate for experienced central defenders. On top of that, Quavas has been plagued by injuries recently, including things like plantar fasciitis, which is notoriously hard to treat effectively. But Quavas isn’t even twenty. Vanney is thirty-three, an age which is pretty much the definition of “twilight of his career.”

And then there’s that money thing. Last year, according to the Players Union website, Vanney made $236,667. I think I read he was out of contract, meaning we’re not obligated to that much. But how much of a pay cut will he be willing to take to play in LA again? Half? Less that half? (Quavas made $111,000-ish. He was former Generation Adidas, so I’m not sure whether or not that counted towards the salary cap. If not it would have been silly to trade him.)

I’m not sure about this one, but I’ll give Vanney the benefit of a doubt. The proof will be on the field.

But in the meantime, to continue the space travel sci-fi thing, I’ll give you this comment from reader “bluemeanies:”

Yup, you got Vanney who DC had no intentions of resigning. We got Quavas Kirk. I really wonder what type of Jedi mind-tricks Kevin Payne is pulling.

Right. May the Force be with us.

Some Related Galaxy Posts:

Category: Player News, Preparing for 2008, Transfer Rumors

« Ty Harden’s Leaving Soccer!?! | Home | Ty Harden’s Official Resignation Speech »

justjack

After watching FFF last Tuesday when Lala called in to refresh us on his generally delusional version of reality, I can only read this info with a similar feeling; we are so very screwed.
James

Yes, the word is that Kirk will not count against the salary cap again this year. What is management doing? The Galaxy is turning into the New York Knicks of soccer.
Nathanhj

You know, I really think that this chapter of team history will be called "How Alexi Signed David Beckham and Destroyed the Galaxy".

As I said on Sideline Views blog, every team must have the Galaxy front office on speed dial when they want to make a seriously lop-sided trade. More so now that RSL seems to be headed by grown-ups.

And yes, Generation Addidas players are exempt from the salary cap.

Who's left to cut? I think Xavier and Buddle both get tossed because of high salaries and low production. And this means the rookies get developmental contracts rather than senior roster spots.

The new Bravo regime is not inspiring confidence.