ESPN

Rob Stone

  (5:32 PM)

Good afternoon everyone, and thanks for taking the time to fire me off some questions...great couple days of American soccer coming up with MLS Cup this Sunday (3:30pm ET on ABC) and US World Cup Qualifying action on Wednesday (vs. Jamaica 7:30pm ET ESPN2). Let the questioning begin.

Joel (Charlottesville, Virginia)

Hey Rob, do you think Landon Donovan will finally make his way back to Bayer Leverkusen during the winter break?

Rob Stone

  (5:37 PM)

Yes...especially since he told me he was going to go over there. BUT, do not be surprised if it is only a short term stay. San Jose will protect him in the upcoming MLS Expansion draft (one you can see live next Friday on ESPNews by the way), in the hopes that he does come back. He would be wrong to not go over and at least take it for a "test drive", and he knows that. Leverkusen has been extremely cooperative and patient with Landon and MLS, and Landon going over there is the best thing for all parties. If he likes it he can stay, if he doesn't, he can show Leverkusen that he made the effort, but it just wasn't right for him...no harm, no foul.

Chris (DC)

How do we find out who is in the us national team camp in columbus? do you know?

Rob Stone

  (5:41 PM)

Alot of folks want to know this, but US Soccer does not want this info out right now. That's Bruce Arena's call, and you have to respect it. Having said that, I know who is in camp, and while not giving away any hints, I will drop a few teases here. It is not solely an MLS based roster...there are 4 keepers in camp, one from overseas. And there is one European based youngster who has never earned a cap in camp...Sorry to do that to you, but you'll have to watch Wednesday night to get the whole roster...it is an interesting one though.

Kenny (Nashville)

Is John O'Brian's talent so high that he is a lock for the USMNT in Germany as long as he's healthy (a big if) or has Arena written him off since he can't be counted on to be healthy enough to play?

Rob Stone

  (5:44 PM)

I don't think you can ever write him off. The talent is just too much to walk away from, but these injuries..I mean what did he do to earn all of them??? He'll be back as soon as he is healthy and playing regularly..even though he re-aggravated his injury over the weekend.

Alex McAdam, Edmonds, WA

What can you do as an announcer to get the viewers to focus more on the game? I find myself losing interest with all the non-relevent info that you and Eric provide. Maybe you could make a rule that if the ball is out of play, then you can pontificate as much as you like, BUT, when the ball is in-play, within the touchlines, then you call the live play by play.Your current broadcast is disrespectful to the players. I find it difficult to watch.

Rob Stone

  (5:53 PM)

Disrespectful???Are you sure that's where you want to go with this??Here's the deal Alex...I will never abide by any television rules YOU set out for us. Believe it or not, we don't do our broadcasts solely for your entertainment purposes...Have you ever thought that we spend our 2 hour broadcast window trying to cultivate new fans?? Personal stories are one way to do that. If our TV ratings and stadium attendance were at NFL levels we might be able to cut that back a bit (oh by the way, they do the same thing) but obvioulsy we need to cultivate new fans. Throwing them in front of a soccer game that they have no emotional connection do, does not do that Alex. Watch any sporting event closely, and you will notice story lines developed, in the hope of hooking the casual viewer...Secondly, please introduce me to the players that have been disrespected by our broadcasts...if it's so tough for you to watch, turn away. I love this sport and its fans, but people who always have to find the negative involved in it are weighing this sport down in America. And yeah, you hit a nerve with me.

Sean Denver

Are you still online? I wanted to see what your thoughts are on actually allowing 'minors' as talented as Freddy Adu play in MLS. I think it's great to see new talent, but is it right to have high school talent in pro-ball?

Rob Stone

  (5:58 PM)

Show me a sport that does not have high schoolo talent participating in the pro ranks right now....NFL is the only one, and Maurice Clarett and Mike Williams tried to change that, and almost did it. It is a fact in life in our culture now, that it's almost not even worthy of discussion anymore-thatt's no disrespect to your question, just the way things are now. The new talent keeps things fresh, and proves that there are continuous waves of emerging talent coming from the US. I have no problem with them in MLS, as long as they are mentally and physically prepared for what they must endure....MLS has learned alot with how they handled Freddy Adu, and the next group of youngsters to enter the league will benefit from his "trailblazing" like efforts.

