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No big surprise today that a few Portland Timbers players were waived today ahead of the Waiver Draft, though one such player could be seen as a bit of a surprise. As of today the Portland Timbers have declined options on three players:
- Freddie Braun
- Ian Hogg
- Charles Renken
The latter player comes as a bit of a surprise considering his age, but then we also haven't really seen him play. I know he had problems with his knees previously so it might be due to ongoing health issues.
The other two players probably aren't as big of a surprise. While Stacey made the argument that Hogg should stay, it's clear that the Timbers will have a different vision going forward under the new leadership that is Caleb Porter.
Additionally, while some might be surprised by the current names, other might be more surprised by the omissions. I'm personally surprised to see Braun waived before Chris Taylor. There are bound to be more trades and moves throughout the season though so don't get comfortable with the current roster.
What do you guys think about the initial cuts?
Full press release:
PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers today announced that the club has waived midfielders Freddie Braun and Charles Renken and defender Ian Hogg. All three players are eligible for selection in today’s MLS Waiver Draft to be held at 12:30 p.m. (Pacific).
Braun, 24, played in three MLS matches and saw action in eight MLS Reserve League matches for the Timbers in 2012. He was signed by the club Feb. 17, 2011, and appeared in nine Reserve League matches during the 2011 campaign. Braun was a member of the Timbers U-23s in 2010.
Renken, 18, appeared in all 10 MLS Reserve League matches for the Timbers, registering two assists, and also played in a friendly against Aston Villa FC. He was acquired by the Timbers on Jan. 31.
Hogg, 22, played in two MLS Reserve League matches, logging 161 minutes, after being acquired by the Timbers on Aug. 9.
MLS has released the full list of players waived today from around the league:
Goalkeepers (3): ,Bryan Sylvestre (Vancouver), Jeremy Vuolo (NY Red Bulls)
Defenders (11): Jonathan Borrajo (NY Red Bulls), Cyprian Hedrick (Sporting KC), Ian Hogg (Portland). Flo Lechner (New England), Alex Lee (FC Dallas), Porfirio Lopez (Philadelphia), Neven Markovic (Sporting KC), Carlos Rodriguez (FC Dallas), Tyler Ruthven (NY Red Bulls), Nemanja Vukovic (Columbus Crew), Dicoy Williams (Toronto FC), Luis Zapata (Colorado Rapids)
Midfielders (14): Freddie Braun (Portland), Julio Cesar (Sporting KC), Oscar Cordon (Toronto FC), Edu (Colorado Rapids), Gabriel Gomez (Philadelphia), Cole Grossman (Columbus Crew), Evan James (Montreal Impact), Bryan Leyva (FC Dallas), Nico Muniz (Real Salt Lake), Alec Purdie (New England), Jan Gunnar Solli (NY Red Bulls), Teemu Tainio (NY Red Bulls), Tiago Ulisses (Vancouver), Konrad Warzycha (Sporting KC)
Forwards (14): Jose Angulo (NY Red Bulls), Jhonny Arteaga (NY Red Bulls), Etienne Barbara (Vancouver), Blake Brettschneider (New England), Sercan Guvenisic (San Jose), Corey Hertzog (NY Red Bulls), Matias Jara (FC Dallas), Nicholas Lindsay (Toronto FC), Ruben Luna (FC Dallas), Keith Makabuya (Toronto FC), Charles Renken (Portland), Michael Roach (New England), Olman Vargas (Columbus Crew), Krystian Witkowski (Philadelphia)
The Portland Timbers will get the third pick in today's Waiver Draft which starts at 12:30pm PST. Do you see any potential future Timbers in there or will the Timbers pass?