Addition by Subtraction - Mo's New Math

The release of goalkeeper Greg Sutton by Toronto FC and acquisiton of defender Nick Garcia and the rights to Canadian striker Ali Gerba is by now old news overshadowed this week by some guys named Ronaldo and Kaka and their visit in August with the Spanish League runners-up, word that grass may eventually indeed be the surface of choice at BMO stadium and last but least some wailing from Toronto FC fans who have announced the honeymoon is over.

But to me this move of addtion by subtraction by Mo Johnson is just the latest in a long line of moves that while promising much probably in the long run won't add up to much.

First just the economics of the move - $160,000 annually for Sutton who has served the team well on and off the field and even in a season where the young Stephen Frei stepped forward and took the number one job continued to soldier on without bitching.

In exchange $200,000 for Garcia a central defender from one of only two defenses with a worse record than TFC's and a player (and salary) that the worst team league in the year was more than willing to part with (a THIRD round draft pick). San Jose so values a third round pick they were even willing to throw in the rights to Gerba.

The much travelled Gerba despite scoring 10 goals in 24 appearances with MK Dons in the England's League One was not offered a new contract by the club. Gerba despite finding the goal in various leagues both here in North America and in Europe has not managed to wear the same jersey for more than two seasons since 2004-05 with the Toronto Lynx. Since that time he has made 84 appearances for seven different clubs while scoring 28 goals that kind of scoring rate would usually warrant some stability so one has to ask what's the problem?

Expected to sign with Toronto by Monday or Tuesday Gerba is certain to add to at least the number of clubs he has played for and appearances if not goals scored if form holds true to any other striker that puts on the TFC jersey.

So in exchange for a solid back-up veteran Canadian goalkeeper and reduced depth at this key position when the number one is already nursing an injury and waiting for the clock strike midnight on what has been a Cinderella rookie season we get a veteran American defender who had obviously wore out his welcome as the captain and heart of the worst defense in the league. Oh yeah throw in an attacker with obvious talent who has trouble holding down a job.

This is progress?