Hot Time In Old Town: Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Jimmy Conrad Could Fit
As has been pointed out numerous times, Wednesday’s first-ever MLS Re-Entry Draft includes lots of recognizable names. A team merely interested in grabbing some headlines in the local media, could probably do so rather easily during the draft.
The question, obviously, is how many of these big-name players are really worth their prices. Every player available is there for a reason, and that’s generally because their former teams didn’t feel like paying them what they were owed.
That said, the Chicago Fire are coming off just their second playoff-less season in their history, have lost or are poised to lose several veterans and have some money to spend.
Hot Time In Old Town's Merwin Mixdorf assesses this situation and sees some rather attractive names. Jimmy Conrad could prove to be a suitable replacement for the likes of CJ Brown, despite his hefty price tag. Even more interestingly, he thinks Guillermo Barros Schelotto could prove to be the perfect replacement for the likely departing Freddie Ljungberg.
If the guy doesn’t cost us a DP slot he has to be the number one option for this team at the 7 position of the draft. He has been playing a bit deeper and creates well for his team mates. He doesn’t need to dribble to create which would fit in well with Pappa, Nyarko, and Castillo. He does come with some risk. He is old and faded down the stretch for Columbus last season. On the plus side he won’t have to play in Champions League games which should make him fresher later in the season.
The reality, though, is Stage 1 of this draft is unlikely to be particularly active. The more intriguing portion of the draft will be Dec. 15, when players can be selected and their contracts renegotiated.
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