Deadline Day

It's NHL trade deadline day, but unlike 99.98 percent of Canadian sportswriters, I've got MLS transactions on my mind.

Specifically, there's a rumour going around that TFC is ready to trade Ronnie O'Brien to San Jose. I'm not saying it's true, it's going to come true, or that it's ever even been discussed. I'm just saying that's the rumour out there, one that gained a little momentum this morning when O'Brien was absent from TFC's early training session.

Mo Johnston wouldn't say anything about it, except to say that he wouldn't say anything about it.

Media relations director Michelle Lissel confirmed that O'Brien is still under contract to TFC, and said she expects to see him on the pitch at BMO Field when two-a-day sessions resume on Thursday.

And head coach John Carver combined the previous two answers. No, he couldn't talk about O'Brien. Yes, he expected him to show up Thursday morning.

If you're looking for evidence that O'Brien's on his way out of Toronto you'll point to Johnston's "no comment." If nothing truly is happening, he would say nothing's happening, just like he did today when asked about Joao Pinto. Instead he offered no comment.

Hmmmmm.

Still, everyone else's complete assurance that O'Brien will practice with TFC Thursday morning suggest the team plans to keep him around.

As for the rumours....the only people who know where they come from are the people who float them in the first place.

And as for me.... I'm working the phones, hoping someone will confirm or deny something.

Stay tuned.

-- Morgan Campbell

Comments

[Kieran]

So you haven't heard anything either eh?
You've probably been having a good laugh at some of the reactions on the messageboards, I know I have. Interesting that they said they expect him to be in on Thursday when another article stated he said goodbye.
Oh well
Keep lookin Morgan!

[Eric]

Excuse my ignorance, Morgan, but what would TFC be getting in return? I really don't have much of a handle on MLS so I have no idea. Would it be players/prospects (like other NA sports leagues) or sheer $$$ (like Europe)? Or some combo? A "why" they would be moving him would be helpful too. Salary cap casualty, no talent casualty, locker room casualty, something else? Thanks. Just trying to catch up with everyone else!

[derek]

It would be stupid to trade O'Brien unless they get an equally creative midfielder in return. I know he had injury problems last season, but the only time TFC actually played anything that remotely looked like soccer, it was with Ronnie pulling the strings.

[Simon]

There is a chance that Ronnie's knees can't handle the fieldturf, in which case he may have asked for a trade. I have faith that Mo know's what he's doing and will do the best for this team. if Ronnie goes, we'll get the best we can in return.

[Brad]

I can't believe that TFC would even consider trading away O'Brien! The lack of moves by Johnson over the off-season speaks volume enough but to move TFC's key play maker just seems like a bad idea. I understand that he had knee problems last season (who on TFC didn't have injuries, remember July?!) but having played on the BMO Field pitch myself, I can't buy that as the reason. I agree with derek that TFC really only looked like a team while O'Brien was on the pitch. If it's true, and Johnson is shipping him out, I really hope Johnson has something up his sleave that us fans haven't been told yet.

[Rob]

What is Marco Reda's status?...still with the team? - didn't see him on the roster (on the blog)....let me know via e-mail or post on your blog - thanks.