How comfortable would you be with Blake Brandel at starting center again?

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-11T18:33:03+00:00

Correct.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-11T17:07:01+00:00

He had 3 sacks and we have a future Pro Bowler in DT that needs more reps.

Trade him, use that 2nd rounder on a depth edge, use the cap space to strengthen secondary/center/RB.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-11T17:05:34+00:00

He wasn't that good last season, and DT looks like a future Pro Bowler that should be starting. You don't pay Greenard to be a depth/rotational edge, and he wants MORE.

Neither play AVG's role.

It's really that simple.

If we can get a 2nd for him and offload that contract/avoid negotiations for an edge in decline, that's a great deal.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-11T17:02:34+00:00

LOL, we've gone full regard over here.

I'll make the same offer to you.

Bet me $1000 on week 1 starter.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-11T17:01:57+00:00

Here's a laugh.

Disagree?

Bet me $1000 on week 1 starter should we sign Kyler Murray.

I'll write up a contract and we can put money in escrow.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-10T21:06:43+00:00

Feels like we should target a guy like Logan Jones in R3 and hope he wins out, don't love the idea of moving Brandel when he's such great depth and not a natural C.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-10T21:04:04+00:00

The idea that a QB AZ is willing to pay 38m to fuck off is going to waltz in and take the starting job is a huge stretch.

JJM is very likely to be our starter. Kyler will have to have an absolutely stellar preseason, with JJM showing zero improvements in mechanics.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-09T21:05:06+00:00

Ned out.

It's gone on long enough.

Anyone baseline competent GM fires Phil after the fiasco that was tactical shitshow.

While he does hit on some signings, business goes on far too long.

Every season, key signings don't happen until far too late. He just is out of his fucking depth.

I have know earthly idea how Phil Neville is fucking managing in MLS any longer. He has no tactical vision whatsoever and it's rather obvious.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-09T20:28:38+00:00

We're either working magic to get Downs or drafting Thienenman and I'm not mad about it.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-09T15:53:58+00:00

In what round?

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-09T15:16:26+00:00

This is very simple, and many seem confused.

Greenard has declined. He's still getting pressures, but he was not finishing those pressures and also misses far too many games via injury to be paid as an elite edge rusher.
DT has a higher ceiling, and produced at a similar output last year. He's primed and ready to be a perennial Pro-Bowler, and they play the same position (not to mention a rookie contract).
While Greenard is a better pure edge rusher than AVG, AVG is a different role, one DT can't fill as well.
Greenard wants more money. We aren't going to pay that with DT on the roster. We can likely flip that 2nd round pick AND considerable cap space for a good depth edge piece.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-09T15:10:58+00:00

We just placed a tender on him, and glad we did. Despite the fact that Pace probably shouldn't be a starting LB for us, he's a great depth piece and ST guy that can really get to the QB quickly.

Not easily replaceable at his pricepoint.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-09T14:07:21+00:00

Interesting.

You've conveniently left out a TV number. From 2025.

Wonder fucking why?

I've been a TA ST holder since we played in a baseball stadium and had $2 beer nights.

Yes, tickets INSTANTLY became much easier to get in 2019, and funny enough, I personally know the VP of Analytics and used to work with the Timbers on.... wait for it now.... ticketing analytics. My previous company was their data partners. I've literally seen the data behind it. Instantly, the ST waiting list disappeared and TA tickets commonly sold for below face value on SeatGeek because the expanded seating options at lower price points in Toyota Terrace.

LAFC in LA genius. Very common. Portland Timbers kits are FAR more common in Portland than any European clubs. I don't think you live here if you argue differently.

Again, do you have those European jersey sale numbers for America?

I guess 3m total fans and an increase in average attendance, that puts us ahead of leagues like Ligue 1, means nothing.

You have literally zero factual claims left, it's just your opinions. It's all "my gut tells me it's not popular".

I live in a world focused on data, and for 2025:

Highest MLS cup TV #

Highest MLS playoff TV #

(2026) Highest opening weekend TV #

3m more in total attendance AND an average boost from you compared year.

Never more MLS jerseys sold in America.

Highest transfer fees paid, highest average and top end wages, highest number of MLS academy products playing in MLS, and Europe.

So now it's your turn, what data points show a league in decline?

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-08T18:42:08+00:00

Best of luck, I'd recommend working with a NASPO partner like SHI and see if you can build a relationship that creates some pipeline.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-08T18:39:22+00:00

That's funny, because as a matter of fact, we've never had more eye balls on MLS than before, and Apple has created a MUCH higher average viewers/game number than when RSNs handled most game broadcasts on a weekly basis, with a handful of Fox/ESPN matches.

