Q: - When will the public be able to see the new RSL team and players training together in Salt lake?
A: - Physicals and fitness testing tomorrow, then our first practice will be open to anyone who feels like stopping by : Utah Fieldhouse noon - 2pm Hope to see y'all there!
Q: - Garth, what is your philosophy in dealing with our remaining international slot(s)? Do we leave one open for flexibility? Do we need to use it because depth in important?
A: - Our intention is to use our remaining two slots on a target forward and another good, likely left footed, player. We will wait until we get the right guy. Scouting is on-going and we will have a couple of trialists with us from the get go of pre-season. We are waiting on two of our signings who should be joining us in the next few weeks. Ian Joy arrived yesterday and will be with us from Day One. We have cap space and allocation money available.
Q: - Will the upper deck in the east stands be included in the final design?
A: - Yes, most definitely it will. In fact, some of the best seats in the house - I don't believe that any of the 20,000 will be bad - will be in that upper deck!
Q: - On the latest AYL podcast Trey said there should be upcoming chances for different groups of fans to give their feedback and ideas to the club. How do we get to be a part of these? Also, what is the best e-mail address to send general feedback to?
A: - Trey will be organizing several "Fan Focus Groups" so that our organization can hear from you all on numerous topics. We will be communicating the dates and times of these events via e-mail to season ticket holders, posting on the fan sites and boards, etc., and if you have specific questions, everyone should feel free to e-mail Trey directly at tfitz@realsaltlake.com. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. The more fan feedback, the better!
Q: - What was the decision process to take Alex Nimo over Eric Avila at pick #17?
A: - We really like Alex and are excited about adding him to our team. We had roughly a dozen players we rated as difference making talents and Alex was the last of those left when we picked at #17. We interviewed all the players we considered drafting, something no other MLS team had done before and that helpded inform our judgment on some players. Alex has already been invited to the next U-20 camp and the coach Thomas Rongen has assured us he will be a big part of his plans. He has a very bright future and don't let his diminutive stature fool you - he is a tough kid.
Q: - I understand why you didn't take Iro or James in the draft (their international status). But why Beltran instead of a guy like Franklin? At right back, most people think Franklin is the better prospect - what did you see in Beltran that made you take him instead of Franklin?
A: - We are excited to add Anthony to the RSL fold. We felt he was a solid pick and of the right back prospects probably the most ready to step on the field given his maturity and his experience playing every minute for the U-20 team. We rated Franklin too and think he could be a good player, but he is further away tactically and technically. He is a tremendous athlete.
Q: - This may be more of a suggestion, but will season ticket holders get to come to the stadium before it opens and pick out our seats at the stadium, instead of just getting assigned to some row and seat number?
A: - All season ticket holders - i.e. "Royal Club" members, right? - will certainly have the opportunity to come to the Stadium and pick out their seats, based on their priority number. We are in the process of selecting a new ticketing system for use at our building, and once we do that, we will build the new manifest and have a series of events inviting people to come select their new location, based on WHEN they first committed to RSL on a season-long basis. We WILL NOT randomly assign rows and seats to our fans. YOU will choose your location, based on the price range and amenities each package represents.
Q: - Garth, it is really appreciated how available you have made yourself to the fans. Unprecedented in RSL's short history. Do you have future ideas on how you will come out to answer questions of the fans? Regularly having chat sessions? Attending Q&A sessions face-to-face?
A: - I'm a TV guy at heart so I'm just happy to have people to talk to - the guys in the office get really tired of hearing me! We are open to whatever forum the fans want, this is their team and we want them involved. The more scrutiny there is, the more people are talking about RSL and the more people who want to be involved.
Q: - With all the new players, I feel disconnected from this years team. Is there going to be anything done to familiarize the fans with all the new players?
A: - Throughout the preseason, inbetween our trips to California, Florida and Argentina, we will host various events in which you will get to know our new faces. We will be back in Utah on March 15, two weeks prior to Opening Day vs. Chicago, which is unprecedented. We are being courted by two promoters for an exhibition game the weekend of the 22nd in a Western U.S. city, but that will be a quick trip in-and-out of SLC. And of course we will have a series of events during "Real Week" from the 24th to the 28th to generate awareness and energy throughout the community to kick off our season.
Q: - Espindola seems to be thrown around as a Left Mid/Winger and Striker, what do you see as his strongest suit for RSL?
A: - This is the classic unstatisfactory answer, but wee see him as a left sided striker. He is a hard worker and can help us defensively along the left flank as well as by scoring goals. His versatility is one of his strengths so we don't want to chain him down to one spot or one role so he can exploit some of his tactical insights to his advantage.
Q: - Garth, thanks for taking our questions. Are trialists permitted to attend training camp that is about to get underway and if so are there any that will be in attendance and can you mention them by name?
