Forecasting the Final Roster

By: Bob Kellett | April 8th, 2008

Day 3 of the Leonard Griffin Watch begins with a look at Shaun Higgins’ mugshot to the left. That is the picture that ran in the Portland Tribune today. Before I read the article I assumed Higgins had been busted for meth. Reminds me of all the unflattering school pictures of me from approximately second grade through, well, today. In any case, Higgins gets a shout out from his coach in the article for his play last season. The ultimate utility guy was solid both at midfield and with spot duty in the backline. He has looked great during preseason, the aforementioned photo notwithstanding.

The Tribits also goes on to mention that the Timbers currently have 17 players (now 18 thanks to Ray Burse) under contract and will be adding seven more, including a defender, midfielder and a player up front in the next week. Let’s do the math. In addition to the 18 on the roster, we’ve seen names on the jerseys of:

19. Tom Taylor, midfield
20. Vardan Adzemian, defender

We suspect that one or both of the following will be coming after they finish their season in New Zealand, but that is still a question mark.

21. Bryan Little, midfield
22. Benjamin Totori, Forward

I figure they’ll carry a third keeper since Ray Burse could be shutting back and forth to FC Dallas this season.

23. Steve Reese (maybe Bayard Elfvin once the indoor season is over)

That leaves one more spot for:

Leonard Griffin, defender
Jamie Watson, midfield/forward
Scott Bolkan, defender
Someone we don’t know about

I’m pleased that the club is carrying 24 players — that is one of the few changes that Chris Agnello implemented that makes sense. Back in the Bobby Howe era they would have 18 or 19 at most and every year there would be a rash of injuries that would force players to play out of position. The league rules also allow for 26 players so if a loan opportunity comes up during the season there will be a little bit of room to operate.