2014 Salary Cap Roster Discussion

[prizby]

With a 5% increase in the salary cap, the 2014 salary cap should come in at $3,100,000 for the usual. Assuming all things being equal (comparing increases between 2012 and 2013), it can be anticipated that the maximum budget charge to a player (DP's included) will be $387,500 in 2014 (12.5% of the cap). I expect the minimum salary of a senior roster player to increase about the same amount (between 2012 and 2013) to $48,500 while a developmental player will be $36,504.

Roster No.	Last Name	First Name	Position	International Spot	Base Salary	Guaranteed Compensation	Cap Hit Base Salary	Cap Hit Guaranteed Compensation
1	Bradley	Michael	M	No	$6,000,000	$6,500,000	$387,500	$387,500
2	Defoe	Jermain	F	Yes	$6,000,000	$6,180,000	$387,500	$387,500
3	Olivera Souza Jr	Gilberto	F	Yes	$1,145,000	$1,205,000	$387,500	$387,500
4	Caldwell	Steven	D	Yes	$325,000	$364,166.67	$325,000	$364,166.67
5	Rey	Alvaro	M	Yes	$180,000	$204,450	$180,000	$204,450
6	Goncalves	Jackson	M	Yes	$150,000	$202,500	$150,000	$202,500
7	Cesar	Julio	G	Yes	$192,000	$202,000	$192,000	$202,000
8	De Rosario	Dwayne	M/F	No	$137,000	$173,000	$137,000	$173,000
9	Morrow	Justin	D	No	$160,000	$169,562.50	$160,000	$169,562.50
10	Bendik	Joe	GK	No	$140,000	$147,375	$140,000	$147,375
11	Osorio	Jonathan	M	No	$135,000	$142,599.68	$135,000	$142,599.68
12	Hall	Jeremy	M	No	$105,000	$115,000	$105,000	$115,000
13	Nakajima-Farren	Issey	M	No	$90,000	$110,000	$90,000	$110,000
14	Morgan	Ashtone	D	No	$80,000	$92,000	$80,000	$92,000
15	Henry	Doneil	D	No	$75,000	$87,083.33	$75,000	$87,083.33
16	Bekker	Kyle	M	No	$51,150	$77,400	$51,150	$77,400
17	Orr	Bradley	D	Yes	$75,000	$75,000	$75,000	$75,000
18	Wiedeman	Andrew	F	No	$60,500	$70,500	$60,500	$70,500
19	Dike	Bright	F	No	$60,637.50	$63,575	$60,637.50	$63,575
20	Konopka	Chris	G	No	$60,000	$60,000	$60,000	$60,000
Totals					$15,221,287.50	$16,241,212.18	$3,238,787.50	$3,518,712.18
Available Cap							-$138,787.50	-$418,712.18
21	Hamilton	Jordan	F	No	$60,000	$72,500
22	Agbossoumonde	Gale	D	No	$48,825	$55,491.67
23	Roberts	Quillan	G	No	$48,825	$48,825
24	Bloom	Mark	D	No	$48,825	$48,825
25	Richter	Ryan	D	No	$48,500	$48,500
26	Haggland	Nick	D	No	$48,500	$48,500
27	Aparicio	Manuy	M	No	$48,500	$48,500
28	Lovitz	Daniel	M	No	$36,504	$36,504
Totals					$15,609,766.50	$16,648,857.85

[prizby]

Obsolete:

Some explanations:

