by Bob Kellett

Now the fun begins.  This week the Timbers start the march towards the 2010 season with preseason games in exotic Corvallis and the city to the north that smells like fish.  Preseason matches usually provide us with a couple of opportunities.  The first is the opportunity to lounge around in a relaxed atmosphere and listen to Gavin Wilkinson swear at his players.  The second is the chance to see guys who make less money than many of us battle one another for the glory of earning a spot in the starting XI.  With so many players returning from a successful 2009 club, you would think that the number of starting spots open for challenge might be somewhat limited, but I don't think that is the case.  This should be an interesting training camp.  Let's break it down. 

Keeper

Steve Cronin started 28 games in 2009.  He enters camp the clear number one keeper.  Expect Matt Pyzdrowski to get some preseason minutes, but he isn't here to challenge Cronin.  He is an emergency keeper until Adin Brown (hopefully) works himself back into shape. 

Bottom Line: It is Cronin's job to lose. 

Right Back

Scot Thompson started 24 games in 2009 and saw minutes in all but one game.  The veteran defender reportedly was asked to accept a reserve player's salary this year.  Thompson's challenger is Quavas Kirk, a young player who played in 15 games for the Minnesota Thunder last season.  Like Thompson, Kirk is known for his ability to fly down the wing.  Kirk is still transitioning to the backline and I expect he'll get plenty of minutes in training to learn on the job. 

Bottom Line: Position up for grabs 

Center Backs

Cameron Knowles is out until at least June.  That leaves Stephen Keel and Mamadou Danso as the two returning center backs.  Keel started 27 games in 2009.  With Knowles out, he seems like a lock for one of the two positions.  Danso started 12 games last season and clearly was a notch or two below Knowles in terms of talent.  I never had the sense that Wilkinson fully trusted him.  While Danso will get some minutes in preseason, I expect he'll be in a battle with newcomer Ross Smith, a veteran who might be this year's Justin Thompson. 

Bottom Line: Keel is safe; Keep an eye on Smith vs Danso 

Left Back

David Hayes started all 30 games in 2009 and led the team in minutes played.  His retirement hurts, but his replacement Ian Joy has talent.  Joy doesn't have a challenger for his position at the moment.  I expect we'll see another signing sometime soon. 

Bottom Line: Joy starts on April 17 

Right Midfield

Brian Farber started 23 games in 2009, primarily at right midfield.  The athletic 27-year-old faded a bit down the stretch.  He's coming off another season of indoor soccer, which will probably have taken a toll on his body.  He could have competition from a number of players.  Kirk could end up playing right mid.  Rodrigo Lopez seems better suited to play inside, but he could slot on the wing.  James Marcelin might be the one guy on the roster to match Farber's athleticism, but is he better wide or in the middle?  There is also Keith Savage, who played primarily in the middle last season, but was on the wing from time to time. 

Bottom Line: Keep an eye on this position 

Holding Midfield

 Tony McManus started 24 games in 2009.  The veteran was a steady presence, but he enters this season coming off shoulder surgery.  That should provide Wilkinson with an excuse to take a look at some of his other options.  Savage filled in for McManus on occasion, but he seemed more comfortable in the attacking mid role.  Marcelin has the physical makeup to break up the attack and he has the speed to be a box to box player.  He could be McManus' biggest threat. 

Bottom Line: Watch who gets the minutes during the preseason 

Attacking Midfield

Johan Claesson started 22 games last season and was a solid presence when he wasn't busy having his brain slammed against his skull.  Lopez should some skill in limited action, but is he ready to direct the attack? Savage was an adequate fill in, but his lack of foot speed made him a bit of a liability.  Could Marcelin slot in here and what about the Costa Rican Bismarck Acosta who has been linked to the Timbers? 

Bottom Line: Another potentially fun position 

Left Midfield

Ryan Pore started 21 games for the Timbers in 2009.  He'll have the early advantage for this campaign.  From what I can tell, Derek Gaudet is a left side player.  The young gun apparently has some talent, but can he match Pore's offensive production?  Takayuki Suzuki can also play on the wing.  Last year he looked most comfortable as a 30-60 minute player.  Even after a winter back in the land of Hello Kitty, I doubt he has gotten any younger. 

Bottom Line: Pore's position to lose 

Forwards

Mandjou Keita started 28 games last year.  After a winter in India, he'll either come into camp with match fitness or he'll be burned out.  I'll go with the former.  The Indian league is not exactly physically demanding.  Keita is a lock to start.  His partner for much of 2009 was George Josten, who started 19 games.  Josten reportedly has had a monster offseason.  This year's version of Josten might be Doug DeMartin, who won a contract after a solid performance against the University of Portland.  The verdict is still out whether DeMartin can partner with Keita.  Suzuki is always an option.  The mystery man is Gabriel Obatola, a 22-year-old Nigerian who feasted on the competition (term used loosely) in Singapore. 

Bottom Line: Keita starts and Josten likely gets the nod 

bob@thewoodwork.org