MLS/Soccer Thread

[Bobthe4th]

One thing I would like to see introduced is the abolition of subs having to be completely off the field before the new guy goes on. It's a waste of time (even though the ref stops his stopwatch it delays the game).

 

Football should use the rugby style of the new guy goes on as the replaced player is going off - would cut out the sloooow walk of a substituted player on a team with a narrow lead.

[burlingtonbandit]

Fines don't get rid of diving/flopping. Look at the NBA

[dineke]

This forum finds a way to complain about every sport other than baseball lol. Except maybe for Hockey which is basically soccer for rich white kids.

[Boxcar]

Haha, you mean you can't come up with any more arguments? I'm disappointed in you,

 

When you respond to them by essentially shoving your fingers in your ears and saying "nanana can't hear you!" There's no point in continuing. Hey, if you like watching grown men roll around like babies to waste time or pin an opposing player with a red or yellow card who am I to tell you your preference is invalid? Some of us just get our jollies from weird things, nothing wrong with that.

[Bobthe4th]

When you respond to them by essentially shoving your fingers in your ears and saying "nanana can't hear you!" There's no point in continuing. Hey, if you like watching grown men roll around like babies to waste time or pin an opposing player with a red or yellow card who am I to tell you your preference is invalid? Some of us just get our jollies from weird things, nothing wrong with that.

 

Haha, all you ever do is indirectly insult people who disagree with you. But thanks for contributing to the debate!

[burlingtonbandit]

This forum finds a way to complain about every sport other than baseball lol. Except maybe for Hockey which is basically soccer for rich white kids.

 

Well what do you expect, its a baseball forum lol. Go to another forum and they'll be complaining about every other sport too.

 

I personally say the most enjoyable is NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL

[John_Havok]

That's your opinion so that's fair.

 

I obviously disagree. I've watched live sport all over the world, from Aussie Rules to Sumo, and football is by far the most exciting sport overall for me. It's got that perfect blend of impressive skill, competition, variety (i.e. not a repetitive action over and over), history, accessibility, and atmosphere.

 

I'll answer some of your other points here too.

 

Yes soccer is the fastest growing sport in America, probably Canada too (I haven't looked this up but am willing to continue under the assumption that it's true).

 

What I can say for certain, is that the reason for its growth is not because North America is finally coming around to the amazing game that the rest of the world plays as the greatest sport. It's because it's so oooo much cheaper for parents to put their kids in soccer than hockey or football, and it not being a physical contact sport, so parents don't have as much anxiety of wondering if their kid will come home with a broken femur, concussion or any other major injuries.

 

Contact sports are getting to be prohibitively expensive for alot of people. Soccer is a very easy, simple, safer and cheap alternative that's still really enjoyable for kids to play.

[King]

This forum finds a way to complain about every sport other than baseball lol. Except maybe for Hockey which is basically soccer for rich white kids.

 

Hockey is pissed on daily

 

edit, The baseball is boring crowd is the biggest of them all, outside of this board

[Boxcar]

This is just my personal feeling/speculation(s), but I have a feeling (not quite 50-50% but close to it), that the Jays wind up bringing back either one of Joey Bats AND/or EE.

I think JB might have a hit to his pride, like many have said, since he might have to take less money, and less years on the deal. He might have to play LF, with either Zeek or someone else manning RF that the Jays acquire, and occasionally playing 1B and DH.

With EE, I could see them possibly bringing him back on a lesser contract than he expected to get, maybe even a one year deal, or a 3 year deal, with an opt out/player options for the next two (a la what the Mets had with Cespedes), and he can start at 1B, with Pearce moving to LF. It wouldn't be ideal defensively, but it gives the Jays more power.

 

I could see both coming back on less AAV deals, or backloaded deals, or short term (1-3) simply because, if someone wanted them, they'd be signed by now. You look at the moves made by other teams to add power bats, some even older than both of them, giving up some nice prospects, and they're sitting in the cold right now.

 

EE would be a bit more difficult with Morales at DH full time, but as i said, EE could man 1B. Wouldn't be ideal, but he showed he could handle it at least decently. Pearce has the ability to play LF. It might not be the best defense, but if EE wants to come back, can't find a place elsewhere, and the Jays can say "hey, we offered you a solid deal, you said no, you didn't find anything, you want to come back, the door is still cracked open, but it'll be at a one year deal worth this amount which is lower than you expected, or a short term deal, with an opt out, or less money, but you'll have a place to play, and on a contending team, we'll make it work" then maybe he comes back.

 

Similar with JB. If someone wanted him, he'd be signed by now. Maybe he doesn't get the AAV he wants, but maybe he gets the number of years he wants, or maybe a higher AAV on a short term deal.