• Where I state cap hit 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%...what I am doing there is using the assumption that a players cap hit is somewhere between the base salary and guaranteed compensation and providing examples of various potential 'cap hits', because, as we know, what the cap hit is, is undefined by MLS and the players union; all we know is the base pay, and what a player is guaranteed
• I have assumed that Leiweke will come through with a second DP signing and have thus accounted for that (he has now got us 3)
• I have assumed Richard Eckersley will be bought out and won't be returning to Toronto FC
• I have guessed (realistically in my opinion) that DeRo will be around $200,000 and will adjust accordingly once more information is available (media reports have said he is closer to the $150,000 range)
• I have greyed out Matias Laba and have not counted him in the cap number anymore for now due to the likelihood that he is either sold, loaned, or traded
• Jackson received a $24,000 raise between 2012 and 2013
• Morrow received a $28,000 raise between 2012 and 2013
• We all know Joe Bendik signed a new contract; I feel like he signed for Jeremy Hall type money although he might (rightfully) get a bit more, but I have faith in Bez driving a hard bargain
• Ashtone Morgan received a $16,000 raise between 2012 and 2013
• Reggie Lambe received a $7500 raise between 2012 and 2013
• Kyle Bekker's guaranteed compensation is adjusted to equal the same difference between base and guaranteed in 2013 since minimum base salary has been raised
• Bright Dike received a $2750 between 2012 and 2013
• Gale Agbossoumonde's guaranteed compensation is adjusted to equal the same difference between base and guaranteed in 2013 since minimum base salary has been raised
• The reason why Ryan Richter is at $49,000 rather than his old developmental salary is because you cannot be paying a player a developmental salary if that person turns 25 during the calendar year (Richter turns 25 in April)

Some final thoughts

• I think that with players we have traded (past years and more recently) we might be eating a little bit of their cap hit (ie. Hassli), although it is entirely possible we are wiped clean from these transactions (I certainly hope so)
• I feel players like Rey, Laba, Elmer, Hall, Bekker, Wiedeman, Henry, Agbossoumonde and Osorio (and potentially others) are do a bit of a raise
• I feel Steven Caldwell's 2013 salary was based on a half year on the books and he could make up to twice as much as he was guaranteed in 2013 (and deservedly so)

Toronto FC are using 8 international roster slots. We have a total of 9 as far as I know (1 from Chivas USA received in return for our allocation spot that led to the acquisition of Carlos Bocanegra)

I think Toronto FC have somewhere between $250,000 & $500,000 in cap space left for 2 remaining roster slots (that count against the cap) plus allocation money. I don't think we have ever seen the club in this sort positive financial territory. I have to say the plucking of last year's roster was a resounding success.

------

I will of course adjust when new information comes out

------

Just a look at the potential depth of the roster

I think, right now, (new DP to come included), the roster looks something like:

----------------------------Bendik--------------------------
---------------------------Konopka-------------------------
---------------------------Roberts--------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
Bloom---------Caldwell------------Henry--------------Morrow
Richter------------------------Agbossoumonde--------Morgan
-------------------------------------------------------Elmer
------------------------------------------------------------
Rey-------------Bradley---------------Osorio-------De Rosario
Lambe-------------Hall----------------Bekker--------Jackson
-----------------Aparicio---------------------------Welshman
------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------Defoe------------Gilberto---------------
------------------Wiedeman------------Dike-----------------
-------------------Hamilton---------------------------------

[ag futbol]

I would plus rep this if I could. Must have taken a lot of work and it clearly lays out what moves are left to make for the team.

We have four significant spots left to fill and 842,000 left to play with, which has already subtracted the hit from the next DP we assume is coming.

Things this team could use:
- sub DM to backup Laba
- winger / substitude striker / AM ?
- fullback
- more experienced CB

Ideas:
- Soony Saad
- Dero
- something solid through MLS draft
- ?????

[mcolvy]

I would plus rep this if I could. Must have taken a lot of work and it clearly lays out what moves are left to make for the team.

We have four significant spots left to fill and 842,000 left to play with, which has already subtracted the hit from the next DP we assume is coming.

Things this team could use:
- sub DM to backup Laba
- winger / substitude striker / AM ?
- fullback
- more experienced CB

Ideas:
- Soony Saad
- Dero
- something solid through MLS draft
- ?????

I would say I want another legit MLS calibre CM to push Osorio into the 5th midfielder slot off the bench. Someone very solid. McCarty, Jewsbury, something significant.

[notthesun]

Things this team could use:
- sub DM to backup Laba

Isn't this Jeremy Hall?

[Yohan]

Isn't this Jeremy Hall?

You should always be looking to upgrade a player if possible for the right price and salary, with int spot consideration. But I'm ok with Hall being back up for now. I think he gets a lot of flak for terrible rep he developed for 2012, but as a back up DM, and utility player who can fill in couple of other positions, TFC isn't doing so bad with Hall.

