Boniek Garcia, Costly, better TV commentary and other thoughts
by Martek on Jan 25, 2012 12:07 PM CST
in Signings, Trades & Transfers
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Judging by the general content of the comments around here (and in other places), the main concern going into the 2012 Houston Dynamo season is that team has dipped in quality with the loss of Brian Ching and Danny Cruz. The fear seems to be that we are in for yet another long season of middling to above average results with the possibility of a serious drop in form. Or do I exaggerate?
Neither Jose de Jesus Ortiz nor Glenn Davis have much to say so far today about potential player transfers. However, adding potential fuel to the fire of perhaps some supporter discontent is a pair of stories filtering from points south. The first one (link here) says that that CD Olimpia have decided not to deal Oscar Boniek Garcia, despite entreaties from his family and apparent contact from our Orange. It's hard to say whether or not this is just another negotiating ploy as this wouldn't be the first time we've seen stories like this in the middle of negotiations, but still, it's pretty far from encouraging.
A second story from Honduran paper Diez.hn (link here, which unfortunately is in Spanish) states that Carlo Costly is at Real España, but would prefer to play abroad. It then goes to say that España has received offers for Costly's services from Deportivo Cali in Colombia, some team in China and, you guessed it, the Houston Dynamo. So the question is, is it possible that we can see more from Costly over an entire season than we saw in the second half of last year. In a forward corps of Will Bruin, Cam Weaver, Calen Carr and Chris Rolfe (not to mention possibly a trialist), would Costly fit in? Would he get minutes? Would he be a distraction?
I'm of two minds about Costly. One, Dynamo's ascension in 2011 coincides with his time at the club, though the same is true of both Adam Moffat and Luiz Camargo, and I would definitely heap far, far more credit onto the latter two than the first one. He was clearly a standup guy, and Captain Brad Davis has, among others, praised him effusively. Costly's experience and known skill might just be a nice mix in what is quite a green group after Weaver. What do you think?
And while we're gathering thoughts, check out this piece from everyone's favorite Ginger about whether or not USMNT fans sometimes lose the forest for the trees. With this piece, I could not agree more.
And on this rainy day, as I move on to this afternoon's juice fixtures of Liverpool/City, Napoli/Inter and Barca/Real Madrid get some work done from home, I leave you with this really quite compelling video offering some thoughts on how to improve TV coverage of soccer in the US. I don't agree with everything this guy has to say, but the general thrust is, I believe, right on. What do you think?
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Wouldn’t Costly have to be a DP to return, or are they essentially working from scratch if they bring him back at this point?
For me, the main issue with Costly was that he and Ching were too similar, or at the very least, too incompatible to play together. Unless something dramatic happens, Ching is gone, thus the door should be open for a Costly return and minutes available on the pitch. He’s nothing like the other forwards on the roster, so I don’t se it as a bad thing at all.
Previously
I wasn’t what you would call a Costly apologist, but I certainly gave him plenty of slack in terms of expectations: most of it was due to circumstance. He was brought in on trial, had to adjust to MLS play and as you noted, played a similar style and role to Ching. Given that, his biggest contribution was that he was far more of a defensive threat than Carr was, in terms of keeping defenders honest.
For me, though, it comes down to money. He will likely expect DP money, as he previously had on his trial/loan last season…and while I like what he brought, its difficult to justify that cost with his output. If he agreed to a non-DP salary then yes, I think he could contribute much more and basically fill that Ching role. The issue, as it was last season, is who do you pair him with? If he’s a sub, well, he’s a bit of a pricey one. And if he starts, does he pair with Bruin or Carr? Which person works best with him in terms of being the yin to his yang? It might be much ado about nothing, though I will say that I firmly believe Costly enjoyed his time here and would like another shot at it…I just don’t know if the numbers will make it happen, not if there’s a Boniek Garcia to be had
I agree
It’s so hard to tell with the mid-season transfers whether the players are in shape when they arrive. It took a few weeks for Carmargo to round into game fitness. I think Costly added a good dose of competitive attitude on the field and that given a proper pre-season, he’d be a great addition within reasonable cost constraints.
AS a top CONCACAF player, it’s hard to imagine that he wouldn’t succeed here if he was given the proper opportunity, but I understand hesitation after last year was hardly a big win. Thos elate summer signings are always a risk…both for the team and the player. More often than not the foreigners signed in the summer window are jettisoned at year end without a real shout. It’s one of MLS’s most frustrating bad habits.
I'm with you all the way
as long as he isn’t getting DP money; if he agrees to some kind of incentivize-laden contract that still pays him a fair wage (+$180K) that still gives us flexibility I’d actually like to see what he could do given a season to play.
And to me, the point the FO could use to keep his wage down is this: Camargo had less time but more of an impact.