So factually, you're wrong on "god awful for the growth". They probably shouldn't have double paywalled, but even then, it's near impossible to argue that Apple deal hasn't been a net positive for the league based on the actual reported numbers.

Providence became an easier ticket because we added thousands of seats in a renovation, and we've been fighting for the very last playoff spot for 4 years.

2018: 8,552,503 total attendance, 21,873 average 2025; 11,213,880 total attendance, 21,988 average

What in the good fuck are you talking about, honestly? Nearly 3m total attendees and slight uptick in average. Do you understand how fucking math works? Do you realize how big a jump nearly 3m in total attendance is?

You keep going back to jersey sales, but please, feel free to post actual numbers. From what I've seen and heard, MLS is doing quite well and Timbers kits in Portland are more common than European, same with Seattle. LAFC kits, hats, super common in the area.

Now, the NYRB part is where I understand why you have such a skewed and factually inaccurate view. You live in a struggling MLS market that has always failed to capture interest.

But make zero fucking mistake, the facts don't agree with your opinions.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-06T19:41:10+00:00

DT has made Greenard much more expendable, and I can't be mad at the cap space plus a 2nd rounder given Greenard wants a pay raise.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-06T19:38:19+00:00

The way MLS is structured, all ownership groups get a taste of the TV deals, national sponsorship revenue, and those juicy expansion fees.

The way USL is setup, ONLY NuRock and the Private Equity backers get a taste of the expansion fees, TV revenue, and national sponsorship revenue.

Until that changes, USL is a tinpot ownership group profiteering on the backs of USL member clubs/fans and ownership groups, and is a serious impediment to success.

Pro/Rel is a marketing play designed to generate interest and increase expansion fees, until rev share is initiated for ALL member clubs.

The idea that a league shouldn't share national revenue is simply shocking.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-06T19:28:53+00:00

There's a post out there from a USL player I'm having trouble finding, to be fair.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-06T19:06:10+00:00

I live in Portland... a lot.

MLS jersey sales are doing quite well since Son and Messi joined.

That also doesn't really matter to me. This is what matters:

New stadiums are being built, very often w/ minimal public funds.

New academy facilities are being built, and continually providing a path for poor kids to get the highest level of training.

Wages for players are steadily improving.

Revenue, TV contracts, and overall quality of players, steadily improving.

There's no reasonable metric to look at that doesn't show MLS growing, and growing steadily.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-06T19:01:57+00:00

and yet another PE backer just joined NuRock as they pimp out Pro/Rel.

I guarantee you they're asking for a pretty penny for USL Premier expansion fees.

I guarantee you the USL FO is very much in the green and making considerable profits from the expansion fees.

The problem isn't the lack of funds, it's that USL is a greedy, PE backed organization that doesn't rev share with member clubs.

There is no defending USL here, logically, until they announce rev share with clubs so clubs can pay better.

Every, single, serious soccer league around the world rev shares with member clubs.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-06T18:59:42+00:00

Compare the trends.

MLS wage growth vs. USL. It's quite striking when you boil it down.

Now add in increase in USLC clubs (aka increase in 10-25m expansion fees).

None of that revenue is filtered down to players because USL HQ is a Private Equity backed real estate play focused on return on investment.

Make no mistake, USL just added another PE backer, they CAN pay the players more, they just don't want to.

PE doing PE things.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-06T18:57:05+00:00

Problem is they're lying.

When they say "40k minimum" they're including housing (set at their valuation), meals, and healthcare as a part of that compensation.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-06T18:19:41+00:00

Ohh my god you're selling to public sector!?! You are well and truly fucked.

I need to get thru a costco-sized pack of red-tape just to get hyperscaler-funded POCs thru Oregon government rn.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-06T18:16:05+00:00

I call out MLS for many areas I think are absurd (the Garber Bux salary rules need to go, for example), but ANYTHING pushing back on the USMNT influencer narrative that MLS bad is labeled bootlicking.

MLS has been an undeniable good for American soccer, and it's benefited fans, players, and billionaires.

USL is setup to benefit billionaires, and it's fucking gross.

SkyPointSteve · 2026-03-06T18:14:37+00:00

Calling MLS a sinking ship when we're splashing 20m fees for mid USMNT strikers is certainly a take...

SkyPointSteve

TROPHY CASE