Bekker is being groomed for DM/regista by Nelsen I think, with his passing ability. A lot of way to go for Bekker esp w/ defensive ability, but I think if he plays like he gives a crap and with more confidence like he showed end stage of this season and for Canada, he may replace Hall as first choice back up DM. MLS is evolving to prefer pure destroyer DMs to DMs that can pass the ball to start an attacking sequence. Someone teach Bekker how to tackle please.

[mowe]

Excellent job laying all this out, very helpful.

We have a ton of cap space and a fat stack of allocation. If Bez knows what he's doing we should be able to get some very good MLS players.

But make no mistake we still have a lot of holes on our team. We need a winger, RB, CB, and most importantly a CM who can play a box-to-box role.

[Yohan]

Gotta reward Osorio with a bit of bump in salary, and lock him up for next few years.

And Morgan is not a starter LB yet. He's right now 3rd FB. If not for Caldwell organizing the defence, Morgan would be exposed defensively with his poor positioning more often.
Elmer is a big question mark, because we've seen so little of him, and he may be MLS starter quality, but more likely no better than depth.

[prizby]

--- I will no longer be editing this post ---

I think, right now, (new DP to come included), the roster looks something like:

----------------------------Bendik--------------------------
---------------------------Konopka-------------------------
---------------------------Roberts--------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
Bloom---------Caldwell------------Henry-------------Morrow
Richter------------------------Agbossoumonde-------Morgan
----------------------------------------------------------Elmer
------------------------------------------------------------
Rey---------------Laba---------------Osorio---------Jackson
Lambe------------Hall----------------Bekker-------Welshman
-----------------Aparicio------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------New DP------------Gilberto---------------
------------------Wiedeman------------Dike-----------------
------------------------------------------------------------

(above section moved to post above)

Based on what I see here the priorities probably are:

1. Starting Right Back: Kevin Alston (NER) opted out of the re-entry draft and Zach Loyd was given a 'bona fide' offer by Dallas; Both are MLS level/quality starters and both have good competition at their position at their club...I believe Farrell did enough to cement his position at right back for New England while Dallas are really high on their HGP Kellyn Acosta who seemed to fill in really well when Loyd was injured for a few games. Alston was on $194,000 while Loyd was on $137,000 last year. I think either guy would make for a decent upgrade on our backline and based on what these guys make and what starting right backs make in this league I can see TFC acquring a right back in the $150,000-$200,000 range on the cap. I fear TFC might go after someone like a James Riley who didn't look that great last year.

2. Creative Flex-Winger: So I kind of just made that up, but TFC could really use someone who has the ability to create scoring opportunities/provide service to the strikers. I use the word flex because I feel this person needs to be able to move around/roam the pitch at various times to best be utilized depending on the need of the game. IE. if TFC go up early, maybe he is more static on the wing and contributes more defensively, whereas if TFC are chasing the game, he has the ability to play higher up the pitch or even more into the centre, wherever he may best affect the game. Obviously I am talking about someone like a Dwayne De Rosario. What he would cost and what he would expect to earn, I do not know, but I think based on the cap room TFC has left, they could probably and easily afford somewhere between $200,000-$250,000 of cap space. Other guys could fit the bill like a Joel Lindpere or David Ferreira maybe a Jamie Smith

3. Box-To-Box Centre Midfielder: There are a lot of these types (or similar types) available in the re-entry draft. Guys like Mehdi Ballouchy, Yordany Alvarez, Danny O'Rourke, (who can also play the backline), John Thorrington, Clyde Simms, Juan Toja (who has the ability to be a good creator too), Khari Stephenson, or a good veteran guy like Logan Pause. I think a decent squad rotation type of player might be able to be acquired for around $120,000-$150,000 of cap space.

4. Centre Back Depth: I know a lot of people feel we need an upgrade over Henry to partner with Caldwell, but I don't think this is by far the most pressing need at the time I think this is the most likely thing that will be addressed in the draft with that pick 15. Especially if Bez has someone he really likes (have to remember he has dealt with GA signings in the past and picking guys for GA, so would have knowledge of those that passed on deals or they passed on). I'd like to think one of those guys might be New Mexico's Kyle Venter. Whoever Bez might be targeting, I think it is fair to say that if there is an opportunity to move up and trade pick 15 + some allocation, for a guy Bez likes, I can see it happening; my best guess right now is that it makes the most sense to target a CB in the draft. If defence is still a problem or the most pressing need by summer time, then I think that is when TFC makes a move for a veteran central defender (out of contract in Europe). Drafting a CB shouldn't take more than a $50,000-$60,000 cap hit. If they went the re-entry draft route, there are guys like Nana Attakora, Brandon McDonald, David Horst (coming off an acl tear I think), Ugo Ihemelu (injury issues), and Daniel Woolard (injury issues) that would be reasonable depth to even starter production types.