A: - We will take a few trialists to camp including several striker candidates and a left footed player - basically we will bring in guys to fill specific needs. If they are good enough and a good value then we will sign them. We are intentionally keeping the field wide open so we get a chance to evaluate several candidates before just jumping on a flavor of the month.
Q: - Will we get a new design for the uniforms? I hate our current ones?
A: - adidas - which signed a 10-year, $150 million deal with the League back in late 2004 - has all teams on essentially a 2-year cycle, in which the "silhouette" for a team's uniform changes. They want to have half the teams change each year, with their production cycles running roughly 18 months from design approval to shirts on racks. For RSL, that means that we will get new uniforms this spring, and we are currently working with adidas on ship dates and a Spring event during which we can unveil the new look for both the red and white kits. Hopefully in mid-March. We are also continuing to talk to adidas about eventually creating a 3rd strip, but with RSL only entering its fourth season, some are advising against confusing the market with such a young brand (sorry for all the marketing mumbo-jumbo).
Q: - Why hasn't RSL come close to filling it's salary cap? Is there strategic advantage to staying a few hundred-thousand under the $2.2million?
A: - There is a strategic advantage to being a bit under the cap because if we suffer an injury to an important player and need to put them on the DL we get roster spot, but not salary cap relief. That means that if we are say $100K under the cap we have a lot of leeway to bring in a replacement player. That said, we will continue our pursuit of additional players if they meet a need we have identified. We have the blessing of a long pre-season. In much of the world teams get only three weeks. In MLS we get 2 months, which allows us to take long looks at guys in our competitive environment.
Q: - What position do you feel that Nate Sturgis will be best suited for on this team?
A: - We project Nate as a holding midfielder ultimately, but we suspect he will be used as a center back with the Olympic Team. Playing on that team is a huge opportunity for him, but we do hope we can focus him on one spot this season so we can speed his specialization and development. In the long term playing all those different positions will only make him a better reader of the game.
Q: - How come Ian Joy's first stop in the MLS was so short with the Crew?
A: - Ian came to MLS in the hopes of securing a platform by which we could audition for the Olympic team, but he had a standing offer in the UK so when the situation in Columbus didn't work out, he signed in Europe for more money. He has gained huge professional experience in the intervening years and because of his multicultural background is going to be a great locker room guy for us. Wait till you meet him as he will be terrific with our fans as evidenced by the send off he got from St. Pauli.
Q: - Do we have any plans for international friendlies this year outside of Real Madrid?
A: - Real Salt Lake and our ownership group, SCP Worldwide, are extremely proud not only of the ever-emerging relationship with Real Madrid, the world's biggest club, but also of the tradition we have begun in our three years here of bringing clubs from all over the world - I believe the only confederation not represented among the teams that have visited Utah since 2005 is the African one. With Real Madrid, the US World Cup Qualifier, Morelia of Mexico, Everton, Boca Juniors, the Fijian and Chinese National Teams, Harbor View of Jamaica and Universidad Catolica, we have served as host for a wide range of clubs, something that will continue in 2008 and beyond. We believe that this is a covenant we have established with soccer fans in Utah, and want to be a leader within MLS in this regard. Once we move into the Stadium and build a competitive team for the long-term, exhibition AND competitive games against international competition will continue to be the norm.
Q: - What current player in the MLS would you compare Cordoba's style and skill to?
A: - He is arguably our most important off-season signing. He is a midfielder that is very active and wants the ball. We expect him to combine successfully and regularly with Morales and Beckerman. Not a true wide player, he will function as another 2 way guy who can cover some territory and get forward into the attack.
Q: - Is the stadium on schedule and is the opener still going to be ReAL Madrid?
A: - We hope to open the Stadium late this fall, and are aiming for October sometime. However, with the massive amounts of snowfall, we won't know how this winter affects our timeline until probably mid-April. Its safe to say we are ahead of schedule in some areas, slightly behind in others, and overall, the fine folks at Layton-Turner construction are right where we expected them to be. Real Madrid will come to Utah this summer, but that game will probably have to be played in Rice-Eccles, due to their La Liga schedule kicking off in mid-August.
Q: - What would you say to people who are on the fence about buying Season tickets? Why should I?
A: - Terrific question. In the last 9 months we have changed our coach, GM and President. We have overhauled the team and brought in through the draft and trades 6 players currently playing or who have recently played on US National teams, Beckerman, Seitz, Sturgis, Findley, Nimo, Beltran. Lump in quality young players we have acquired in that same period in Movsisyan and Espindola as well as quality veterans like Olave, Cordoba, Mantilla and Morales. We think that is a ton of players to get excited about. It may take the group a bit to gel with all the new faces, but we are a much more talented group than we were a year ago and we feel its an exciting group of players to invest in as a season ticket holder because they and we are going to get better before your eyes. Our fans have been loyal to us for three years, now its time for us to deliver a better product on the field and we hope you will give us that opportunity. We feel like we have spent a lot of time, effort and money into getting better.
