Ian Joy has written a op-ed over at Prost about how MP's goal of making the playoffs in year two and contending for MLS Cup in year 3, with a young squad, doomed John Spencer from the start. In his own way he calls MP naive in his thinking and says that if he keeps trying to win now with a young team, we're destined to repeat this cycle over and over.

In my opinion setting the bar high is never a bad idea. "It's better to aim high and be off the mark, then aim low and hit a bulls eye," is a quote worth remembering. However, playoff talk is silly until we can start winning on the road. On the other hand, I believe MP when he says that letting Spencer go wasn't just about wins and losses.

What do you think? Is it time for Merritt Paulson to redefine what on-field success means this year and next? If he mellowed on the playoff talk, would fans accept that? Would you accept it?