Oh and to me, I actually think the Garcia deal is still going simply because he wants it rather than his club…or more specifically, his club wants more money :)
To me
having a stable midfield puts us in a far better position at the start of this season than last. In fact, stable is a bit mild as we had a pretty damn good midfield before Davis went down with injury. Plus, we have a stout defense that is coming back rested and strong, so the only REAL area of concern would be scoring up top. But then again, wasn’t this an issue last season and we still found ourselves mid-table by mid-season? I know I know, the East was crap too and that helped, but we had a shifting line-up and we always worried about where the goals would come from but they came. Assuming Sweet Foot is back in shape by the end of pre-season then I really like how we can start this year, because we have:
Bruin—Carr?
Davis—Camargo—Moffat—Clark?
Ashe—Boswell—Cameron—Hainault
Hall
That’s the same line-up that made it to the MLS Cup (well, minus Davis but still). I know the rest of the league has also made upgrades, but now we have subs like Dixon, Soto, Deric and Rolfe who can bring energy. I know we don’t look terribly exciting, but we don’t look bad at all. We’re a player or two away from being very dangerous (if we can get a Boniek Garcia and a FW like Costly or the like), so I like our chances this season.
And listen: I love Danny Boy and I truly wish him well at DCU and I hope he gets it together. And yes, he brought energy, pace and vivacity every time he hit the pitch. But he also made me nervous as hell; every time he stepped out I would wring my hands because I didn’t know what he would do. He would either have an amazing run or shot or a face-palm worthy play. At least with Watson I was assured of a FAIL when he took the pitch: with Cruz, it wasn’t a guarantee but it wasn’t off the table, either. To me with Clark and Dixon you get a much better balance: Clark isn’t great at any one thing but he’s consistent in creating opportunities. I don’t know how, he just does. Dixon is like Cruz, but appears to have a better head on his shoulders…he just needs more minutes to work through mistakes he still makes and that he can go silent sometimes.
But all in all, I like where we stand and the team we’ll put out in the new stadium.
AEG GIVE US FREE
Costly
In a Spanish language interview after the MLS Cup final he was asked about his game and the future with the team. He was very professional and did not bad mouth the team in any way, but suffice it to say that the writing was on the wall that he wasn’t coming back.
My point: if right after a tough loss in the championships when emotions are riding high your first thought isn’t to come back and clench it next time, then you’re probably not going to come back.
He was very professional and put in a good work ethic, but I think he was frustrated the whole time he was here and so he’s not coming back.
I would tend to disagree
With the idea that Costly was frustrated with the team. Granted from what I remember of the interview, which I haven’t seen in months, he mostly seem frustrated with himself because of the fact that he was brought here to Houston for one reason: To score goals. And he scored 2. So I think he kinda knew that his contract wasn’t going to be renewed. Having said that, he was a very similar type of player to Ching, but so is the Dancing Bear. So could they team up? I’m a big fan of having Bruin as a starter.
by HernanEscobar on Jan 25, 2012 5:13 PM CST up reply actions
this won't happen, but....
How to improve TV coverage in the U.S.? Hire spanish language broadcasters. Let them broadcast in spanish. They are knowledgeable, have a “style”, have excitement and are true pros. Don’t know spanish? that’s ok.. you’ll still enjoy the game more, and you’ll learn a little. English language broadcasters suck. They have no style and call games like mechanized robots.
And don’t ever let the droll-as-dried-paint Charlie Palillo call a game again.
I like the British broadcasters. I know I read an op-ed piece about how we shouldn’t succumb to Euro-centric soccer ideals but I like them. I think they have tons more experience at it and have a style that works. Maybe in a few years American broadcasters can learn their own way of doing it in an entertaining fashion.
Agree but with a few exceptions
Phil Schoen on GolTV is one of the best American soccer broadcasters ever. And his partnership with Ray Hudson makes for wonderful and entertaining commentary, knowledgeable and fun.
Also, I know there are some who give him stick, but I think JP Dellacamera is as good as they come. And, it’s high time someone gave Jonathan Yardley a larger audience.
Not to take anything away from Arlo White, who I think is fabulous, but there are some quality American voices out there who could lead NBC’s coverage, but are being given a shot.
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
We gotta give it up for Glenn Davis
but listening to Brandy Chastain cutting him off mid-sentence during the USWNT matches is painful. He puts on a good show solo.
musings
I’m not sure what the deal over losing Cruz is. I think people just get attached to players and don’t want to see them go. I thought he was average. And losing the icon-legend Ching shouldn’t hurt the dynamo that much at this point in his career. Of course Boyd is not coming here because the only teams who get recognizable DP’s are LAG and NYRB. To be a dynamo fan means you’re going to have to get used to the yearly shuffle of players coming and going. A true fan can actually make that part interesting. Rumors of Cameron going somewhere will start soon. I can handle the juggling of players. The real test will come when Dom leaves someday.
My problem with Costly
What you pay versus what you get in terms of productivity. The Dynamo are a grind it out team- but grind it out forwards shouldn’t cost huge dough. How much did we pay per goal last year? If he comes in at 150k, sure, I’d take a flier.