 

I see JB more likely to come back simply because they can, worse case, stick him in LF, or work him out at 1B during ST, and Pearce in LF, and see how that goes. If not for anything just to see how it works out in case they want to try it during the season, but I see JB in LF, Pearce/Smoak manning 1B, unless they find a taker for Smoak. But then we lose a switch hitter (mostly a LHH, but he seems all or nothing. Could be from lack of ABs or he just is all or nothing).

 

I'm sure a lot of teams aren't jumping on these two, because, 1) the draft pick tied to them, 2) they might be asking for too much. I can see EE declining the rumoured Jays' offer of 4/$80 to test the market and because he's earned the FA rights, but the Jays weren't going to sit around waiting. One, or both might come back if the Jays say hey, here's the deal. Come back on one year deals, or 2-3 year deals on lesser AAV or backloaded deals (not a fan of those), and you get to play for a contender, and if you come back for one year, two years, you hit the market next year and might get a better chance especially with the changes to the CBA and the QO system, or you opt out and try your luck, and hopefully by then, the Jays have internal options, or can target other guys on the FA market next season.

 

Maybe they even try to bring back Saunders. It's odd no one has made a play on him yet. I know there's concerns about his knee, how he seemed to just disappear offensively in the 2nd half, but he made less than $3M, you'd think he could be had for next to nothing. Even doubling his contract from last year is a cheap gamble considering what some guys are getting this year who are much older (yes, I know, better histories of being consistent too).

 

I'm sure the Jays have back up plans and have targeted players either via free agency and/or trade, and the meetings are typically where sometimes ground work is just laid out. With what they need (1-2 corner OF, back up catcher, even though they've added AJ back to the roster and signed Mike Ohlman to a minor's contract who seems like he could compete for a back up spot as catcher, and really need some BP arms to compete with the revamped teams in the AL East, especially since we saw last season, if not the past 2-3, how early on the pen collapsing costed the team much needed games that they couldn't make up later on) they're certainly not done. I'ts not even mid December and many players aren't really concerned with what's going on (again just my opinion) especially with the holidays coming up, so there might be a flurry of moves made before the holidays, shortly after, plus there's January where you see guys who haven't found homes yet, sign for less.

 

To recap, I could actually see them bringing back both EE and JB on lesser contracts, and possibly (if not definitely) moving Smoak (really a cheap contract that someone will likely take on without the Jays having to pay anything on it, maybe a little bit if they're getting a solid BP arm, or three team trade might make it so they can just dump his contract without paying), and utilizing Pearce's ability to play LF to help out with accommodating one or both of them. But as I said it might require opt out clauses/player options, with back loaded contracts to get them back, and to address the bullpen. I really see it more likely that JB could return simply because he's more of a fit. We could use an OF. He fits. He's a fan favourite here (for the most part), and is kind of sitting waiting for a suitor. As long as what he's paid this year (which is why I stress maybe a 1-2-3 year deal, with opt out or back loaded) won't cripple the team's chances of trying to help with the 'pen, then I can see him back. EE would be a lot tougher since we have a full time DH, a guy who's a fairly solid 1B in Pearce, though he could play LF if needed, but might not be best defensively, and a redundant player with having Smoak sitting on the bench, wasting money.

 

Personally, I like both players, I like EE a bit more, but since he turned down the deal, the Jays had to act, rather than be left out in the cold, so I wouldn't mind if they went elsewhere and the Jays wind up with a pair of draft picks to help add some players to the farm. I also wouldn't mind seeing one, or even both back, providing it doesn't hurt the team's financial needs to try and bring in BP help. Both seems highly unlikely. One doesn't seem likely. I could be wrong, but their markets seem dry. They both seem to like Toronto. The FO could have just said we're moving on since we only have $X to spend and need some more help in the pen, especially since Cecil is gone, Loup hasn't been the same guy over the past two season that he was during the first few seasons. We have some rookies who look promising, but if you're going to contend you don't want to count on them. They could be like Biagini last year and surprise everyone, but you don't want to count on that, because if they falter, who are you going to? Biagini is going to prepare as a starter (or so it's said, but likely will be in the pen, to help Grilli in that set up role, unless a starter goes down, and they stick him in the rotation), our recent Rule 5 pick could be a nice pick up, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

If either return, it's going to have to be at a discount, or back loaded deal, or opt out/play option deal, that might be a blow to their egos, or might upset the union, since if either come back for less than the QO, or what some other guys were getting, the union might not be happy, but screw them.

 

Ideally, I'd like to see the Jays add some starter depth. Even though the Jays barely, but still had a good staff since they were a few points better than the team that beat them and went to the World Series, lead the league in ERA, I still think they need some starters to help out just in case.

