A Few Red Bulls Notes

I don’t know if you can call the 2011 season dismal. Especially if they make the playoffs after all of their faults. Disappointing, definitely; but dismal brings 2009 to mind. But then I’m odd like that.

Anyway, I’m still not holding my breath on Backe’s future. I believe that if the Red Bulls want to be come a long-standing contender, they’ll have to eat a couple of disappointing seasons and develop an actual concept on what they want to be as a team, what traits to emphasize, what on-field identity are they looking for, etc. Success, believe it or not, doesn’t appear overnight or after splashing some cash or whatever. It takes persistence, hard work, and always at least a little luck. Backe might be the guy to help them along their way, and if ownership believes so, then so be it.

Besides, I don’t know whether the defensive woes that burnt this team so many times are really indicative of the coaching staff - but I’d have to review all of the GAs again.

That said, past history has shown that the organization has continued the franchise tradition of throwing coaches quickly and often prior to Backe’s hiring. (Which follows the franchise tradition of the fans loving the new guy until about a year or so in, realize that the team isn’t where they wanted them to be, learn to loathe the guy, and then demand change.) I’ll believe it when I see it.

I’d love to know whether the owner smacked Soler upside the head for trading with rivals. If nothing else going forward, I don’t want the GM to be making deals with DC, Philly, or NE unless they’re confident they can swindle them. But, again, I’m odd like that.