Timbers Trade Cronin and Allocation Money for DCU's Troy Perkins
by Geoff Gibson on Dec 17, 2010 1:45 PM PST
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PrintFor those who haven't yet heard, earlier today the Timbers FO traded away our keeper Steve Cronin for veteran DC United keeper Troy Perkins. It's a move that's both surprising and infuriating as Cronin, for me at least, was seen as our keeper. Each Timbers game in 2010 he'd be there to rile up the TA and encourage us throughout the game. Was he the best? Probably not... but he was ours dammit.
This move was especially surprising because not two weeks prior Cronin helped show off our 2011 kits leaving many to believe that he would become a staple of our organization (quality depending on his first year, of course).
Turning the picture around and focusing on Perkins a bit will cast another glaring problem with this trade. Perkins was the primary keeper for DC United in 2010, a year where the team allowed a hefty 47 goals and came in last in the league. Now, I'm all for understanding that sometimes you have a bad year, or that the backline probably played a hand in Perkins' GA stats, but come on... we are going to trade our keeper away for somebody who is coming off a bad year with a bad team? How does that make any sense whatsoever?
Oh and get this, not only did we trade away Cronin, but we also gave them allocation money. So we gave them our solid keeper and money for a keeper who, let's face it, isn't exactly in the best of form coming off of 2010. Outrageous...
...
Again, I want to stress that I mean no disrespect to Perkins. Seriously, I'm more than willing to welcome him into our fold and support him like no other. I just wish we didn't have to sacrifice Cronin to acquire him.
Oh and for those of you who will no doubt attempt to paint Cronin as "D2 quality" that's rubbish. Cronin has proven in his loans with MLS clubs and in Open Cup matches that he is more than capable at handling MLS quality strikers.
Well, no point in dragging this on anymore. What's done is done and I'm finished ranting. I'd like to take this moment to welcome Troy to the Timbers. Gives us your best and we'll support you through and through.
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Your assessment of Perkins' last season is near-sighted. Not only did the back-line play a hand in Perkins' poor season, they were atrocious. Granted I only watched one full United match, but that game alone, along with highlights and stats were enough to expose their ineptitude. Steve Cronin most likely will not be a starting caliber keeper in MLS. You are lying to yourself if you think Cronin was serviceable during his last trip to MLS. Even at the USL level, Cronin was very, very poor at distributing the ball.
Perkins has played for the USMNT and not too long ago was one of the best keepers in MLS (when he wasn't hindered by an embarrassing back line). There is no comparison. With Perkins, 29, the Timbers just solidified a key position for several years.
I do agree that it was unfortunate Cronin was chosen to model the new kits. You never want someone to go out like that, especially someone as liked as Cronin. However, there was no ill will on the part of the Timbers. DC United contacted the Timbers after the unveiling about the trade. Bad timing, and I'm dissapointed that it happened like that.
Don't worry, before long Perkins will be pumping up the Army and you'll have so much to be excited about that the disappointment of this day will be long gone. In fact, you'll be elated.
by Anonymous on Dec 17, 2010 6:29 PM PST reply actions
I'm not saying he won't be good, I just question why we gave up so much for him. Why not at least trade for a keeper who is in form?
Not to mention, of course, Perkins unusually high salary of $200,000/year (second highest keeper in MLS). After 2011 that salary belongs to us entirely...
by Geoff Gibson on Dec 18, 2010 8:35 PM PST reply actions
I just
hope that doesn’t mean Stumptown will be losing his wife as well.
Good luck Steve!
by ripcitymilehigh on Dec 21, 2010 10:42 AM PST reply actions
Cronin
I have to agree with Anonymous here. Although I feel for Cronin, especially sense he just bought a house in Portland and really seemed to have grown fond of the club, fans and community, we have to put feelings aside and do what is best for the club. In the end, Cronin was never going to be a playoff caliber MLS goalkeeper. Although, he had his moments, he was inconsistence and made too many bone-headed mistakes on crosses. This was my primary criticism of Cronin from day 1. It honestly seemed like he made the wrong decision on whether or not to attack crossed balls half the time. Drove me crazy.
Now, is Perkins the answer? Only time will tell. But the fact that he was playing well enough to receive a call-up from Bob Bradley as recently as 2009, says that he not that far removed from good form.
Can’t wait for March 19th. Go Timbers!
by Rose City 'til I Die on Dec 21, 2010 11:05 AM PST reply actions
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