Ten Best: Metro trades
May 22, 2008
A while back, we looked at the ten worst trades in Metro history. Then, we couldn't help but revise that list. But why dwell on the negativity? Surely, in 13 seasons, there must have been some trades that went Metro's way? Surely, we can find ten such deals?
10) Damian Silvera and a 1st round college pick to Kansas City for Mike Sorber, 1997
This trade could have ranked much higher on the list. Metro got rid of Silvera, who came into 1996 highly regarded and left a complete bust. In return, Metro got Sorber, a former US national team who would put in three solid years. The problem lies in that 1998 college draft pick Metro gave up... KC took Chris Klein, who is still in the league, where has has been one of the most consistent players over the past ten years.
9) 4th round draft pick to Colorado for Clint Mathis, 2007
We might be sentimental here, for Clint only lasted a year in his Metro return. But Metro gave up a low pick, who became someone named Scott Campbell, who never played in MLS. (A ham sandwich? a half-eaten ham sandwich is more like it.) And Mathis did end up breaking Metro's all-time goalscoring record in 2007.
8) 2nd round supplemental pick to Los Angeles for Mark Semioli, 1997
While Mark Semioli will never be considered an elite MLS defender, he was close to that level during his first two seasons with Metro. Later in his career, he became a useful utility player, and for his four and a half years Metro gave up a useless pick, which was rolled over to Chicago for Paul Holocher, who played four games in MLS in 1996... but none after he was re-drafted by the Fire.
7) 2005 2nd round pick to Chicago for 2004 2nd round pick (Seth Stammler), 2004
A Bob Bradley special; trading a future draft pick to grab the player he wants now. The 2005 pick became Will John, who, although back then a highly-regarded prospect, was out of Chicago after one season. Stammler's value hasn't become obvious until recently, as he has blossomed into Metro's best midfielder after years spent as a utility player.
6) 2nd round pick to Los Angeles for Steve Jolley, 2000
And here is an Octavio Zambrano special: acquiring a player that he is familiar with. Here, OZ sent a future second rounder to his former team for Jolley, who was riding the bench on LA, but became a vital cog in Metro defense for the next three and a half seasons. That pick became Robbie Russell, who chose Europe over MLS.
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