 

So, excuse my long post, and getting off topic, since this is a JB thread, I can actually see him returning, mostly since his age, his poor season, people like him here, he seemed to like being here, (here means Toronto, I don't actually live there), but it would have to be at a lesser price than he is/was expecting, probably lower than the QO, maybe a 2-3 year deal, that is back loaded, which I don't like, especially for an aging player. Granted his injuries (slamming into the wall and hurting his toe, and them keeping him out because they didn't want to rush him back is understandable, and it was a more "freak accident" since it could happen to a 23 year old blue chip prospect, and his other injury, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't it a knee/leg injury from getting caught in the seem of the turf? That could happen to anyone) played a role in his production, or lack thereof, but when healthy it looked like he was either trying too hard, or just never found his grove. He's defense has been poor, so maybe the swap to LF, or maybe starting games at 1B, and seeing how Pearce can play in LF during spring, might help out, or maybe just tell him, we want you to bite the bullet, swallow your pride and play LF, because your defense is fallen, and look for a better option for RF.

 

I think he's still not signed because of the draft pick, maybe his asking price, the talk of his ego/attitude since he seems to be a guy people either love or hate, and sometimes he spoke his mind more than he should have, or thought before speaking, and when OF are getting a king's ransom in trades, while he just sits waiting, something is up there. Maybe he's being stubborn, or his agent(s) are just trying to get him that one last deal since he's 36, and likely won't get much, coming off his worse season, or maybe multiple factors, or trying to wait and see what teams get desperate at the end of the offseason and will part with the pick to sign him. I wouldn't mind him back if he was moved to LF, maybe played 1B at times, DHed other games, and he didn't cost that much this year, which keeps the team from addressing other needs.

 

All that being said, as long as the Jays do what makes them a better team, gives them depth, gives them the ability to score runs, prevent runs, compete, and maybe make it to the World Series this year, obviously need some depth too since some guys are out of options, and might get lost on waivers, or are borderline replacement guys who were claimed, I'll be happy. If JB does come back, and can give at least one more year of solid production, and doesn't have a bad season, then I'll be happy. If he goes elsewhere, the Jays get a pick for him, and they fill the spot with someone with production, defense, and athleticism, I'll be happy. Whatever makes the team better, can score runs, prevent them, get back to the post season, and this time win the ALCS, then I'll be very happy. The other teams improved. It doesn't mean the Jays have to go nuts to compete blow for blow in acquisitions, since we have some good pitching, at least starters, some offense, defense, but we could use some depth, bullpen help, starter depth, and hopefully not have to rely on the homer run as often.

 

And since I'm making a huge post, and touching on many subjects, just a quick comment on the Yankees' code about facial hair, hair length, dress codes, and other things. I know many clubs have certain rules. I think MLB requires players to wear suits while traveling (from one city to another, but not wear them all the time, again, if I'm wrong, someone correct me), but the rules the Yankees have, even though they've had a long history, just seem a bit overboard to me. And no, it's not just because I'm a guy with long hair and a goatee that would have to be cut and shaved if I were to play for them. It just seems like arbitrary rules to have. I can see if someone signed as a FA, then you know what you're getting into. It's like taking any job and they say here's the dress code and how you must look. That is a little more understandable to me. But what about the guys who get traded, claimed on waivers, who don't have a say? They're supposed to give up what they consider their identity? I get you're earning more money than most people will see in many life times, and it's probably a small price to pay, and your employer can kind of dictate what you can and can't look like, (MLB with the "Brandon League Rule about having to wear sleeves or other covers on your arms if you have tattoos that might distract hitters, I'd think, and this is also coming from playing baseball for years, that unless the ink looks like a ball, you're not really going to be too distracted, but safety, ok), but let the players be themselves, and as long as they're not being a distraction to the team, who cares? If they get the job done, who cares? Hell, my back doctor looks like a guy you'd mistake as a Hell's Angel, and is the nicest guy you could meet. They talk about team chemistry (AA did, the Jays have over the past few years, and then they started to get good), you're kind of disrupting it if you're making people change who they are, in a sense. Maybe it's just me.

 

OK, I'm shutting up now. I've posted enough for a week with this post.

[Orgfiller]

Is this the new board meme?

[Boxcar]

Is this the new board meme?

 

Dear god I hope so

[burlingtonbandit]

I'll answer some of your other points here too.

 

Yes soccer is the fastest growing sport in America, probably Canada too (I haven't looked this up but am willing to continue under the assumption that it's true).

 

What I can say for certain, is that the reason for its growth is not because North America is finally coming around to the amazing game that the rest of the world plays as the greatest sport. It's because it's so oooo much cheaper for parents to put their kids in soccer than hockey or football, and it not being a physical contact sport, so parents don't have as much anxiety of wondering if their kid will come home with a broken femur, concussion or any other major injuries.

