Danny Cruz Traded to DC United for Allocation Money
by Zach Woosley on Jan 20, 2012 3:21 PM CST
in Signings, Trades & Transfers
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The Dynamo announced today that midfielder/winger Danny Cruz has been traded to DC United for allocation money. The trade was announced around 2:45pm CT.
Cruz graduated from Generation adidias in the off-season and the Dynamo declined his contract option. The team had made attempts to re-sign Cruz but apparently a deal could not be reached. What does that all mean? Cruz was already technically off the roster and the financial books, but due to not having accrued enough service time in the league, he wasn't eligible for the Re-Entry Draft. The Dynamo retained his rights, even with him being out of contract, so in order for him to play with another MLS team, he has to be traded.
Cruz spent three seasons with the Dynamo after being drafted in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft by the team. He played in 51 matches (started 27), scoring four goals with five assist.
Dynamo president Chris Canetti made this statement on Twitter:
Danny Cruz has been traded to DC United for allocation $. Good deal for both clubs & Danny. Wish him well. He is a class act.
— Chris Canetti (@ChrisCanetti) January 20, 2012
The Dynamo's official press release is after the jump.
Houston Dynamo acquire partial allocation from D. C. United in exchange for midfielder Danny Cruz
HOUSTON, TX (Friday, January 20, 2012) - The Houston Dynamo have acquired partial allocation money from D.C. United in exchange for the rights to midfielder Danny Cruz, it was announced today.
Cruz, 21, played 51 regular season games for the Dynamo over his three-year career. In 2011, Cruz started 13 matches and scored two goals and added three assists. Cruz started all four MLS Cup playoff matches as the Dynamo advanced to their third MLS Cup in six seasons.
Houston originally drafted Cruz in the third round of the 2009 MLS SuperDraft after two stand-out years at the University of Nevada - Las Vegas.
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Extremely curious
what partial allocation money is treated and how much. Still, something for nothing after the player was already out of contract? Can’t complain too much.
We’ll never know how much money it was, it against league rules to disclose that information. What is does mean is some additional cap space for new signings going forward.
--
Managing Editor of Dynamo Theory
by Zach Woosley on Jan 20, 2012 3:30 PM CST up reply actions
Ortiz can throw all the numbers out he wants, it’s probably mostly accurate but it’s all unofficial.
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Managing Editor of Dynamo Theory
by Zach Woosley on Jan 20, 2012 3:36 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not really complaining
but one day can we stop being FIFA-lite and become a bit more transparent? Just sayin’
PS – The next time you’re down for a game we owe you a beer for the MLS101 posts…my brain would be mush after writing just one and you managed three.
No surprise, but disappointed all the same
Fare thee well Danny. Hopefully, we won’t come to regret this as our right midfield situation just went from unsettled to really, really unsettled.
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
Perfectly said
I share that…its not a surprise but nevertheless, its just a sad situation. He has potential but we simply couldn’t afford his potential at his current price. I have no doubt he’ll do well at DCU, and its just part of the business, sadly.
As for RM, my fears are accelerating here…we now have (CIA Employee) Clark, Watson (really??), and potentially Dixon at the RM spot.
In related news, any word on signing Boniek Garcia??
Looks like
our boy JdJO is saying we got $75K for him. Hey, I’ll take that…we can keep Watson!!
/vomits on desk
//seriously, we’ll take the $75K
Who will be the spark plug?
I was at many games where Cruz’s energy was infectious to his team mates around him. Whereas, Clark is one of the laziest I’ve ever seen in terms of recovering on defense. If you look at our net in’s and out’s thus far, I hope Canetti has something up his sleeve because at this point the roster looks weaker than where we ended the season.
Watch DC decides to move Cruz up to Forward
and he contends for the golden boot. We’ve seen that from Wando, DeRo, and Oduro now. Probably more in that list too.
