WTF?? This trade?

by wannascribble on Feb 17, 2012 6:22 PM PST

To get this out of the way, as long as Eddie Johnson comes to play and gives it his all, there'll be 38k+ who have his back. But still...

This feels like an intelligent front office outsmarting itself. We took two valuable players - definite contributors, often starters - and traded them for a guy who has been bouncing around teams and leagues for the better part of a decade.

Color me skeptical.

I know EJ had some success in MLS awhile ago, and got some sporadic playing time for the Nats and in the Premier League. But his game was built almost exclusively on speed....six years ago. He was never known as a great finisher or talented poacher, he was simply an adequate soccer player with world-class speed, and now has nearly another decade's worth of wear and tear on his legs.

I get the idea behind this. If Johnson is still the player he was back in 2006, we have arguably the top forward tandem in the league. And his salary is surprisingly reasonable. But this trade flies in the face of the Sounders' philosophy to date. The organization has been about roster flexibility, competing in multiple competitions and having a strong team from 1-29.

But today we gave up two young, inexpensive assets - who also happened to be good players and good people - for a major question mark. Neagle and Fucito were only going to get better on the pitch. And while he's only a couple years older, it seems as likely as not that Johnson's prime has passed.

Is EJ definitely a starter over Ochoa? If he has lost a step will he be able to overcome that? Hasn't EJ had injury issues in the past, in less physical leagues at that? If he misses significant time, it's basically losing two players now. Looking at our other (and former) options, aren't Neagle and Estrada faster, Ochoa and Siveback taller, and Fucito stronger?

I'd love to be proven wrong, and Adrian & Co have earned significant leeway with their judgement to date. But I'm worried we'll look back on this as the moment we went from a SS and Cup contender to a team of unfulfilled potential.

Mr. Johnson, in all sincerity, welcome to Seattle. Sounders fans don't like losing Lamar and Fucito, but we're pulling for you all the same. As long as you play your heart out we'll support you every step of the way, regardless of what happens. Just know you have big shoes to fill.

FanPosts only represent the opinions of the poster, not of Sounder at Heart.

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Our biggest need at second striker is someone to take pressure off of Montero

Someone who can draw attention from defenders. It seems like there’s a reasonable chance that EJ can be good in that role. I am thinking a bit now about Charlie Davies with United last offseason. DC was taking a gamble that a guy who was coming off of a crazy injury and huge rehab, and who was struggling to get any playing time on Sochaux’s reserves, could be a big impact striker for them. (I believe Davies came in on a DP deal?) Davies tailed off at the end of last season, and got a couple gimmes on dives last year, but he was at least effective enough to command the attention of defenders. We’ll see what happens, I guess.

One thing is that EJ still ought to provide a bit of a different look than Ochoa, so subbing one in for the other ought to force the opposing team to adjust a bit.

by ubelmann on Feb 17, 2012 7:15 PM PST reply actions

Kinda agree

Of course, the biggest difference is DCU didn’t have to give up two proven effective players to get Davies. And as much as I hate to say it, your statement “Davies tailed off at the end of last season” is if anything an understatement…the guy simply didn’t have a full season run in him. And EJ might be in the same boat, considering how little he’s played lately.

I’m sure the Montero-Johnson pairing will have some good moments, I just think we gave up too much for a player who hasn’t shown anything in five years to warrant this kind of leap of faith.

by wannascribble on Feb 17, 2012 8:03 PM PST reply actions

Its a gamble and it could backfire

However, to elevate from playoff team to a true contender, maybe this guy can help the team make that jump.

Its harder for us fans, as we like good guys and good players. Both contributed in their own way, Fuctio his hustle and 110% effort; Neagle filling in admirably for Zak and provided pace and actually attacking full backs. I feel Fucito will always be an off-the-bench guy – not a bad thing, but he isn’t a 10+ goal scorer. If Zak comes back, where does that put Neagle.

As ubelmann shared – EJ offers a different combo for Fredy than Ochoa. It will take EJ some time to get up-to-speed with the team, but I think its a good gamble. However, time will tell, if the FO got it right and most of us posters – on other sites, will eat a little humble pie. If FO got it wrong, then those same posters can get their resumes ready for the GM job ;-)

Time to look forward; embrace the season; and get behind all the players that are on the roster!

by Shoreline Sounder on Feb 17, 2012 8:43 PM PST up reply actions

Whoops! Meant to respond to you

not post a new one below

by wannascribble on Feb 17, 2012 9:17 PM PST up reply actions

Glass half full or empty?

Best case scenario: We upgraded our 2nd forward spot from journeyman MLSer to fringe US national at the cost of a reserve midfielder. Montero-EJ becomes a lethal combo, and by July we have an entire offense of national team caliber players.

Worst case scenario: Johnson doesn’t adjust well back to MLS, or he’s lost a few steps and is no longer the player he once was. He’s the new Jaqua (overpriced USOC player) while Fucito and/or Neagle emerges into MLS All-Star for the Impact.

