Let’s Talk Galaxy Superdraft

By: Laurie | January 18th, 2008

Okay, let’s talk talk SuperDraft.

If you’re interested, it will be shown live on ESPN2 and MLSnet.com starting at 11:00 PST. If you just want the gist, I’ll be live-blogging it over at the Main Page.

I never try to pre-guess these things, because even if you’re going fourth, like the Galaxy, your picks still depend on the guys who’ve gone before. So let’s just wait and see.

Billy Witz at LA Daily News says we’re going to be looking for “cheap talent.” That would be an understatement. Expect a Generation Adidas kid if possible, because they don’t count against the cap. Ditto for the minimum wage Developmental Players.

The Galaxy have the fourth overall pick and two picks in the second, third and fourth rounds.

Bravo said the Galaxy is looking for depth at outside back, a left-footed attacking player (the only healthy left-footed player on the roster is left back Mike Randolph) and a goalkeeper to develop.

The team has had discussions with goalkeeper Tally Hall — an All-American at San Diego State who was a fourth-round pick last year before heading to Denmark — about returning to compete with Steve Cronin for the starting job.

In what is generally considered a sub-par draft, where the only real depth is in the back, many, including Bravo, see four or five players who can contribute immediately and another 15 to 20 who have a chance.

And even more importantly, what does Billy Witz have to say about the high-wage players?

Albright, who made $142,000 in 2007, is one of a number of six-figured Galaxy players who could be on the move before teams must be in compliance with the salary cap on March 3. Forward Edson Buddle ($140,000) and midfielder Peter Vagenas ($131,000), who may have a tough time cracking the starting lineup, right midfielder Chris Klein ($180,000) and center back Abel Xavier ($156,000) may be luxuries the Galaxy cannot afford.

Who goes and who stays, Bravo said, will probably be determined when new coach Ruud Gullit gets his first extended look at the team when it reports to training camp on Feb. 1

Sound ominous, no? Let’s hope for some depth in the draft.

(Tech stuff: From what I hear, our tech problems should be solved by now. If you’re still having trouble commenting or reading, please drop me an email at LAGalaxy[at]theoffside[dot]com.)