Trade thoughts?

Troy and I got into a discussion yesterday centering on who should be traded from the Sounders FC and the reasons why.

I will not speak for Troy, as he has the ability to add a comment to this particular thread and is more than able to elaborate on his thoughts there. However, I will say the conversation started when Troy suggested we trade Brad Evans as we could get something for him. This didn't just fall from the ether, Troy let me know that Dwayne De Rosario was traded to Toronto FC for Julius James, who has now been traded from Houston to DC United for a third round draft pick in 2012. So essentially Toronto got De Rosario for nothing. I however, found Julius James to be a solid defender and worth significantly more than Houston does. I made this point to Troy at the match vs. Houston at Qwest and again at Starfire. I thought Julius James was underrated and apparently Houston thought quite little of him.

This led to Troy's suggestion of trading Evans. I didn't outright disagree but thought perhaps we should have someone on the field with the speed of Zakuani on the right wing, who could perhaps keep up with Stevie Z and be in the area for crosses originating from the left. Oh wait, said I, we already have Sanna Nyassi. Troy countered with Nyassi's poor crossing to date to which I put forth, perhaps if Sanna was allowed to get more experience in match situations, his touch would become better.

We both agreed, on the ongoing thought we should trade Montero for a forward who has a better work rate. Yes, Montero has scored ten goals this season and for that we are grateful (and humbled). However, when 9 of the 11 men on the Sounders run and fight for the ball on almost every play, it is certainly the one that doesn't who sticks out. (Who is number 10 you ask? Well, depending on the week, Keller could be number 10.)

I say, start Nyassi on the right side, tuck Ljungberg under Jaqua up front and try to get Nyassi ready for next year. Le Toux can sub for Zak, Nyassi or Evans depending on who is getting gassed around the 60 - 65 minute mark.

What say you Tribe on the thoughts of trades?

How shall I question thee?

All right, I openly admit that I have not coached a team to the finals of any sport so my thoughts on the coaching decisions made our embarrassing 1-0 loss to RSL should be taken with a heaping tablespoon of salt.

First, why was Brad Evans playing right back? Given the same situation (Le Toux being injured and no Riley available), my first instinct would've been to put Ianni in the middle and move either Hurtado or Marshall to the right side.

If that wasn't practical (both center backs said, "Hell no!"), put Ianni on the right.

If that wasn't an option, put Tyson Wahl on the right side (or the left and move Gonzalez to the right).

If that wasn't an option, move Keller to the right side and let Boss take over the net.

I don't consider Evans in the back line. Not just because I don't think it's too good an idea but that then leaves an empty space in the midfield, which as we've seen leads us to...

Second, why did Vagenas start in the midfield? I admit I have not been impressed with his play at any time during the season and this game merely cemented my belief that he is not the player we need in the midfield. For argument's sake, let's say I completely lost my senses (or believed that Bob Bradley's choice of Evans in the back line was divine) and I'd agreed to have Evans as my right back (replacing Riley) and now had a spot in midfield to fill.

Sturgis would've been at the top of the list for the vacancy, followed closely by Ianni, Levesque, Nyassi, Fucito and then Walz. Look there, Vagenas never made the list.

In the event we don't make the post-season, I will call this the match that made that horror possible and not the freakish mishap against San Jose.

You have been warned.