MLS GMs still are "trying to figure out what type of return on investment they should get when they sign" a Designated Player, according to GRANTLAND.com's Carles, who examines the evolution of the DP rule on the heels of the Galaxy signing F Robbie Keane. MLS franchises evaluate potential DPs "based on two factors: their ability to generate interest in the team to a casual fan and their ability to alter the team's results." In recent years, it "seems like the objective of MLS teams is to build a branded identity that their home city can rally behind." Now that franchises "are in a better position to control their own revenue in their own stadiums, they are still experimenting with player investment strategies." These decisions "are usually regional." The Red Bulls and Galaxy "probably feel more pressure to 'make a splash' with a marquee signing," while in cities like Portland and Seattle, "team success can carry a brand." Keane, who scored in his first game for the Galaxy last weekend, "seems to represent some sort of middle ground in determining" the right DP. The Irish international "can impact the game on the field because he has the right kind of finishing ability to be a scoring threat in the sometimes un-beautiful MLS game." He also "comes with international notoriety that a team can package and market appropriately." While Keane "doesn't come with the notoriety" of DPs like Galaxy MF David Beckham and Red Bulls F Thierry Henry, "he can contribute more to a team" than a DP like Red Bulls D Rafa Marquez or Sporting KC F Omar Bravo. Whenever an MLS team "signs a Mexican international, you sometimes feel like it is an overcompensatory move to generate fan interest in a particular ethnic group." The Galaxy "hope that Keane brings a little bit of everything -- headlines, ticket sales, goals, wins, and championships" (GRANTLAND.com, 8/24).
IT'S WHO YOU KNOW: In Boston, Frank Dell'Apa wrote the Galaxy are "certainly acting like a championship organization." AEG "has taken a strong team and made it stronger, sparing no expense in pushing the limits of the league’s salary restrictions." AEG President & CEO Tim Leiweke this week acknowledged that he "was able to conclude the deal" for Keane quickly "because of his relationship" with Daniel Levy, Chair of Tottenham Hotspur, Keane's former club. Sources indicated that the Revolution "never really had a chance to acquire Keane." Dell'Apa wrote, "It is interesting that the Revolution were never in the running for Keane. In the past, Boston-area teams were able to attract Ireland’s best players" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/23).
