Well, Let's Test That Defensive Depth Theory, Shall We?

ERPEN OUT, MCTAVISH IN: John Haydon in the Times reports that Devon McTavish is likely to get the nod over Facundo Erpen for the right back position in the game against Columbus. Now, long-time readers will know defensive depth has been a worry of ours since the off-season (especially after the trade of Prideaux). And just as long as we've been worried about it, DC management has insisted they felt things were fine. Admittedly, McTavish wasn't on our radar at all as a depth option, but it is an interesting move. He's shown decently in his appearances this year, but being a full time outside back is a different situation than shifting into it later in the game. This will be the first test of the management contention that they have enough defense on the bench. That makes for close observation in terms of season long significance.

WE PAY FOR OUR TEAM: I understand what Anthony Francavilla's writing about in The Georgetown Voice, but at the same time I can't stand the idea of buying tickets based on the personnel of another team. It's like the pre-playoff Wizards always advertising games based on when Shaq came to town, or the Caps telling us we had to come out to see Messier or Lindros or something. If I want to see international quality, I don't need to wait for a team with a Designated Player signing, I can see Bolivian International Jamie Moreno, Argentinian Christian Gomez, Jamaican Stephen DeRoux, and Brazilian Luciano Emilio at any game I choose. The only time I will pay just to see someone from another team is when Real Salt Lake shows up, just so I can see if Ellinger cries after he gets fired.

ADU - "I BOUGHT INTO MY OWN HYPE": Huh. Interesting.