Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Rapids Finally Sign French Defender Baudet

Press Release from the Colorado Rapids:
Former Crewe Alexandra Star Expected to Debut With Colorado After the July 15th International Transfer Window Opens
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Tuesday, June 30, 2009) – The Colorado Rapids announced today the signing of defender Julien Baudet. Per club and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Baudet’s addition to the team, which will take place after the July 15th International Transfer Window opens, is pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Baudet begins a new chapter in his ten-year professional career coming to the Rapids from English League One side Crewe Alexandra, where he served as team captain the last few seasons.
Baudet’s career began in France with Ligue Un club Toulouse, followed by stints with Oldham Athletic, Rotherham United, and Notts County in England. Throughout his career, he has tallied 18 goals and three assists from his center back position.

Apparently, the 30-year-old central defender is also a very good skier though I can't see Gary Smith allowing him to do much of that here in the Rockies. This was a long expected move. What's more interesting to note is: a)how will Baudet fit in in an already crowded defense that has already seen two players (Harden and Holody) go out on loan? and b)with a new striker imminent, that means one roster spot has to go, by my reckoning anyway. If they can trade him, Ciaran O'Brien looks the most likely candidate.

3 comments:

johncos said...

Nick-
I'm usually not one for sour grapes especially since the Fire undoubtedly outplayed us, but on that first goal, McBride clearly off-sides. Perhaps you can clarify the rules here for me. I assume the refs would say he wasn't effecting the play so they didn't make the call. However on the replay (MLS goal of the week) you can see that after McBride's sweet chest pass he moved to the far post and Gibbs had to hedge Pappa to cover McBride. McBride even had to duck to allow the shot to get on goal! Was this a blown call or was McBride out of the play?

Jason Maxwell said...

O'Brien probably won't be the one cut as he is taking one of the Development spots and I assume that Diz (or whomever we sign) won't be signing for Development money.

Nick Thomas said...

John, having seen it again, I think Gibbs is not an issue. The only question would be whether Pickens was unsighted in some way by McBride. That would be hard to argue. I think it is a fair goal. It certainly was a very nice move and deserved a goal.