McCarthy's Musings: MLS Combine Anticipation

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MLS: Mo Johnston, coach, Toronto FC, Sept 29, 2007 (ISI)

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By Kyle McCarthy

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN HARTFORD AND FORT LAUDERDALE – This gig certainly has its perks.

One such instance of a perk is the chance to go down to Florida in the middle of January to take in the MLS Player Combine and track pre-SuperDraft machinations. Sure beats trying to avoid ice storms and cold snaps in New England.

I plan to write nightly dispatches on each of the three combine days -- Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday -- analyzing the day's action and passing along any tidbits I might come across. The Monday MLS Breakdown continues as per usual to start the week. Look for a mock draft on Wednesday before I head off to St. Louis for the SuperDraft.

As I wind my way down the eastern seaboard, the Friday Five outlines a few points of interest heading into one of the most hectic weeks on the MLS calendar.

1. Smaller rosters, fewer opportunities

We have now entered a world where teams can't stash their long-shot draft picks on the developmental roster. That means fewer of these rookies will find a home in the league and more teams will find themselves with draft picks that yield no return. It certainly drives down the value of lower-round picks and could hinder teams with lots of draft picks (New England has the most with seven) when and if they try to consolidate.

2. Generation first round?

Smaller rosters will force teams to place an even higher premium on Generation adidas players who don't take up roster or salary budget space. The current GA class numbers nine. If any of those players last past the first round, it would represent a surprise considering the current roster and salary budget situation for most teams.

3. Who is that and why did my team take him in the first or second round?

Unknown players from smaller schools don't generally get scouted much before the Combine unless they play in a MLS market and the local side takes a quick look. Every year, a player or two emerges from out of nowhere and ends up going much higher than anyone anticipated based on his Combine performance. Recent examples include John Cunliffe (first rounder to Chivas USA from Fort Lewis College in 2007) and George Josten (second rounder to Columbus from Gonzaga in 2008).

4. A swap meet led by our old friend Trader Mo

Toronto FC holds the second and fourth picks in next Thursday's draft. Multiple teams covet the chance to move up and take one of those picks from TFC to select the player of its choosing (more than likely a defender like Maryland's Omar Gonzalez). TFC's draft positioning places Mo Johnston right in the center of all of the speculation. I can't think of a better MLS technical director to have at the center of a possible trading outbreak. Expect some fireworks on the trade front, even if MoJo somehow manages to stay out of it.

5. Familiar faces, new places?

Teams use the cover of the SuperDraft to dump high priced veterans for cheaper draft picks and future assets. Last year saw Nick Garcia, Alecko Eskandarian, and Chris Albright join new teams. Who will make the move this year? Colorado outcast Christian Gomez isn't a bad bet if odds are being laid, but the Rapids would likely have to pick up some of his bloated cap number to facilitate a deal.

Kyle McCarthy writes the Monday MLS Breakdown and frequently writes opinion pieces during the week for Goal.com. Contact him with your questions or comments at kylemccarthy@gmail.com.