I see Mowe has basically illustrated what positions of need are and playing fantasy cap manager here for a second, I think these moves can get done for around $520,000 to $660,000 of cap room. This is all best guess/speculative and maybe we'll have an idea or two more after December 18th (the re-entry draft stage 2). I think Bez also recently mentioned there is one more trade in the works (hence maybe Alston) or if it is someone else, it could be to fit another one of these needs above. Also believe Nelsen said he was pleased with some of the academy kids, although I remember hearing none would be signed for 2014 as well...wonder if that might be someone to fill a developmental roster slot

Finally, as it was pointed out to me that Jonas Elmer is likely on a guaranteed contract (too bad), I hope (wishful thinking and highly unlikely), TFC can find a way to move him. The salary is one thing, but for a guy who may have a hard time seeing the pitch, I fathom the international roster slot being wasted there (same could be said about Lambe I guess, but I think TFC are trying to find ways to make him count as a domestic player on the roster, although that might be a year away)

[OgtheDim]

I am continually amazed at people who think DeRo is any good anymore. Did none of you actually watch him last season? He tailed off significantly. His passing to others, never his priority, was off. He got injured (HELLO - do we want another person who has been injured of late).

He is not worth the money.

For that price, we can do a LOT better.

This isn't about his attitude when he was here.

This is all about now.

*******

If he comes here and proves me wrong, so be it.

BUT, if we have a choice, there are better ones.

[prizby]

I am continually amazed at people who think DeRo is any good anymore. Did none of you actually watch him last season? He tailed off significantly. His passing to others, never his priority, was off. He got injured (HELLO - do we want another person who has been injured of late).

He is not worth the money.

For that price, we can do a LOT better.

This isn't about his attitude when he was here.

This is all about now.

*******

If he comes here and proves me wrong, so be it.

BUT, if we have a choice, there are better ones.

I don't think he is either, but you need to be realistic and TFC have said publicly they are interested in him and it is the only name out there right now that TFC has been linked to; it all has to do with realm of possibility in my opinion...I think we'll have a better outlook in 3 days time

[ag futbol]

Why would anyone think dero would be on significant money? If he's coming it's for a reasonable price. Tim B. Has already said as much.

[OgtheDim]

Why would anyone think dero would be on significant money? If he's coming it's for a reasonable price. Tim B. Has already said as much.

I read the above as saying he would come in at $200 - 250K. To me, that's far too much. Not a good use of cap space. Again, this isn't a DeRo discussion as much as a "this widget doesn't match that price" discussion.

[prizby]

I read the above as saying he would come in at $200 - 250K. To me, that's far too much. Not a good use of cap space. Again, this isn't a DeRo discussion as much as a "this widget doesn't match that price" discussion.

I was more saying that type of player should come in on that; then addressed who those type of players might be that we know are available (not necessarily at that amount), although I don't think a DP goes down to 150k after 1 year; just a feeling

[ag futbol]

I read the above as saying he would come in at $200 - 250K. To me, that's far too much. Not a good use of cap space. Again, this isn't a DeRo discussion as much as a "this widget doesn't match that price" discussion.

Fair, I wouldn't pay that either.

[ensco]

I think there will be more turnover in the domestic slots. There has to be. At least 6 or 7 of that group isn't good enough.

[akoto]

Thanks for putting this all together prizby! This is amazing work that must have taken you a while to finish. We really appreciate it.

[ag futbol]

Isn't this Jeremy Hall?

IMO we fell apart once Laba got injured and a big part of that was Jeremy Hall. His man-marking in the middle is simply not good enough and we can't run the risk that we are one injury away from having attackers barrel in on the back-line unchecked.

I would say I want another legit MLS calibre CM to push Osorio into the 5th midfielder slot off the bench. Someone very solid. McCarty, Jewsbury, something significant.