I normally say
In Dom we Trust…but this is crazy! Danny was a beast, and much better than Clark in my humble opinion. Maybe it was just how much he would have cost when he is inconsistent at best, but he showed true flashes of brilliance. Not very happy with the FO at the moment. Our roster looks worse than it did last year, so we better get some new guys in quick.
Maybe
Alex Dixon will see a starting spot this season?
by HernanEscobar on Jan 20, 2012 5:32 PM CST up reply actions
Looks like we are close to some one new at the position
Ortiz Tweets
More Canetti: “So the more money we can acquire the more it will allow us to go out and seek quality players.”
More Canetti: "We’ve got a couple players at right wing that we’re looking at very closely that would be foreign signings"
Also, Dynamo still have hand in Europe and Central America. One is big – literally and figuratively. Will tell you later. Maybe even Monday.
Not the biggest fan of Ortiz, but he knows things before the rest of us, most of the time.
So...
I keep reading tweets like these and I get my hopes up, then nothing happens. I think I’m doing it again. I should probably get off twitter to keep myself sane.
Big literally and figuratively?
Hmmm.
Watch it be Peter Crouch.
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
Of course
Hulk wants out of Porto and MLS might be a fun and realistic place for him. How fun would that be?
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
Sorry about that
double posts: not so cool. But what I had tried saying was that at the very least, Hulk + Bear would be hella entertaining and would spawn a hipster cottage industry of t-shirts
Well
We can dream can’t we? Maybe something big is in the works. Also, nah I was serious about Dixon : )
Well we can
I get the feeling its going to be Boniek Garcia or something like that at this point. Remember, Dom is heading overseas for the weekend apparently to go a-plundering before camp starts, one presumes. We’ll see what he brings back :)
To Michael_D
Right at this second, assuming no other signings, I would slot Dixon in as a probable choice at RM, or at least as a guy who could wind up getting somewhere around half the minutes there over the course of the season. He would the guy fighting it out with Clark over there, because the alternative is Watson. Yeesh
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
Nope
Absolute honesty. You look at that roster and come to a different conclusion. It’s Dixon v Clark for the RM right at this second.
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
Looks both ways
seriously? Wow…
but since we’re baring our souls here, I honestly don’t think he’s ready just yet. As a sub, for sure give him those minutes but I’d say start Clark. Now maybe 10 games in lets examine and see if he’s ready to start there, but I wouldn’t start him straight-away unless he has an amazing pre-season
He has tremendous upside
And I think he might just be ready to break out early. The guy has pace and clearly no fear. This year is when Kinnear’s long range plan for the kid pays off, if it ever does.
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
That being said
I think Clark gets the initial starting nod right at this second based on his experience alone. But if he falters in any way, it’s Dixon.
That is, unless there’s a signing or two over there. In that case, the calculus clearly changes.
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
wow- never thought i'd hear THAT
is this an intervention???
for you or alex?
by playtherapy on Jan 21, 2012 10:03 AM CST up reply actions
Another mistake
We gave up on Wondo did not protect Ching now this. Clark does not have Cruz physical ability and has two knee operations. Who is going to spark our team. We need all of the midfielders we can get with the extra matches we play this year.
I NEVER rated Cruz as very good
Cruz always struck me as a total athlete (kind of like oduro or wynne) with no touch, and no ability to cross.
I am honestly happy to see him go. That being said, i agree that his energy was very important to the team and that he had his flashes of brilliance (that left footed goal from outside the box!!!) + he is only 21 or 22 so he has a big upside. But honestly, 70+ games with 5 assists? thats pretty bad i would say and a testament to his inability to cross the ball, which in my opinion is one of the things a RM or LM should excel at. Clark is not a better option and i agree that you cant put this spot on Dixon. If Watson stays ill be surprised, but i wont be surprised if he is much more effective this season (assuming we keep him). Clark and Watson strike me as more LW RW types (as in the types that dont really defend and prefer playing wide in 4-3-3 or 4-5-1.
