Who Should the Galaxy Draft and/or Bring In?

By: Laurie | December 29th, 2008

A good article over at SoccerAmerica today about the Galaxy’s trials and tribulations where the roster meets the salary cap, especially as it relates to having two DPs. (Interestingly, everything is written with the assumption that Landon Donovan will be back next year. What do you think?)

Some good points:

– His “keepers” (meaning guys we shouldn’t throw back, not guys who will play in goal. Although that would be interesting too) are: Donovan, David Beckham, Sean Franklin and Edson Buddle.

– Toss in new goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, who is a keeper in both senses.

– We’ve already freed up some serious salary cap space by shedding Greg Vanney ($91,800), Eduardo Dominguez ($192,000 — have we officially dumped him yet?), Alvaro Pires ($100,000) and Pete Vagenas ($144,000)

– Add in the allocation, guesstimated at $350,000, that we’ll get for ~~sucking~~ missing the playoffs and we’ll actually have some money to play with.

Let’s hope that we get some decisions like Dane Richards (Arena’s contribution to Red Bulls) rather than Carlos Ruiz redux (Lalas/Gullit/AEG’s contribution to the Galaxy.)

What would you do with the money? Who would you get rid of, and who would you bring in?

Some Related Galaxy Posts:

Category: Player News

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charlesj27

Glen,
You're right... it's very good to see players being released or traded especially if their contribution, performance, heart/will are all questionable or uncommitted. I want to remain positive about the players that Bruce and Dave have brought in. But, only time, games, and pressures on & off field will tell if these guys have what we need. The good thing is that Jovan, Stefani, and Leonard are all very familiar with the LA Galaxy organization and club and structure (*granted that a LOT has changed over the past 4 - 5 years in LA Galaxy*). But, I believe Bruce, Dave, and Cobi are trying to weave together players that will care about, stick with, and fight for the club and organization to help cement its foundation such that fans can start trusting in the future & momentum of LA Galaxy. That's my belief, anyways.
I've read in other soccer news blogs about Henry Bautista being on trial for us - he does look alert, very competitive, and most importantly speedy. I still think we need a tall, strong, man-handler of a central defender to be ready against teams that have powerful forwards and midfielders (eg: FC Dallas, New England, Houston Dynamo). Right now, I am very curious at who else Bruce & Dave are trying to bring in. These next several days are supposed to be the busiest trading days for MLS clubs before and during 2009 MLS SuperDraft.
I'm really hoping that Bruce and Dave can bring some more strong, imposing, competitive players.
Laurie / Jen, where are you gals? Are both of you on vacation? And, I haven't heard from NathanHJ in ages???
glen

looks like we have a few things to look forward to, the Pan Pacific Cup, http://www.ppchampionship.net/ signing some players, Stefani Miglioranzi, Leonard Griffin, Donovan Ricketts and Jovan Kirovski. Plus we got rid of some of the dead weight and shopping around a couple more.

anyone read more on Henry Bautista (central defender, left back) coming to the Galaxy? Looks like he's fast and can react well, certainly what we need, some speed on the back line.
David

I saw Ruiz play when he was first with the Galaxy. He was a wonder. He had amazing flashes of brilliance in front of the net. He was a constant threat because you never knew when he would strike. I was sad to see him go.

I saw Ruiz play last season. He was okay. He could score. He was a decent striker. I guess he was better than Alan Gordon, but that's not saying much. I was happy the Galaxy were able to trade him away.

He has since been waived by Toronto.

Whatever Ruiz had, it appears to be gone. And while I will always cherish what he was able to do early on in his career, you don't pay people or tie down the team for nostalgia.
Zach

Ruiz was treated the way all players are treated, like a tool. When they're washed up they dont matter anymore. I hate it but thats how football is this days. Its just a matter of results and business.
Laurie

Werner, I know Ruiz has a lot of fans. But if we completely ignore (or agree to disagree) on what Carlos Ruiz brought to the team, I think we can all agree that signing a third DP -- regardless of who it was -- was easiily one of the most idiotic moves by any team. Or ever.

It essentially guaranteed that majority of other players on the field would be either newcomers or a past-their-prime old-timers.

So when all of them were on international duty, the team would have...uh...let's see... Sean Franklin and Chris Klein, with an occasional helping hand by Edson Buddle and/or Alan Gordon.
Jeremy

i heard that la galaxy wants to bring former Valencia man Ivan Helguera. The former Real Madrid and Spain defender/midfielder has received numerous offers since terminating his contract with Valencia in mid December. Various EPL clubs, as well as Italian clubs have expressed interest in the 33 year old player. If Helguera decides to join the Galaxy he would be reunited with fomer Real Madrid teammate David Beckham.

who knows....God knows we need to rebuild our back line. i have faith that Arena will make good decisions.
Werner

i hate the lack of respect for Carlos Ruiz!
He got the Galaxy their first MLS CUP! Yeah he is not what he was, but he deserves the respect!
David

I think the Galaxy should stop assuming Landon is coming back and start looking for a replacement. They definitely need to shore up defense, but I also think we really need a couple of quality central midfielders. Guys who can create plays but also get back on D.
Evan

I know we've gotten rid of a lot of salary, but Gordon still seems a bit high for me. I know that every time he's written off he seems to put together a good run of games, but still.

Defense is the name of the game. That should be the focus.