 

Contact sports are getting to be prohibitively expensive for alot of people. Soccer is a very easy, simple, safer and cheap alternative that's still really enjoyable for kids to play.

 

Also: Because its played in the summer time.

[dineke]

And because it's free flowing and there is no downtime. Love baseball but half the time you're sitting on your ass.

[Dr Negative]

The problem soccer has in Canada/USA is that the biggest games (ie the latter stages of knockout tournaments) are usually very cagey affairs because the easiest way to score is shortly after a turnover in possession. So a lot of people's first experience with watching it is watching a 0-0 or 1-0 type game where both teams are essentially playing for set pieces (this also involves a fair amount of flopping around). It's like chess in a way in that at very high levels of play aggression gets punished by an evenly matched opponent.

[Bobthe4th]

Carlos Tevez, a very good Argentinian player but now 32 and no longer an international is signing for a Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua, and will be paid $60m a year - more than Messi or Ronaldo (who get around $40m).

 

Quite a few decent players are moving to China as the wages are astronomical.

[Bobthe4th]

Claudio Ranieri, the manager of Leicester City, has just been sacked. Yes that Leicester, the team that less than a year ago he led to the biggest upset in sports history by winning the Premier League.

[Bobthe4th]

Just seen that TFC won the MLS, revenge for last year’s loss.

 

[jays_fever]

Just seen that TFC won the MLS, revenge for last year’s loss.

 

 

It was a pretty good game, TFC dominated again.

[John_Havok]

Just seen that TFC won the MLS, revenge for last year’s loss.

 

 

I wish goals like this were scored more often, it would really make soccer worth watching.

 

Good on the boys for winning though.

 

MLS and CFL Champs this year....maybe the city will win a title in a meaningful sport soon!

[TheHurl]

mls and cfl champs this year....maybe the city will win a title in a meaningful sport soon!

 

nll?

[Bobthe4th]

 

Ibrahimovic is still a superstar - good with both feet, and in the air. Hope he comes out of international retirement to play at the World Cup.

[Nafro]

I'll answer some of your other points here too.

 

Yes soccer is the fastest growing sport in America, probably Canada too (I haven't looked this up but am willing to continue under the assumption that it's true).

 

What I can say for certain, is that the reason for its growth is not because North America is finally coming around to the amazing game that the rest of the world plays as the greatest sport. It's because it's so oooo much cheaper for parents to put their kids in soccer than hockey or football, and it not being a physical contact sport, so parents don't have as much anxiety of wondering if their kid will come home with a broken femur, concussion or any other major injuries.

 

Contact sports are getting to be prohibitively expensive for alot of people. Soccer is a very easy, simple, safer and cheap alternative that's still really enjoyable for kids to play.

 

My son is five, and I also find its easier to have them play something that doesn't involve as much sitting around. Baseball seems to have a little too much sitting around, or not being involved for kids that age. Soccer at that age, they can always be doing something, even if it is chasing a ball that comes near their field from another field.

[jays4life19]

I would like to introduce all of you to the Mackenzie Gore of Soccer who happens to be Canadian.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eyIT2w_rUE&t=81s

 

 

 

As a 17 year old he just signed with European powerhouse Bayern and will play on their first team in a record breaking transfer.

 

Time to get hyped, his advanced stats and movement readouts are NUTS.

[Spanky99]

I would like to introduce all of you to the Mackenzie Gore of Soccer who happens to be Canadian.

 

 

As a 17 year old he just signed with European powerhouse Bayern and will play on their first team in a record breaking transfer.

 

Time to get hyped, his advanced stats and movement readouts are NUTS.

 

Old news, bro.

[jays4life19]

Old news, bro.

 

Bruh. Let me fap over Davies will you?

[Spanky99]

Bruh. Let me fap over Davies will you?

 

Sorry.

[jays4life19]

Sorry.

 

I forgive you Spanky just never let it happen again.

[Abomination]

Bruh. Let me fap over Davies will you?

 

I've been watching Whitecaps games for quite a while. The skill that Davies has at his age is completely insane. Sad to see him go, easily my favorite player.

[Bobthe4th]

There’s been quite a few very young talented foreign players that have had success going to German teams and getting more playing time than they would in other European leagues (especially the Premier League). Pulisic and Jadon Sancho at Dortmund, Lookman at RB Leipzig, Pavard at Stuttgart.

[jays4life19]

There’s been quite a few very young talented foreign players that have had success going to German teams and getting more playing time than they would in other European leagues (especially the Premier League). Pulisic and Jadon Sancho at Dortmund, Lookman at RB Leipzig, Pavard at Stuttgart.

 

Bob, in your expert opinion is Davies the best 17 year old in the world right now?