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Nobody wins in the event of a work stoppage, so it is beneficial for both sides to reach an agreement. My proposal is probably not earth-shattering, or even something that hasn't been considered in pieces already. But it is reasonable and requires some concessions from both sides.This analysis is simplified and I am surely not privy to any of the real discussions, nor am I experienced in labor law. This is simply from the perspective of a fan who wants both sides to find a middle ground.

The owners have said that they need to keep clubs from competing against each other for players in a free market in order to avoid the excesses past professional leagues and to continue the steady growth of the league. The players feel that they should be able to be free to sign with any club when they are out of contract, without the new club being forced to compensate the former club.

I propose the following solution:

1. Waived players. Players waived by their current clubs are made available, at their current contract, to all MLS teams through a waiver draft taking place no more than 7 calendar days after the player is waived. Players chosen through this draft must remain on the claiming club's roster through the next MLS Cup. Any players not chosen through the draft become immediate free agents, inside and outside MLS.

Additionally, team rosters will increase by 2 senior domestic players on July 15 each season and may be filled by any club having the salary budget to do so. Playoff rosters will be limited to 23 players specified before the playoffs begin.

This, I believe, is not too different from the current situation. It seems to favor the players, but the owners will have a hard time justifying keeping a player under the control of a club that does not want him. Adding the 2 additional roster spots creates positions for players waived during the season and should placate that player concern to some degree.

2. Option declined by club. If a club declines to pick up an option year on a contract, the club will have an exclusive 14-day window in which to renegotiate with the player. If, after the 14-day period, no agreement has been reached on a new contract, the player may become an unrestricted free agent if the average yearly guaranteed salary of the proposed new contract does not equal 85% or greater of the guaranteed money of the declined option year. So, if a club declines the option on a player due to make $100,000 in an option year, then fails to offer a contract averaging at least $85,000 per year, the player then becomes a free agent if he is not willing to accept the new offer within the 14-day window.

If the club does offer a sufficient contract, as described above, and the player does not accept, the player becomes a restricted free agent within MLS. Any club signing such a player will be required to pay the former club a fee (allocation money) equaling 10% of the guaranteed salary of the option year. The former club will have the option to match any offer averaging 95% or greater of the guaranteed money of the declined option year.

This proposal splits the power a little more evenly, but still weighs toward the players on the money side. The owners get to keep the escape valve of the club option years, but are limited with how much they can control a player without losing his rights. This requires a healthy compromise from both sides and is reasonable.

3. Player contract expires. If a player allows his contract to expire, he may become an unrestricted free agent in MLS providing he has 5 years of MLS service, or is at least 29 years of age on the date the contract expires.

Any player whose contract expires and who does not meet the requirements to become an unrestricted free agent, as outlined above, will become a restricted free agent under certain conditions. The club must present, before the contract expires, a contract averaging yearly at least 85% of the guaranteed money of the final year of the expiring contract. The restrictions placed on the free agency of the player will be determined by the average yearly guaranteed value of the club's proposed new contract in comparison to the final year of the expiring contract, as described below.

85%-99% Any MLS team wishing to sign the player must compensate the former club with allocation money totaling 10% of the average yearly guaranteed money of the former club's proposed contract. If the final year of the expiring contract, or the first year of the proposed contract, guaranteed at least $100,000, the new team must also compensate the former club with a 4th round draft choice. If the club is not compensated for the player's rights, they continue to hold those MLS rights for 1 calendar year.
100%-114% Any MLS team wishing to sign the player must compensate the former club with allocation money totaling 20% of the average yearly guaranteed money of the former club's proposed contract. If the final year of the expiring contract, or the first year of the proposed contract, guaranteed at least $100,000, the new team must also compensate the former club with a 3rd round draft choice. If the club is not compensated for the player's rights, they continue to hold those MLS rights for 2 calendar years.
115% or more Any MLS team wishing to sign the player must compensate the former club with allocation money totaling 30% of the average yearly guaranteed money of the former club's proposed contract. If the final year of the expiring contract, or the first year of the proposed contract, guaranteed at least $100,000, the new team must also compensate the former club with a 2nd round draft choice. If the club is not compensated for the player's rights, they continue to hold those MLS rights for 3 calendar years.