We all know that Carlos will want far more, and I want sexy production for that kind of money.
Sexy production doesn't always equal wins or a Cup
-- "...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 know
we’ve had this discussion before and I do have to concede that…the problem is, his production ends up being more midfield like in terms of passing, drawing defenders and creating chances for others instead of scoring. And that would be fine if his salary reflected that or if he changed to a withdrawn striker or quasi-CAM, but he’s a forward. I still think, though, given the right price I’d like to see what he could do with a pre-season under his belt
Hmm...Costly as a CAM you say?
That would be an interesting proposition if we went with only one true striker pushed more to the right sight, with two DMs and Costly as the CAM. Intriguing proposition…indeed…
-- "...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'd be intrigued as well
its just would Dom go for it, and would Costly as well? And for the price? I realize its a FIFA’12 experiment in real-time, but it could be a very interesting mixture
Well
It’d be flexible. Dom’s base would still be a 4-4-2, it’s just when the situations called for it, Costly could revert to a pressing CAM role, someone who could help feed the ball even more through the middle and to the top. You know, that secondary point of attack we’ve been dreaming of that isn’t named Brad “MV” Davis?
And while his salary would be pretty heavy, if it turns into goal production in the run of play, it is worth it 100%. How long have we longed for a CAM? Yeah, nuff said.
Oh, and throw Dixon out at RM, for some speed. Ooh boy, I’m dreaming now…lol.
-- "...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
You guys
are trolling me hard, aren’t you? Dixon at RM and Costly as a withdrawn CAM would be combustible and beautiful. Mind, that’s assuming Costly would want to do that (he might be reluctant but would take to it eventually, because most CAMs are attack-minded anyways…like a forward) but if you look back, Ching basically did the same thing towards the end of the season and was very effective in setting guys up with passes or space he created. Just a thought but I agree it’d be a dream but a glorious one…
Especially with a guy like Bruin actually playing up top?
Yeah, I’m all in. And Mike, you know I’m on the Dixon train, have been since last season with that Golazo against RSL. Those types of goals give the confidence needed to build a career.
-- "...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
Keep dreaming
Costly is a grind-it-out back to goal forward. He is not a CAM, and would not like to be there. You put him there, you’re going with a 4-3-3 because he will not play back.
"We don't care who finishes second." -- Celtic's Peter Lowrie
That's just it...
He doesn’t have to. A high CAM is essentially a CF playing slightly back. With two DMs who can feed the ball forward, you don’t necessarily need a true CAM, just someone who can be a secondary through point to hold the defense honest.
I must not have made that very clear.
-- "...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
Under the radar
Speaking of TV and Radio what happened to J Y.
Why did Kinnear refuse to talk to him?
Cameron
Can anybody opine on how Cameron did until he got the red against panama? Can’t found out.
Sad puppy
I know its a JdJO tweet which may or may not be off the mark – actually, when it comes to info he’s not off the mark, when it comes to opinion, wildly so – but apparently the Dynamo are calling off the chase of Boniek Garcia:
“I’m hearing the Dynamo’s chase of Honduran midfielder Oscar Boniek Garcia is over. They’re moving in other direction.”
Not sure who “they” is but likely its us. Oh well, he would’ve been a REALLY nice signing that would’ve cured a couple of ills but it looks like the people we have at camp are the ones who will start the season. No waiting for Superman, again
Still nothing pretty legitimate or exciting. Yes it’s good we got young guys at camp but the forward and RM positions are killing me right now :/
When does the Transfer Window close? I don’t want to base this off FIFA 12
Different federations and leagues have different transfer windows
I looked it up on Wiki but am too lazy at the moment to grab the info.
-- "...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
For those who are curious
Our transfer window closes on April 15. Still plenty of time to sign someone, but it’s always better to sign them when pre-season is still here so they can get accustomed to the team
Hmmm
so there is still hope out there in terms of potentially bringing in more people in case some of the trialists don’t work out/don’t address needs
Yeah
But I hope one of them at least works out. It just sucks that Olimpia won’t let Boniek Garcia go. It’s very selfish because he wants to leave and so does his family. The fans aren’t pleased too since they feel like that club jails their players and won’t let them go out and develop better
by RedAce on Jan 27, 2012 3:03 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
The official Wikipedia "table"
Pre-season window Mid-season window Associations
1 January – 31 March 1 August – 31 August Sweden, Norway
8 January – 2 April 16 July – 13 August Japan
21 January – 15 April 15 July – 14 August USA/Canada
1 March – 30 April 1 August – 31 August Finland
1 July – 31 August 1 January – 2 February France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Scotland
11 June – 1 September 5 January – 31 January Denmark
End of Season – 31 August 1 January – 31 January England
Sorry it’s convoluted due to SB formatting. blargdeblarg
-- "...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
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