Fair. I'd say Osorio is a borderline starter on a great MLS team. We'll see how much he improves through, the kid seems willing to put in the hard work to get better.

Jackson may be part of the solution here, but wouldn't disagree we could use an extra body.

[prizby]

Thanks for putting this all together prizby! This is amazing work that must have taken you a while to finish. We really appreciate it.

I had been wondering for a while and was always estimating, so I had to do it; and now I have somewhere to reference for my own, thanks ...took me a better part of an hour I figure, but I was done before I knew it

I think there will be more turnover in the domestic slots. There has to be. At least 6 or 7 of that group isn't good enough.

Wouldn't disagree with you on that. I think we have a few holdovers as a 'just-in-case' type of sample; figure there will be a couple of trialists and a couple of academy invites. I think a couple of guys could end up in Matt Stinson's shoes unfortunately come March and they are just on the roster because it is better to have the back-up and depth in place already than get burned later by cutting them too soon and not finding satisfactory replacements

[mcolvy]

I had been wondering for a while and was always estimating, so I had to do it; and now I have somewhere to reference for my own, thanks ...took me a better part of an hour I figure, but I was done before I knew it

Thats alot of room and a few solid bargains, though I dont know how Morgan bumped up his entry level so much......

Must be even more with all of the allocation we will get for sucking and what not, no?

[Yohan]

1. Starting Right Back: Kevin Alston (NER) opted out of the re-entry draft and Zach Loyd was given a 'bona fide' offer by Dallas; Both are MLS level/quality starters and both have good competition at their position at their club...I believe Farrell did enough to cement his position at right back for New England while Dallas are really high on their HGP Kellyn Acosta who seemed to fill in really well when Loyd was injured for a few games. Alston was on $194,000 while Loyd was on $137,000 last year. I think either guy would make for a decent upgrade on our backline and based on what these guys make and what starting right backs make in this league I can see TFC acquring a right back in the $150,000-$200,000 range on the cap. I fear TFC might go after someone like a James Riley who didn't look that great last year.

-Alston or Loyd would be solid. no disagreement here

2. Creative Flex-Winger: So I kind of just made that up, but TFC could really use someone who has the ability to create scoring opportunities/provide service to the strikers. I use the word flex because I feel this person needs to be able to move around/roam the pitch at various times to best be utilized depending on the need of the game. IE. if TFC go up early, maybe he is more static on the wing and contributes more defensively, whereas if TFC are chasing the game, he has the ability to play higher up the pitch or even more into the centre, wherever he may best affect the game. Obviously I am talking about someone like a Dwayne De Rosario. What he would cost and what he would expect to earn, I do not know, but I think based on the cap room TFC has left, they could probably and easily afford somewhere between $200,000-$250,000 of cap space. Other guys could fit the bill like a Joel Lindpere or David Ferreira maybe a Jamie Smith

Smith: no, too old, too often injured, plus int spot.
Lindpere would be solid, but he doesn't like playing wing. Not sure of his green card status
Ferreira: costs too much, too old, and big question whether he's still got it after coming back from a big injury 2 yrs ago. he's not looked the same, and slowed down a lot

3. Box-To-Box Centre Midfielder: There are a lot of these types (or similar types) available in the re-entry draft. Guys like Mehdi Ballouchy, Yordany Alvarez, Danny O'Rourke, (who can also play the backline), John Thorrington, Clyde Simms, Juan Toja (who has the ability to be a good creator too), Khari Stephenson, or a good veteran guy like Logan Pause. I think a decent squad rotation type of player might be able to be acquired for around $120,000-$150,000 of cap space.

Ballouchy is junk. Don't have the skills and consistency. He's also cursed or something. I think he can't go to Canada with visa problems or something.
Haven't seen enough of Alvarez to rate him. Int spot may be why RSL is releasing him.
Danny O'Rourke has been on the decline. Some injury bugs too
Thorrington is done. He's not good enough.
Clyde Simms is a destroyer DM. He lost his spot to Scott Caldwell, and getting too old.
Toja don't play box to box. Still think he needs to be in the right environment to succeed, but likely not at TFC. can play LW though.
Khari Stephenson has a rocket long range shot but that's about it.
Logan Pause is a DM who is at this stage a back up DM level.

