Black And Red United: Jimmy Conrad Seems Most Likely Top Pick In Re-Entry Draft
It really shouldn’t have been all that surprising that the first stage of the MLS Re-Entry Draft was a snoozer. Supposedly, many of the players were due huge raises if their options had been picked up and most of them were already making significant money.
In the second stage, however, picking teams can renegotiate the contracts. With that in mind, Black And Red United’s Chest Rockwell sees some attractive targets.
Rockwell admits a personal preference for acquiring Juan Pablo Angel, but sees Jimmy Conrad as a more likely target.
Our defense needs a vocal leader, and Conrad is the best player in that mold available in the Re-Entry Draft. It doesn’t hurt that Conrad can also play a bit, as his 28 caps for the United states, his 2005 Defender of the Year award and his 2005, 2006, and 2008 MLS Best XI nods all confirm. His age is a concern, but he was second in minutes played for the former Wizards this past season and appears to still be fit enough to make a difference.
Picking Conrad, though, would not address United's biggest problem last year: scoring goals. In this case, Rockwell suggests United may set their sights on Jeff Cunningham.
That would set up an interesting situation, as Cunningham currently trails DC United Jaime Moreno by one goal on the MLS all-time list. Moreno has not officially retired and is also available in the Re-Entry Draft, but there are few indications he'll play next season. Cunningham would then be in a position to pass one of the most-beloved players in United history while wearing the DC shirt.
Rockwell doesn’t necessarily seem to like this prospect, but does acknowledge it’s “an option we must consider.”
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