I see the potential for the first version, and like you will be cheering for that to happen. But it’s still a tough pill to swallow today.

by wannascribble on Feb 17, 2012 9:08 PM PST reply actions

Half full

on that Fucito will be an All-Star – I don’t want to be down on the guy, but he’s not that caliber, or certainly hasn’t shown it. As for Neagle – its more intriguing. He needs to come out of his shell and be assertive and we’ll see where it goes, until that time, he’ll be a nice assist guy.

by Shoreline Sounder on Feb 17, 2012 9:30 PM PST reply actions

Disagree on Fucito

My biggest problem from this trade is I see more upside and potential in Fucito and Neagle then I do in EJ, they are just coming into their own and could still improve greatly, EJ has had plenty of time to improve and it sounds like he’s a bit of a slacker. Will he really require more defensive attention than Fucito did? Fucito was strong, quick, and created red cards with his attacking runs. He also had a rocket left foot shot that was pretty accurate. Neagle had a knack for scoring goals as well – when you’d least expect it. EJ better be a stud because those guys have a bright future in my opinion.

by atu81 on Feb 20, 2012 11:37 AM PST up reply actions

Love your passion...

Regarding the 3rd to last paragraph…

Is EJ definitely a starter over Ochoa? Probably?

If he has lost a step will he be able to overcome that? He’s 27…no reason to believe he has…and if Puebla is paying you to say he has…have you gotten paid?

Hasn’t EJ had injury issues in the past, in less physical leagues at that? He’s never had a major injury…some typical nagging minor injuries..but no ACL, broken leg, etc.

If he misses significant time, it’s basically losing two players now. = True….but we you could feel already how conflicted the staff is with the talent they have and the upcoming cuts that will need to be made….we get to keep one more of the guys in camp. Sodade? Rose? Are thier upsides as big or bigger than Fucito and Neagle? I definitely think the move will be good for both the new Impact players…they will get a chance to show.

Looking at our other (and former) options, aren’t Neagle and Estrada faster – I doubt it.

Ochoa and Siveback taller – Johnson, like Ochoa, is 6’0" and has a way bigger vertical. He’s good with his head. Sivebaek is much taller…but removing Neagle from the equation means he will get time on the wing. He’s probably a reason that they were ok doing this. He’s show as well or better than expected.

and Fucito stronger? Fucito is a pit bull. I’m sure he’s stronger…but that doesn’t mean EJ is weak.

We’re all conflicted about this trade…but I’m starting to settle into it. I’m actually starting to see the potential. How about

Johnson
Montero

Alvaro/Evans
Sivebaek/Alvaro Rosales/Sivabak
Honey Badger

Leo/Burch Parke Hurtado Johansson

Gspurning

With , Zak, Cato off the bench?

It’s hard to say goodbye…but the future is bright.

by exSlacker on Feb 17, 2012 10:25 PM PST reply actions

You may very well be right

And I hope you are. Our lineup is still strong, EJ has the definite potential to be a stud forward. But my apprehension remains. Hopefully it’s all for naught…

by wannascribble on Feb 18, 2012 12:13 PM PST up reply actions

Losing Neagle is HUGE

he was going to be the new hometown star after Keller left, now what? Hope this trade works out or they will need to make some more tarps :(

That’s me being negative. I think it can work, but losing the both of them is devastating with the roles they can fill and the potential they have shown.

Welcome to the Sound Pound...

by SoundPound on Feb 18, 2012 12:05 AM PST reply actions

All the rending of garments...

and gnashing of teeth over this trade is getting to be a bit much.
Nagle and Fucito are great guys and served our cause well. But if SSFC is going to make it to the next level, we’re going to have to endure some changes. Some we may not agree with, but until it’s all left on the field—all the worrying is for nothing.
EJ has had a few ‘off’ years, but it’s not like he’s 37 and trying to make a comeback. After all, it’s the FO’s job to find and evaluate talent. We have the second best team in the league and we’re basically handicapped by not being a huge media and cultural center like LA or NY.
The Sounders Technical Director, Assistant Coach and Fitness Coach all have played with or coached EJ before this. Whatever potential qualities he has seems to be enough to convince the three of them…so that’s good enough for me.

I’m just as passionate about this team as anyone else, but really, can’t we just wait and see?

In this trade, we have a player capable of drawing defenders off our proven scorer and creating space for others or being a potent striker himself.

I believe EJ will have a better season that Nkufo did with us and no one can argue that we weren’t better with him.

Terrible's what it is.
-Big George

by Stacius on Feb 21, 2012 11:19 AM PST reply actions 2 recs

I can argue we aren't better with him

Seven goals in four years. That’s really not confidence inspiring. Maybe he returning to his 2007 MLS form. Maybe he doesn’t. If he does, great. High fives and beers all around. If not…

Until he’s proven himself, we really don’t know what he have. He had a couple good seasons in MLS and a decent season in Greece. I’m sorry, but I just can’t picture the Galaxy wetting themselves now that we’ve added a guy with that kind of resume.

by CarlosT on Feb 23, 2012 2:37 PM PST up reply actions