Business 101: Crew-style

The list of 2008 MLS Salaries have been released by the league. Once again we see how the Crew are making due with less, something that is vital for a small market team to survive. Here's a look at what some other teams are getting, and a comparable Crew eqivalent.


Playmaker



Chicago Fire - Cuauhtemoc Blaco

2008 Salary - $2.6 million



Crew Equivalent - Guillermo Barros Schelotto

2008 Salary - $425,000

Savings = $2.2 million

In Mexico, Blanco is an unparalleled hero. He is a flamboyant player, who is known for drawing fouls, creating chances for teammates, and converting set pieces in big moments. But switch your place on the map to Argentina, which many would argue is a larger hotbed of soccer than even Mexico, and GBS is the equal measure superstar and clutch performer.

Comparing stats, Schelotto and Blanco had similar numbers in fouls suffered (65-61 in favor of Schelotto), though Blanco started later, so maybe that's not fair to him. Both had strings of consecutive games with an assist (Schelotto led the league with a 5-game streak, while Blanco hit 3 in a row).

And while the Fire have already made back the extra two mil in exposure and jersey sales, it could be argued that the Crew have gotten at least half that exposure among Hispanics in this country for a fourth of the price, while getting equal or better service on the pitch. Follow that math? Good.

Plus, Guillermo has a mullet. Big extra points in my book.


Keeper



F.C. Dallas - Dario Sala

2008 Salary - $139,875



Crew Equivalent - Will Hesmer

2008 Salary - $70,000

Savings = $69,875

While Hesmer compares quite evenly with Matt Reis and Kevin Hartman in GAA, I felt that Dallas' Dario Sala was a good comparison because of minutes played (Hemser's 1800 to Sala's 1620), record (Hesmer 8-7-5, Sala 8-7-3), shutouts (both had five last year), as well as Goals Against Average (Hesmer 1.45, Sala 1.61). When you consider that Dallas' keeper of the future, Josh Lambo, is also on the roll for $45,000, while Columbus' future is most likely Hesmer, the savings are even better. With the money they've saved on Hesmer, the Crew can afford a player in the range of Robbie Rogers ($57,500), Danny O'Rourke ($69,147), or 3.9 Adam Moffats (17,700 apiece).

And again, Ricky Bobby has better hair.


Defender




L.A. Galaxy - Abel Xavier

2008 Salary - $156,000



Crew Equivalent - Chad Marshall (position only)

2008 Salary - $148,000

Savings = $8,000

I realize that $8,000 doesn't seem like much. But if someone told you, "Hey, I'm going to NOT give you cancer, ebola, and AIDS, plus pay you $8,000 cash and give you the exact opposite of all those things", wouldn't you consider that a good deal?

That's Chad Marshall to Abel Xavier. One is a tremendous defender, good in the air, and a steady presence on the back line who is not going to give up stupid fouls and can lock down the other team's best forward. The other is quite possibly the worst defender in MLS history. Now how much is that $8,000 worth? Millions? Billions?

Plus, this now gives the Crew 3-in-a-row for the "Better Hair" consideration.

Bottom line, the Crew are going to do more with less money than almost any other team in the league. And they have the necessary cap room left to add the final piece: a Designated Player. That's how you run a business.