This, too, splits the power of both parties. Players can move freely if they reach certain marks of service or age, or if the previous club does not offer a "reasonable" contract. Clubs that cannot reach agreement with expiring players, can retain some rights to compensation if they make "reasonable" offers, with more "reasonable" offers earning more compensation. The players benefit from the compensation being dictated and non-negotiable, limiting the former club's ability to hold a player hostage.

The players will not be getting their complete rights of free movement, as they define them, but they will be getting considerable concessions from the owners and well-defined framework with which to work. They also gain increased leverage in contract negotiations.

The owners get some protection, in addition to their salary cap/budget, against inflating player payroll, while taking away the players' claim of being powerless to control their market value.

In the end, both sides can claim victories while showing their willingness to compromise for the good of the game. The fans will be the real winners when this is over and they can enjoy their favorite team without worrying about the shadow of a work stoppage.

What do you think? Is this reasonable for both sides? Where are the holes?]]> MLS http://revcetera.com/?itemid=85 Tue, 2 Mar 2010 12:20:20 -0500 Depth Chart 02-25-2010 http://revcetera.com/?itemid=82 Projected Opening Day Starting XI Working under the assumption that Nicol will use a traditional 4-4-2 with this group:
XI_OpeningDay.png
Most of these selections will be obvious, but some merit discussion and will surely change before the first kick, even without injuries. The most contentious area will be the left side of the field, including the entire left half of the defensive line, the left midfield spot, and the central midfield partner to Shalrie Joseph. I've chosen the players I have in these spots under the assumption that Nicol will opt to be conservative away in the first match of the season. That includes some stability and continuity from last year's squad. Here is where Phelan starts next to Joseph, Mansally beats out Castro (and Tierney) at the left midfield, and Osei starts next to Barnes in the center of defense. Gibbs beats out Badilla and Tierney on the left defense due to MLS experience.
Now let's take a closer look at the positions.

Forwards

In the magical world where everyone, especially Mr. Twellman, is healthy, the clear depth probably: Twellman, Jankauskas, Dube, Schilawski, Videira, Colaluca, Mansally. Until Twellman returns and is game-fit, the middle of that list, from Jankauskas to Colaluca, will be battling to establish themselves as the clear number 2 forward and staking a claim to be that first forward off the bench. Let's hope that Twellman returns soon, that Jankauskas can remain healthy, that Dube becomes more consistent, and that Schilawski adjusts well to the professional ranks. That's a lot of hoping...

Left Midfield

Mansally and Castro should battle out for this spot most the season. They'll need to prove they can produce offense to claim top spot. Last season, both had games where they provided the needed creativity. But both also had very mediocre games, as well. Tierney is good depth here and could put himself into the fray for the starting spot with his crossing and dead-ball skills.

Right Midfield

This is Nyassi's spot to lose, at this point. Colaluca would likely provide depth here. Nyassi needs to show the willingness to take on defenders on the wing that was getting him hammered by the Mexican defenders in SuperLiga 2008. If he's getting by that defender and getting deep, he can cause a lot of trouble. Improving his crossing would open his game up quite a bit. Schilawski may find himself getting minutes here if Nyassi gets injured or becomes ineffective.

Central Midfield

Joseph has this spot locked up for very good reason. It will be good to have some extra options here in case, heaven forbid, we are desperate enough to need Joseph up front for any period of time in 2010. Among the candidates, Phelan has the most experience in this position under Nicol and would have to feel he has the advantage. But he can't be complacent. Videira offers less defense (though a willingness to work), but more offensive abilities. He might offer some ability to control the tempo in the middle of the park. But we've seen so little of him that it's unclear. This will be a critical year for both Phelan and Videira to prove they belong at this level. The wild card is Niouky Desire who recently signed out of Senegal. He's booked as a two-way traditional central midfielder, but little is known until his visa gets approved and he shows what he can do. There's also some noise, but not from management as far as I can tell, that Osei may find a place here making room for Gibbs in the center of defense.