Chris (DC)

To follow up on the national team question, I guess you are an announcer only and not a sports journalist. eh? I don't mean that to sound as harsh as it reads, but come on, you're not a U.S. Soccer employee.

Rob Stone

  (6:01 PM)

Chris, you must learn to develop trust my friend. They gave me the info so I can do my work, yet they requested that I keep the roster internal. If I was to release it, do you think I would have any credibility with them in the future regarding "journalistic" issues? I think you know that answer. I would love to tell you who is playing, but you must respect their wishes...

Glandy (Bern, NC)

Why does the league keep revolving it's coaches. I think that hiring a guy like Rongen (again!!) at Chivas, is a BIG mistake. We need NEW BLOOD! Give someone like Eric an opportunity to coach in this league.

Rob Stone

  (6:05 PM)

Good point. This is not a knock on recycling MLS coaches ( I think Dave Dir would make an EXCELLENT coach right now-oftentimes in coaching your best job is your second one-you've learned details, and can reflect on how you would have handled situations differently, etc)..but I digress. Yes, I'm with you, and I believe you will see the trend of new blood continue...Waldo would make for an interesting yet successful coach, as would others. The Colorado Rapids opening will be interesting to see if they go new or old.

Rachel (Milwaukee, WI)

First, I would like to say that I thoroughly enjoy watching MLS Soccer Saturday and the US MNT games when you and Eric commentate. Second, my question is what do you think of the trend that in MLS, but also in other American sports, when a team wins the chamionship, they don't make a lot of off season moves to improve, and then the following season end up in the middle or bottom half of the table? Do the teams become complacent and assume that they can do win again with the same team? (E.g. 2004's San Jose Earthquakes)

Rob Stone

  (6:11 PM)

Thanks for the kind words..tell Alex to relax. On to your difficult question....I think it's very easy to say "well we won with this group, why can't we do it again?" Plus you add in the loyalty factor, etc...it is arguably the toughest thng in sports management to separate yourself from the loyalty/respect side and the time to move on side..does that make sense? You see the Boston Red Sopx going through that now. The teams that are continually the best, have a little coal in their hearts, and make the bold decisions to cut bait with some who brought them the glory. Remember, MLS expansion draft is a week away, and whoever wins MLS CupSunday will have to basically realease a handful of the players that earned the trophy for them days prior. I think the San Jose deal was different this season..they missed Donovan for stretches, as well as their Canadian internationals, and had alot of defensive injuries. That said,they will shake things up this year I believe.

Brandon (Atlanta)

I realize they don't want the public to know the roster for the Jamaica game at this point, that is obvious, but I'm not sure I know why? Do we really need to be that secretive of how were going to lineup against the #53 ranked team according to FIFA? Shouldn't we just beat them without all this gamesmanship?

Rob Stone

  (6:12 PM)

You are preaching to the choir, but "gamesmanship" is an internatioal ability, and now it's hit the US.

Pete, Des Plaines, IL

It's amazing that the Fire went from best record to worst in one season. I think they need a new central playmaker, new outside backs and a new centerback. What do you think they need to do and what do you hear they are doing in this offseason to return to having the type of team their fans deserve?

Rob Stone

  (6:16 PM)

Nothing seemed to go their way this year. We kept expecting them to break out and go on a winning tear, and it never happened (same with San Jose). I think all their personnel loses finally caught up with them...Beasley, Thorton, Bocanegra...injuries-Razov, Marsch, Mapp..trades-Kovalenko..Too much re-building was required and not enough time was given for unity. They have alot of work to do, and I would not be surprised to see them pull of a multi player deal involving some of their marquee guys in the near future.