We MUST sign a new RM. But like i said, Cruz was never very effective and often got dispossesed and gave up fouls all the time.
I only half agree...
First, the position is RM, not spark plug, and frankly he did as much on offense to hurt the team as help. He’s a project if GA has his salary off the books and inexcusable for a full salary cap hit. If DCU wants to deal with that, fine, get out of their way and let them. On that we (seem) to agree. Where I disagree is Clark and Watson (and maybe Dixon).
Clark shows much better skill on the ball, and seems much more dangerous as a wing play. Sure it’s not fast and “seat of the pants fun to watch” but that doesn’t mean he’s not giving the other team more to think about. Look at the way intelligent LBs would give Cruz the endline, know why? Because that way he would give them a goal kick rather than get us a corner. They don’t get that free ride with Clark because he can send an effective cross from the endline. Oh, and prior to the mystery-injury he was starting to track back into the D more. Maybe not as much as Kinnear would like, but more than Davis did back in ‘06/’07.
My evaluation of Watson has always been that he’s the flip of Cruz. He can be a real spark plug (when he feels like it), is dangerous on offense where Cruz isn’t and gives up dumb fouls (or brain farts) on defense. See, the complete opposite of Danny. The difference is Watson i cheaper, hence he gets another look or two before his last chance. We’ll see if he’s teachable before our first home game this year. If history is an indicator, well, I still have no idea. He’s better about keeping focus then when he got here but he still seems to need work.
Dixon is still a work in progress. How anybody has made a comment pro or con about his abilities so far is typical of the “let’s panic before we have a reason” crap that we Dynamo fans have been falling into. I think he’s looking pretty good so far. Turning him into a starter isn’t as important as realizing he’s much closer to his potential than Cruz.
Verdict: No reason to worry about loosing Cruz, we’re okay at RM without him. Besides, it’s not like we lost Davis, Cameron or Hall…
Everyone imagine
Its Jesus Navas or Santi Casorla…I wish. Now back to reality, I have a gut feeling it might be Boniek Garcia. Look at the money we have! He can be a possibility
by RedAce on Jan 20, 2012 8:22 PM CST via Android app reply actions
Tired of waiting
When will the Dynamo sign a player that the Houston Hispanic fans can support? We had a player from the states that people liked and trade him. Hope we can sign someone from Mexico or Latin America.
I think Danny will do well in DC and we will regret this move.
This is a dangerous road
The only thing that matters, THE ONLY THING, is that we find someone who helps the team win. Brown, purple or chartreuse, Hispanic, Hmong or Hutu, these makes absolutely no difference whatsoever and Dynamo should in no way ever make player decisions on the flawed premise that they do.
This is a meritocratic environment with only one metric for success, wins. Anything else is a distraction and should be dismissed as such. Dismissed, as they say, with extreme prejudice.
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
by Martek on Jan 20, 2012 10:16 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Cuz the last big signing from Mexico worked out oh so well
DRINK…oh wait…if we had a game for every time Landin came up, I’d still be blood-frakkin sober…
-- "...I was sick, napping, and then woke up and came to the computer to read a note from the Gingered Angel of Doom..." Martek - Dynamo Theory Blog
I kinda want to agree with you because alot of people of the hispanic community that I talk to want at least one good latino player. Obviously a team brings in people with wins and great playing but more people would come with someone from theyre from. I’m hispanic with Salvaodorian parents but i go to Dynamo games because I love it and i dont care who is out there. On the other hand my dad sometimes ask me “so when are the dynamo ever going to sign a good latino player and not a bad one?” I just say time will come. But I believe one of our new signings (we all know someone new will come) will be latino in some way. Hopefully he’s a good player and not get a bench warmer like Watson. What irritates me the most is why do you give #10 to Watson??? I’m a person that believes in the whole “you get this legendary number by proving it to me.”
by RedAce on Jan 21, 2012 1:16 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
If they don't bring in an Italian, I'm outta here!!!