Left Defense

This is sort of a log jam of players who's best position is somewhere else. Gibbs and Badilla have both played this position for other clubs, but are probably better suited in central defense. Tierney has some experience here, but his lack of speed and crossing ability better suit him for wing midfield. I guess it's also possible that Osei finds himself out here as well. I'm secretly hoping that the draftee, Sinovic, is an Alston-like revelation and provides the same threat coming forward as Alston does on the right. Tierney can provide some going forward, but Gibbs and Badilla are more stay at home defenders.

Right Defense

Much like Nyassi in front of him, Alston has this spot to himself. The problem is that the cover we had last season with Heaps and Albright is gone. Badilla can probably play here in a pinch, as could Tierney or Osei. This will be an interesting spot if Alston continues to struggle with the hamstring that has kept him out of two national team camps over the winter.

Central Defense

Barnes and Osei laid claim to these spots last season, but will have to do more to hold on to them this season. A healthy Gibbs and/or Badilla (playing up to their billed potential) could make life difficult for Barnes and Osei.

Goalkeeper

Matt Reis is the clear #1, but he'll be out until May or so recovering from a pair of off-season surgeries. Preston Burpo was brought in to provide an experienced backup who can start when needed. Reis showed some chinks in his armor last season with some communication and judgment errors. I don't think he needs to worry about Burpo taking his spot, but he'll need to get back on track if this team is going to make a challenge for silverware in 2010. I don't know anything about Shuttleworth apart from the fact that he knows the drills from his time as the #3 last year.

Holes and Needs

The biggest need for the Revs is to stay healthy. The depth can get real thin, real quick with a couple key injuries to injury prone players. Even if everyone gets and stays healthy, this team needs some bolstering in the right midfield to challenge Nyassi and some depth in the wing defense positions. These are places that Boggs and Sinovic have a chance to fit into the roster.

Currently, there is one senior roster spot available and 2 development roster spots open. If Castro or Badilla can't make themselves invaluable to the team, during this preseason, they risk being the first to go to make room for additional players.

I'll revisit this in a few weeks as preseason unfolds and opening day approaches. What do you think?]]> Depth Charts http://revcetera.com/?itemid=82 Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:34:08 -0500 Revolution All-Time Goal Scorers http://revcetera.com/?itemid=79 | Regular Season (RS) | Playoff (PO) | Open Cup (OC) | CONCACAF (CC) | Superliga (SL) | Total |
bold indicates active player