Q: - What would say are the main changes you've implemented since starting as general manager, with regards to how the team is run on a daily basis?
A: - We were successful at the end of last year at making the team more competitive and now we have upgraded our talent to make each training session consistently competitive. Those are fundamental changes that will make us better. We are also committed to reaching out to our fan base and trying to incude them in our club. Only with their support, input and activism will we be able to create the racous homefield advantage I think we can as we move into the new stadium. We've also been successful in erecting a fairly comprehensive global scouting system which should funnel a steady pipeline of talent to our club in coming seasons.
Q: - What kind of ceiling does Findley have?
A: - Athletically he has limitless potential. The Olympic coaches tell us he has been one of their best players this off-season and we are really excited about helping him reach his ceiling. He's a young player and can always improve, but he is a terrific kid and has a great attittude.
Q: - When will the full schedule be released?
A: - We are working diligently with MLS, Rice-Eccles Stadium and the national television partners - ESPN, Fox Soccer, HDnet, Telefutura - to finalize the entire 200+ game schedule for MLS in 2008. Drafts are going back and forth, and the League hopes to have something out in the next 2 weeks.
Q: - Could you elaborate on the new RSL player off-season fitness program?
A: - We gave all our guys a detailed off-season program and heart monitor belts that recorded who hard and how often they were working out. We had a very high rate of compliance so we are optimistic we can spend our time in pre-season focusing on bringing this new group of players together tactically, technically and emotionally, rather than running them into the ground.
Q: - Garth, you mentioned last season that we need to build a program with depth throughout. It seems that our starting XI has been bolstered, how do you feel that we are doing with depth?
A: - Assembling talent, and thereby depth, takes time. We have used all the resouces available to us with the draft and through foreign signings. That process is on-going. The best way to check our depth is to look at our developmental roster. As I mentioned earlier we now have 5 youth national team kids and a lot of talent there. As those kids develop we will continue to improve.
Q: - Will we be making an effort to play our games on grass at Rice Eccles? Can you give an estimate of how many games will be on grass?
A: - Each of the previous three years we have brought a natural surface in to place on top of the artificial turf at Rice-Eccles, as this is necessary for games like the US WCQ vs. Costa Rica, Real Madrid, Everton, Boca Juniors, etc. We will do this again for Real Madrid in 2008, and two things will determine how many games get played on the "real" stuff: 1) schedule of international games in addition to Madrid, and 2) the maintenance cost of keeping the surface playable past the $150K it takes to have it down 2+ weeks. oh yeah, a third thing: how weather affects our move-in date to the new Stadium, which WILL have a natural surface!
Q: - OK after my previous rant, on to things not in the office or stands, lets look at the situation on the field. Can you update us on the players that have been released during the off season, and players that have either been aquired or will be given a try out during the training camp season. There have been a number of rumors but very little in actual updates outside of the draft information. Who are the player you expect to make an impact and help RSL make the playoffs? Are you and Jason willing to commit your careers on this team making the playoffs this season?
A: - We've made two signings in Joy and Cordoba with a third on the way. On top of that we have four high draft picks we are excited about and are still on the lookout. That means that just in the last three months we have flipped a quarter of our roster and that doesn't count the talent brought in via trade toward the end of last year. we are committed to updating our fans and I think we have done a pretty good job of that. We will keep you updated throughout the pre-season as we give new players a chance to excel for us and seek to find the best mix of players.
Q: - What is going to be at the south end of the stadium?
A: - For RSL games, the south end will have chairback seats just like the rest of the bowl. Sections of these seats will cover our permanent stage, and will be removable for concerts and other events, if need be. I believe our architect (Rossetti) and our construction folks (Layton-Turner) have perfected and improved upon the stage situation with a design different from Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City and Toyota Park in Bridgeview. I'm biased!
Q: - Since you already talked about him in one of your answers, what can you tell us about Olave?
A: - No agreement is in place with this player, but I can tell you he played recently for Deportivo Cali in Columbia. He is a human wrecking crew of a defender and would be a credit to any team he player for.
Q: - Being a season ticket holder, I like to stand up and cheer, and would prefer to stand most the time. However, my friends and I would constantly be told to sit down. Could you describe what is being done at the new stadium so that I can stand up and cheer for my team to try and create a better atmosphere?
A: - There will be designated sections in the new stadium for every kind of fan to enjoy the game as they choose. We want all of our fans to create their own experience and build their own groups to create the atmosphere they most appreciate. In our own building we have a lot more leeway in allocating specific spaces to fan groups. In Rice-Eccles we are really limited in what we can do with respect to setting aside particular sections and in establishing what is acceptable behavior. In the new stadium we are excited about the atmosphere we can create if the fan groups like those on this chat continue to grow, both in numbers and enthusiasm.
