MLS Announces Rules Changes for 2008
December 18th, 2007 . 1:50 pm . By: Buzz CarrickAs we discussed last week MLS has finally officially announced the rules changes for the 2008 MLS season. Here’s a quick look at the rules and how they effect FC Dallas. 1. High Salary Non-DP PlayersLandon Donovan, Eddie Johnson and Carlos Ruiz, who’s contracts predate the DP rule, have been grandfathered in through the 2009 season.  In addition their contracts over $400,000 will now have to paid by their team’s owner. So that’s two more years of getting a DP paid player for non-DP status. The downside for FCD is Ruiz may be harder to trade because an owner will have to pay out of pocket. The upside is he will be easier to trade because his new team will know they get him as a No-DP-DP for two years. 2. Allocation RankingsThe only important part from a FCD prospective is that they have one. FCD sits 8th on the list. That’s so far down it makes signing a US returning player impossible unless everyone else passes. It does mean FCD has some money to use if they need to to bring in some nice signings, or perhaps pay for Toja’s purchase. 3. International ChangeThe different age designations of youth international and senior international has been eliminated. In addition one more international slot has been added per team to 8 as had been previously approved by USSF and not that 9 some of our sources said might happen. The largest impact on the FCD is that they are one international over the limit. The Roster Dance is still the best place to track the slots. Saragosa will likely be getting a green card, Denilson was not picked up but is in theory being sought at a cheaper price, and Ruiz is on the trade block. Yet FCD is already talking about at least 2, if not 3, more signings this winter. Something’s gonna have to give. 2008 MLS Competition CalendarMonday, December 10, 2007 — Discovery (International and Domestic)/Allocation Period Begins 16 Comments Comments RSS TrackBack Identifier URI Leave a comment |
If pre-season training camps can begin on Jan 26th . . . how close to that date (meaning, the MLS calendar date) does FCD usually begin training? Just wondering!
Am also wondering what FCD will do with regards to the number of international players it has and is seeking. Guess we’ll find out, eventually.
Now please, everyone should understand that all “rules” in MLS are subject to change without notice or reason. Everything above is tenative at best.
Hutch, I believe FCD wil start training camp the first week of Feb. But that’s not set in stone.
As for int… 1. Saragosa green card is 2. Ruiz gone 3. Denilson gone? 4. Mina or Ricardinho gone?
I am hoping that Saragosa does get his green card. He wasn’t perfect, but I think the team was lacking something without him . . . then again, what do I know?
Who do you think will be gone . . . Mina or Ricardinho? Or both? I know you’ve said that Mina is way out of shape. I didn’t watch FCD enough back in 2006 to remember him . . . how good is he (if he’s fit)? Does he fit Morrow’s system?
Just wondering. Thanks for the info!
Ricardinho is a better fit, Mina is the better player.
I think they will wait and decide late in the spring.
Buzz,
If teams no longer own the rights to a player once he is waived, what is the point of a waiver draft? Aren’t all teams eligible to pursue those players once they’ve been released? Why the need for a draft when it should be on a “first come, first serve” basis?
buzz, so you’re saying that we’ll keep 3 SIs at the d-mid spot and get rid of 3 attacking players that are SI or YI (until the rul change)? why would they do that given the need for players all along the back line, a player to pull the strings in midfield, and a proven goal scorer?
i do realize that Saragosa will drop off the SI list, but we’ve seen those things drag along for months at a time.
Is Ruiz gone for sure?
Jason, the waiver draft would still gives the teams will a worse record the first shot at waived players. But if you pick them up you have to use their current deal.
If they clear waivers they would be free of contract and free to sign with any MLS team.
TT, yes. I would estimate Saragosa at 80 to 90% getting his green card. He’s been working on it all year.
With FCD considering 3-5-2 or perhaps 4-4-2 with two holders, they need three quality holding mids.
I don’t think they will get rid of all three attackers. Much will depend on who they sign.
Nate, FCD is actively trying to move Ruiz. But nothing is ever for sure.
what about the developmental age possible change?
It wasn’t announced but my source on that was very good. I guess we’ll wait and see.
I’m confused by the verbiage by MLS with regards to Ruiz, Donovan, and EJ’s salaries. Do their salaries count as $400k against the cap (like in 2007) or do 100% their salaries now count against the cap?
We need to keep Richardino over Mina. Little Ricky is younger, faster, and at this point seems to be less injury prone. Mina may be better now, but Ricky has a much greater upside.
Warren, It’s still $400k on the cap for the trio.
[...] 3rd Degree » Archive » MLS Announces Rules Changes for 2008 __________________ Live Games? 1? 2? 3? 4?Blue Jackets Browns Indians Cavs MLS NCAAF Stars [...]