TUKWILA, Wash. – Two days into the Sounders' 2011 preseason camp, central defender Julien Baudet has yet to show up.
The reason? The player and his agent are searching for other options, said Seattle general manager Adrian Hanauer, who's been in contact with the Baudet's representative.
“We were very frank ... when the transaction went down that we were extremely strong at center back,” Hanauer said. “With the addition of Leo Cruz, we’re even stronger.”
The transaction Hanauer speaks of is a trade between Seattle and MLS Cup-winning Colorado Rapids that saw midfielder Peter Vagenas heading to the Rocky Mountains in exchange for Baudet and Danny Earls.
Aside from the Sounders' depth in defense being a factor for letting the defender explore other options – "In our minds, we didn't see Julien as a starter" – the GM also mentioned that Seattle’s tight salary cap didn't allow much room for a veteran who commands decent compensation.
"[Baudet] wants to be a starter somewhere," Hanauer said. "We gave him the ability to shop around and look at his options. At this point, he doesn’t fit into our plans, but he is our MLS property. ... We’ll take it as it comes."
