A couple things

First of all, if somehow you hadn't heard, RSL has traded "attacking" midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy to the Crapids in exchange for Kyle Beckerman. Hooray! I'm sorry, but Mehdi has been nothing short of terrible this year and Beckerman will bring experience (he has even played for the national team) and some much needed defensive bite to the midfield. Perhaps if Ballouchy had shown an ability to do any of the following: shoot, cross, hit set pieces, complete a reasonable amount of his passes, it would have been a different story, but this year he hasn't. While I still believe he has the potential to still become a very solid player, I am glad that we gave up potential (that may or may not ever develop) for a solid, known commodity (that's basically the same age). Plus, Freddy (or Okocha or someone else we may sign) will be able to take over at attacking central mid, and we can see what he can do. On top of all that, it also frees up a Senior International (SI) roster spot for RSL next year, when Mehdi will gain that status. It's amazing that I can say this, but some of the recent personnel moves by RSL haven't actually been awful. Even the much derided Esky/Cunningham trade I like. Esky's much younger and plays with heart that Cunny just doesn't have. Plus, RSL gets cap space and an extra first round pick coming up. Hopefully they can do something with it.

The other thing is just a note on something I heard on yesterday's Bill Riley show on 700 AM. Someone sent him an absolutely classic e-mail. I don't remember it word for word but here are the highlights:
-Why is Danny Torres still playing for RSL? He can't stop a nosebleed, let alone a striker.
-Nick Rimando is great and therefore should punch Torres in the face and thereby injure him so he can't play.
It was so ridiculous and over the top that it was amazing. I'll see if I can find a transcript (or better yet, someone with an audio copy of the show) and post it if I can find one. It was truly a high point in sports radio.

PS-Despite his recent play, I do like Ballouchy (and he has shown flashes), and wish him all the best. And hopefully he won't have to spend too much time with Pablo....yuck...can you imagine it? ;)