Rank	Player	RS	PO	OC	CC	SL	Total
1	Taylor Twellman	101	10	7	1	0	119
2	Steve Ralston	42	2	3	1	1	49
3	Joe-Max Moore	41	1	1	0	0	43
4	Pat Noonan	37	5	3	0	0	45
5	Clint Dempsey	25	1	0	0	0	26
6	Wolde Harris	24	2	3	1	0	30
7	Shalrie Joseph	24	1	1	0	3	29
8	Imad Baba	23	0	0	0	0	23
9	Raul Diaz Arce	18	0	0	0	0	18
10	Andy Dorman	17	0	2	0	0	19
11	Ted Chronopoulos	16	0	0	0	0	16
12	Ivan McKinley	13	0	0	0	0	13
13	Alberto Naveda	13	0	0	0	0	13
14	Kheli Dube	12	0	0	0	3	15
15	Adam Cristman	10	0	0	0	0	10
16	Giovanni Savarese	10	0	0	0	0	10
17	Jay Heaps	9	1	1	0	1	12
18	Jeff Larentowicz	9	0	2	0	1	12
19	Johnny Torres	8	0	1	0	0	9
20	Khano Smith	8	1	0	0	1	10
21	Brian Kamler	8	2	0	0	0	10
22	Cate	8	0	2	0	0	10
23	Edwin Gorter	7	0	0	0	0	7
24	Paul Keegan	7	0	0	0	0	7
25	Matt Okoh	6	0	2	0	0	8
26	Chiquinho Conde	6	0	0	0	0	6
27	Jose Cancela	6	1	0	0	0	7
28	Joe Franchino	5	0	0	0	0	5
29	Darren Sawatzky	5	0	1	0	0	6
30	William Sunsing	4	0	2	0	0	6
31	Kenny Mansally	4	0	1	0	2	7
32	John Kerr	4	0	1	0	0	5
33	Sainey Nyassi	4	0	0	0	0	4
34	Geoff Aunger	3	0	0	0	0	3
35	Welton	3	0	0	0	0	3
36	Alexi Lalas	3	0	0	0	0	3
37	Jamar Beasley	3	0	0	0	0	3
38	Daniel Hernandez	3	1	0	0	0	4
39	Mauricio Wright	3	1	0	0	0	4
40	Mike Burns	3	1	0	0	0	4
41	Chris Brown	3	0	0	0	0	3
42	Andy Williams	3	0	2	0	0	5
43	Mauricio Ramos	3	0	0	0	0	3
44	Jair	3	0	0	0	0	3
45	Edgaras Jankauskas	2	0	0	0	1	3
46	Wells Thompson	2	0	1	0	0	3
47	Robert Ukrop	2	0	0	0	0	2
48	Darrio Fabbro	2	1	0	0	0	3
49	Alex Pineda Chacon	2	0	0	0	0	2
50	Leo Cullen	2	0	0	0	0	2
51	Leonel Alvarez	2	0	0	0	0	2
52	John Harkes	2	0	0	0	0	2
53	Mark Watson	1	0	0	0	0	1
54	James Riley	1	0	0	0	0	1
55	Peter Woodring	1	0	0	0	0	1
56	Marshall Leonard	1	0	0	0	0	1
57	Jose Manuel Abundis	1	0	0	0	0	1
58	Evans Wise	1	0	0	0	0	1
59	Michael Parkhurst	1	0	0	0	0	1
60	Felix Brillant	1	0	0	0	0	1
61	Sam George	1	0	0	0	0	1
62	Jim Rooney	1	0	0	0	0	1
63	Mamadou Diallo	1	0	0	0	0	1
64	Diego Serna	1	0	0	0	0	1
65	Daouda Kante	1	0	0	0	0	1
66	John Wilson	1	0	0	0	0	1
67	Shaker Asad	1	0	2	0	0	3
68	Jose Luis Morales	1	0	0	0	0	1
69	Brian Dunseth	1	0	0	0	0	1
70	Alejandro Farias	1	0	0	0	0	1
71	Richard Goulooze	1	0	0	0	0	1
72	Carlos Parra	1	0	0	0	0	1
73	Jeff Baicher	1	0	0	0	0	1
74	Avery John	0	1	0	0	0	1
75	Eric Wynalda	0	1	0	0	0	1
76	Sam Brill	0	0	1	0	0	1
77	Joe Germanese	0	0	2	0	0	2
78	Mauricio Castro	0	0	0	1	0	1
79	Emmanuel Osei	0	1	0	0	0	1
	Own Goals	16	0	0	0	0	16
	Totals	620	34	41	4	13	712

]]> All-Time Goal Scorers http://revcetera.com/?itemid=79 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 23:42:02 -0500 Welcome to Revcetera http://revcetera.com/?itemid=1 http://revcetera.com/scorers.html. I update it after each game. It's an easy way to see how our current players rank amongst our historic favorites. I hope you enjoy the blog and that it might become a place for reasoned discussion of all things Revolution.]]> Home http://revcetera.com/?itemid=1 Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:22:00 -0500