MLS waiver list released; no huge surprises, but some intriguing names

There are only little surprises (i.e., no major whoppers) on the MLS waiver list that came out today.

These are MLS men whose contracts have run out or whose options were declined (and who are not otherwise eligible for a December re-entry draft.) It’s all a bit complicated; the entire set of MLS roster rules is here, if you are so inclined.

Long story short, most of these guys simply are not adjudged by their current management as having sufficient MLS-level talent; a few have the talent, but their contract number has climbed too high.  See: “Teemu Tainio” below.

Tainio is probably the top name available, although a couple of the younger guys will surely be scooped up. The list is here. They are all available for selection during Monday’s waiver draft, conducted via conference call.

Don’t expect a bunch of activity, but there are a few intriguing names on the list:

Tainio, New York Red Bulls: Manager Hans Backe loved Tainio’s toughness, although most of us thought Dax McCarty delivered so much more at the holding midfield position; McCarty was clearly a better two-way player and covered vastly more space compared to Tainio, even he if he was not as strong in the tackle. Regardless, the former Finnish international was 32, increasingly brittle and owner of a contract that paid more than $200,000 guaranteed. Oh, and Big Apple Soccer dug up this telling number: the Red Bulls were 1-5-5 in games Tainio (pictured, right) started.

Jan Gunnar Solli, New York Red Bulls: A starter in 2011 in defense who became a backup midfielder this year. At age 31, and nudging up against $200,000 annually in salary, the new management deemed him expendable. Beyond his swell music mixes, they are probably right to part ways with DJ Solli.

Bill Gaudette, NY Red Bulls: He did OK during the Red Bulls injury crisis in goal, although Gaudette was eventually beaten out by a guy who had slipped temporarily out of pro soccer (Luis Robles). Gaudette, 31, was also released by the Galaxy in mid-season.

Carlos Rodriguez, FC Dallas: The young Panamanian international lasted just a year in Dallas, and it wasn’t a terrible one. He started 12 games and got into 12 more. Rodriguez is just 22 years old, so there’s presumably some upside here, although Rodriguez wasn’t anything special going forward, and that’s something FCD manager Schellas Hyndman values in his outside backs.

Julio Cesar, Sporting Kansas City: The steady Brazilian seemed perfectly suited for his role at Livestrong, to sit dependably in front of his two center backs and provide cover for outside backs who frequently spent more time on attack than on defense.  Management apparently decided they could find a man to fill that role for less than $255,000. (Plus, he turned 34 on Sunday.)

Blake Brettschneider, New England: The Revs seemed pretty fired up about getting the young striker this year from D.C. United. He had 10 starts and seven appearances off the bench. Manager Jay Heaps appreciated the 23-year-old’s energy and athleticism, but strikers are inevitably judged by their productivity, and two goals wasn’t sufficient, it seems.