Q: - Will there be a lot of regular season games missed by our 4 players that have been called up to US National Team duty?
A: - I think they may miss some games, but that is largely a good thing. Those kids really benefit from being stressed and overcoming adversity with the national team. It makes them better and will make us better every day in practice. We should not be so reliant on our young national team players that we cannot overcome their absence. Our team, not individual players, will be the star of this season.
Q: - Rumors suggest RSL might have been pursuing several offensive players on the Fresno Fuego roster--including the 6'4" PDL golden boot winner Pablo Campos. Can fans expect to see Campos, Amaury Nunes or Orlando Ramirez on trial during the california leg of camp? Note: reference: http://www.rslfm.blogspot.com/2007/12/120307.html
A: - Pablo Campos is still in school and Nunez and Ramirez were passed over in the supplemental draft. That doesn't mean they aren't good players, just that they don't have any pro experience. when it comes to alomst any player out of college they will need to cut their teeth for awhile before they can contribute on a regular basis at an MLS level.
Q: - How would you characterize the financial position of the club, and of the league in general. We seem to be seeing rising salaries - is this a concern?
A: - With a hard salary cap in place rising salaries for individual players are not yet an issue that effects the financial stability of MLS, though I am sure that will come up in the next round of collective bargaining. Obviously we can spend over the cap for a DP and Beckham and Blanco have proven effective in raising the profile of MLS. However, I think one could argue that teams employing one or more DPs have not enjoyed more success on the field than those without, which I think will moderate the interest in that type of player in the near term.
Q: - It seems like since RSL's first year, the number of games being broadcast on local TV has dwindled. Do you know yet about local television coverage for this season?
A: - RSL has televised 15 games each year during its first 3 seasons on either KSL or Fox Rocky Mountain, and is currently engaged in conversations with two local over-the-air outlets and one cable outlet for the 2008 and beyond contract. Perhaps the number of ESPN games has gone down slightly due to team performance, but both Fox Soccer Channel and HDnet absolutely love coming to Salt Lake because of the fantastic fan atmosphere looks great on TV - all the shirts, jerseys, scarves and flags represent MLS and American soccer, as well as RSL, very very well.
Q: - Will there be more road trips similar to the Colorado trip last year? I was signed up, but had to cancel at the last minute. While I will likely organize my own trips at times, I would enjoy a bus trip.
A: - We need our fans to be involved and develop plans for roadtrips. If the fan groups want to organize road trips they should and we will give them our full support. We don't want to dictate to our fans what they should do, rather we want them to take ownership and grow their numbers and formulate plans their group will enjoy. With San Jose joining MLS this year there are now 4 teams within relatively easy travelling distance and we sincerely hope to see our loyal fans at each one of those venues. For those that make the trek, the guys on the field will acknowledge your commitment and dedication.
Q: - What will the situation be like for away game watch parties? In the past we've had issues with host restaurants/clubs either preempting us for college football, or not even having the necessary channel.
A: - I have heard about some of the problems regarding away game watch parties in the past - either because of food, service or alcohol-licensing issues, we have been unable to find a locale that offers everything to everyone - something which will be solved once we move into the Stadium and can utilize our Club and other spaces in which to host these events. Prior to that, we are exploring some options we hope fans will think are pretty cool. Stay tuned, and feel free to offer solutions to Trey directly at tfitz@realsaltlake.com.
Q: - Is there or will there ever be an open tryout forum, such as Chivas or NE had done or is doind?
A: - I think at some point as we settle our practice facility situation for the long term we will be able to have open tryouts. Obviously, the weather here is less conducive to inviting folks out than it is in LA. Xango have been terrific sponsors and supporters of ours and we hope to continue to work with them and make use of the facilities they have kindly designated for our use.
Q: - When are we going to see good one touch passing and movement of the ball with diagonal passes forward to the speed forwards, instead of take your time and then kick and chase like 10 yr olds?
A: - Its a leap year and we are targeting Feb.29 as that glorious day when we kick it like at least 11 year olds. Our commitment to playing a flowing, technical passing game is in evidence by the skillful players we have acquired in the last nine months. The skill of our team will only be magnified as we transition onto the grass surface in the new stadium.
Q: - Garth! Do you have a game style mentality and who fits that best in the current roster?
A: - I think any successful team has a mentality focused on winning games. We have brought in several players who will be great competitors as well as talented players. Thanks to everyone for their questions, sorry we couldn't get to everybody and we look forward to continuing these types of positive interactions with our fans. Hope to see you out at practice this week and we hope you are as excited as we are about our home opener on March 29 against Cuauhtemoc Blanco and the Chicago Fire.
