Rate the Trades

[ManUtd4ever]

The impact of the trades this past week will not likely be demonstrable until all the players involved settle in with their new clubs, but based on your initial impression, how do you rate Aron Winter and Paul Mariner's performance in addressing the roster situation?

Incoming:

Ryan Johnson
Terry Dunfield
Andy Iro
Leandre Griffit

Outgoing:

Nana Attakora
Alan Gordon
Jacob Peterson
Tony Tchani

We are all familiar with the circumstances that led to the departure of the players formerly on TFC's roster. Of the four players that have left Toronto, Alan Gordon was the only player that contributed this season, and he was hampered by recurring injuries. Nana and Tchani are arguably the most significant losses based on their youth and potential upside, but for the most part, neither of them impressed in their limited appearances this season. Jacob Peterson is a serviceable backup forward at best, but his salary was not relative to his worth whatsoever.

With respect to the new players being added to the roster, TFC has added capable players that have fallen out of favor with their previous coaches for various reasons, but they have a fairly impressive collective pedigree that should provide an immediate impact to the first team.

In particular, Ryan Johnson may be the wildcard. In 2009, while playing his natural role as a striker, Johnson was lauded for his efforts as the leading scorer for San Jose with 11 goals, and earned the Team MVP award. Last season, Johnson was asked to adapt to a role as a winger, and although his goal production dropped off considerably since then, he has been widely acknowledged as the primary reason for Chris Wondolowski's breakout season, and his impressive assist totals can attest to his impact.

Terry Dunfield was one of Vancouver's standout players in the midfield earlier in the season, but his role was inexplicably reduced once Thordarson was replaced with Soehn. As a veteran presence with a great work ethic, he should be able to lead by example on the pitch and provide a positive influence in the locker room.

Likewise, Andy Iro is a solid defender who fell victim to the numbers game in Columbus following a coaching change in the off season, and he saw his starting role reduced to that of a backup, much to the chagrin of many supporters. Although he lacks pace, Iro should be a formidable presence in the central defence pairing.

Leandre Griffit is a talented journeyman winger that has been unable to stick with a club throughout his career thus far. He was never given a legitimate opportunity in Columbus to play siginificant minutes, but perhaps he can excel in Toronto, where he should receive ample opportunities to impress. At worst, he will provide depth on the wings, which is a luxury TFC has never enjoyed throughout it's existence.

Overall, I think the change of scenery will benefit all of the players involved in the transactions. I also believe TFC is a stronger squad today than it was last week, with added character and depth, and the ability to be far more competitive in the immediate future.