Paul (OHIO)

Any new MLS rumors on what big names will be with the teams next year? Columbus had a good run during the season, but as any one can tell you who saw them in person knows they were not playing particularily well (except Buddle's explosion for 4 against the Metros). In my opinion, the entire coaching staff needs replaced, and some of the long-time veterans removed. It is about time they start playing a style that is more suitable for their younger talented players, Martino, Buddle, etc. What do you think? thanks

Rob Stone

  (6:21 PM)

Lots of folks love the rumor mill...as do I. Honestly I have not heard much of anything lately. I think MLS has moved away from bringing in those "name" players, and is focused more on finding and cultivating younger international players..yes, they are less expensive, but their potential is greater. Columbus is in an interesting spot. Not sure I would go so far as to say the whole staff needs to be replaced (would we be saying that if they didn't miss 2 PK's vs. New England?) but clearly something needs to be done. I would expect them to be shopping some names as well...they have to be close to going over the salary cap as well...I'd bet Jeff Cunningham gets dangled in the expansion draft, but not sure if anyone will bite on his talents.

greg (richmond, ky.)

What do you know about George Weah's son? Will he be able to play as an U.S. International and could he and Freddy Adu be the future of U.S. soccer?

Rob Stone

  (6:23 PM)

I know he was with the US under 20's camp (i think that was it at least) a few months ago...HIs native Liberia has been making a push to get him into camp, but I sense he is resisting. I have not seen him play, so I cna't tell you my impressions..but I sure like his blood lines.

Derrick (Concord, CA)

Will we see Adu as a sub on Sunday in MLS Cup? Amazing if a 15-year old gets in there period(already amazing that he nailed his PK last week).

Rob Stone

  (6:28 PM)

I think the game will dictate how much if any playing time he gets..but remember he only missed 1 game this year (playoff at Metros) but it was due to a shoulder injury. It is amazing that a 15 year old is in a championship game, in fact I was told today that he would be by far the youngest player ever to win a championship in a major US professional team sport (6 18 year olds have done it, and some of the 19 year olds include Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax, Jaromir Jagr, and LANDON DONOVAN.)

johnny g (kearny, nj)

stoner,What in the sam hell is going on in NY/NJ? Now, Harrison seems dead. What a bunch of bums. They can all eat shiite if you ask me. After the Rapids announcement early this week, it is apparent that everyone but our East Coast teams can push through a new stadium. DC, more than ever, had better get a stadium. What are they going to do next year? Are they really going to be playing on dirt? Be gats.

Rob Stone

  (6:32 PM)

Let's not lose our apples here...I was just as shocked and PO'd as you probably were when you heard the news, but then I re-read it...I get the sense the Governor to be was just shooting off the hip, trying to save the Meadowlands complex, and had not done any research at all on the Metros situation. Having said that,can they put a shovel in that dirt already and quit tormenting us! If this does not get resolved by February, heads should roll at Metro HQ's.

Nathan (Columbia, MO)

Have you heard anything about whether Kerry Zavagnin will be overseas next year? Is there interest for him abroad? Also, are there any other MLS-based players heading to Europe that you can let us know about?

Rob Stone

  (6:35 PM)

At this time of the year and in the coming weeks/months,you will hear alot of similar chatter from players/agents. They are just checking out their options. Hell, you and I could probably find some "European" interest in our services as well, but me thinks you aren't interested in the Serbian 4th Division. The only credible info I have gotten lately regarding players heading overseas is from Taylor Twellman who told me some German Budesliga clubs were interested. It's quiet out there now.

Harry (Austin, Texas

Rob, I love your call of a game. But working with Wynalda would make me nervous. Two questions:Who will win MLS cup and why? And as for your tease, "European based youngster who has never earned a cap in camp" - Is is Spector? Am I warm (i.e. right country)?

Rob Stone

  (6:39 PM)

Eric is a teddy bear. Don't worry about me, I'm fine...as for MLS CUP predictions..I've said it before, I'll say it again..don't bet on what I predict..I am the worst at this stuff. My stomach says DC..and has for sometime now. They just seem to be hitting their stride now, and the addition of Christian Gomez late in the campaign really worked for them. As for part 2 of your question.....you have the right country.

Rob Stone

  (6:40 PM)

As always..great questins gang. Wish I had more time to hit them all, especially the one's regarding Greg Lalas and The Sports Guy...hopefully we can do this again in the near future. Thanks for caring about the sport, and make sure to tune into MLS Cup this Sunday. Peace Out.