4. Centre Back Depth: I know a lot of people feel we need an upgrade over Henry to partner with Caldwell, but I don't think this is by far the most pressing need at the time I think this is the most likely thing that will be addressed in the draft with that pick 15. Especially if Bez has someone he really likes (have to remember he has dealt with GA signings in the past and picking guys for GA, so would have knowledge of those that passed on deals or they passed on). I'd like to think one of those guys might be New Mexico's Kyle Venter. Whoever Bez might be targeting, I think it is fair to say that if there is an opportunity to move up and trade pick 15 + some allocation, for a guy Bez likes, I can see it happening; my best guess right now is that it makes the most sense to target a CB in the draft. If defence is still a problem or the most pressing need by summer time, then I think that is when TFC makes a move for a veteran central defender (out of contract in Europe). Drafting a CB shouldn't take more than a $50,000-$60,000 cap hit. If they went the re-entry draft route, there are guys like Nana Attakora, Brandon McDonald, David Horst (coming off an acl tear I think), Ugo Ihemelu (injury issues), and Daniel Woolard (injury issues) that would be reasonable depth to even starter production types.

Brandon McDonald couldn't stick with either DCU or RSL. on lots of money too. Plays like a converted midfielder on CB.
Horst would be solid 3rd CB, if he's completely rehabbed.
Ihemelu has concussion problems, and I think he's retiring. Haven't played in like 2 years?
Woolard is not a CB and depth FB at best.

[prizby]

-Alston or Loyd would be solid. no disagreement here
......

I looked at it in the perspective of, what is available in this year's re-entry draft...McDonald btw, was a starter on a 2012 playoff team

Thats alot of room and a few solid bargains, though I dont know how Morgan bumped up his entry level so much......

Must be even more with all of the allocation we will get for sucking and what not, no?

Morgan's signed a new contract in the middle of 2012; his base salary then was $44,000; last year it was $60,000; sticking to that trend in the raise was the reason for his increase...we'll know more by some time in May when MLS Players Union releases the salary information

the million dollar question all the time is allocation money and how much you get for certain things and how much each team has...one can only guess

[Yohan]

I looked at it in the perspective of, what is available in this year's re-entry draft...McDonald btw, was a starter on a 2012 playoff team

And subsequently led DCU to worse record ever in 2013 before DC dumped his ass to RSL where he sat on the bench, despite his huge salary

[prizby]

Updated to reflect the acquisition of Justin Morrow; seems like we are heavy on the left side right...wonder what it means to the status of Ashtone Morgan/Jonas Elmer

[gdg_9]

Elmer has to go.
Makes no sense to have an Int'l on $130k as a 3rd string.

Hoping Bez can work some magic to find a landing spot for Ecks, and use the buyout on Elmer instead.

[Doucet3]

I would say I want another legit MLS calibre CM to push Osorio into the 5th midfielder slot off the bench. Someone very solid. McCarty, Jewsbury, something significant.

I second that on Jewsbury, ive also been a fan of Feilhaber. Im absolutely loving the direction of acquiring MLS proven players makes the roster feel more solid (Morrow and Jackson as ex) plus its names weve seen through out the years.

Love the job you did on this prizby

[Initial B]

You might put Morrow behind Caldwell instead, or behind Laba and moving Aparicio behind (or in front of?) Bekker or Lamb. Morrow apparently has a lot of flexibility, having been also used as a DM and CB in a pinch.

[mcolvy]

Looking at the cap management now, it just makes sense. Strikers are your top two. And then its three midfield starters. I would like to add one more MLS starting quality midfielder in there. Then you have a solid starter who can play anywhere in Morrow and then your defenders, young guys, and depth all coming in under those against the cap.

[prizby]

You might put Morrow behind Caldwell instead, or behind Laba and moving Aparicio behind (or in front of?) Bekker or Lamb. Morrow apparently has a lot of flexibility, having been also used as a DM and CB in a pinch.

his natural position is left back...I think he was acquired for that position; yeah he can fill in the other positions, but come March 15th, I think we will see him on the pitch at LB

[prizby]

any (logical) guesses as to what TFC and DeRo have or will agree to $$$ wise?