Well, it makes as much sense as what you wrote…
Why this?
Cruz was really developing as a homegrown Dynamo player and he added so much to the team the past season despite his injuries. He was fast. He had speed. He had pace. Who will take his place and be as good a player? I don’t get it. I wish he had been resigned. Now he will team with DeRo for our division rivals D.C. United.
On another note —
Zach, will their be a Dynamo Theory podcast this coming season? You all let the ball drop on that after a few episodes last year. I was really enjoying them.
Not sure yet on the podcast. I should have more time this year but it depends on my other project and the scheduling that works out with that. We’ll try to have something though.
--
Managing Editor of Dynamo Theory
by Zach Woosley on Jan 20, 2012 10:46 PM CST up reply actions
There were rumblings of disagreements, discourse, etc
Between the organization and Cruz. His departure was written on the walls a month or two(at least) ago. Now, it’s just officially done so we can move on.
-- "...I was sick, napping, and then woke up and came to the computer to read a note from the Gingered Angel of Doom..." Martek - Dynamo Theory Blog
Despite the ups and downs
I’m bummed. We played over our heads last season and Cruz’s pace and moxie were a big part of playoff wins. If there’s a plan and that comes to fruition quickly, then great. If we go into the season with 1. no proven scorer, 2. Clarke playing RM, his off foot side or an inexperienced Dixon starting, 3. still no true CAM- then we’re back where we’ve always been, sans Cruz.
What’s all this about still having Watson (previous posts)? I’ve been so busy, I’m lost… thought we didn’t renew him on an option yr. Not to sad about the rejection of the loan offer for Callum Elliot- but like Martek, think Boyd signing would be a major coup- a gold strike as he is perfect for this system. I completely contradict my statement about Kinnear’s Highland Roadtrip…
Still want the latin CAM. Petrov at RM, anyone? LOL
central attacking midfielder
Brazil has the best CAM’s but we obviously know Camargo is no true CAM. Also there are other latin countries with awesome CAM’s. We just need a RM, CAM, and a striker and were good!!!
by RedAce on Jan 21, 2012 1:23 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Striker
An experienced striker would be nice if there is one, but call me crazy but I think Rolfe, Bruin, Carr and Weaver could work at least for the first half of the season, giving the Dynamo time to find another option in the summer if needed.
--
Managing Editor of Dynamo Theory
by Zach Woosley on Jan 21, 2012 4:01 PM CST up reply actions
now im confused
Did we refuse Watson’s contract renewal??? If so I’ll be very happy :D
by RedAce on Jan 21, 2012 1:25 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Watson is still on the roster and under contract, to the best of my knowledge.
--
Managing Editor of Dynamo Theory
by Zach Woosley on Jan 21, 2012 4:00 PM CST up reply actions
Sorry volks
Running on fumes. When we were selecting who we’d protect, I thought next season was an option year for Watson and we weren’t picking it up. Wrongfully thought that meant he was gone, daddy gone.
My wishful thinking… Watson makes Clark look like defender of the year.
by playtherapy on Jan 22, 2012 10:04 AM CST up reply actions
Have we made the Team Better?
I am not sure that we are a better team right now. Danny played a big role in our playoff run. I do not think we would have beat Philly without him. we need to sign somebody that will make us better. Dynamo have not brought in somebody that will make us better.
Ortiz understands the usage of allocation money
Either Ortiz understands the usage of allocation money better than anybody here, or he’s talking out of his…..If it’s true that allocation money is only given out in increments of $75K that’s an insane swing in cap space. That’s $130K we weren’t willing to give him and $75K we got in return for giving him to DCU. If the whole increments of $75K is true I doubt we got $150K in advance cash for Danny Cruz, but I’m happy with $75K if that’s true. We may not have depth, but Danny Cruz really was just a workhorse with little technical skill, for now at least, and we can probably replace a workhorse. Let’s just hope this doesn’t come back and bite us.
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