Where are the DPs?

It was widely worried that the application of the Designated Player or "Beckham Rule" was going to usher in an arms race in MLS. Far from it it seems, as only four DP slots have been filled. Only Los Angeles, RBNY, Chivas USA, and Chicago Fire have used their DP slots (Chivas USA traded theirs to RBNY for Amado Guevara, who subsequently left the team. Oops.) So where's the arms race? Why are there only four Designated Players in the league?

Answer: There aren't. There are already at least 8 designated players in MLS, they just don't fall under that status yet. Players making DP-money, or close to it may be grandfathered in this season, but next season they would qualify as Designated Players, taking that roster slot, and possibly earning a richer contract for themselves.

Landon Donovan, Eddie Johnson, and Carlos Ruiz are already in this category, along with Freddy Adu. The DP Rule could also explain the recent contract attitudes of Dwayne DeRosario. DeRosario is in the middle of negotiation in Houston, which could be on hold for the possibility of DP money for next season. If Houston isn't willing to pony up the dough and sign DeRo as a designated player, a jump to Europe may be in order for the Canadian international. When these players are considered, and provided that no trades or European signings take place, then 9 of 13 DP slots are taken. Los Angeles would need to trade for a DP slot to keep Donovan, and LA doesn't have much to offer anyone. So I think Donovan may be on the trading block after this season.

So the designated players are here, they're just not DPs yet.

The real growth in MLS has come with the influx of foreign talent that falls outside the galactico club dominated by players like Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo. I mean, let's be realistic. Thierry Henry isn't going to up and leave Arsenal to play for the Colombus Crew, and I imagine the Crew would have a hard time outbidding the $32 million that Barcelona put on the table. However, for considerably less money, the Crew were able to attract Argentine Guillermo Barros Schelloto, whose crosses and leadership in the midfield are one of the reasons the Crew are as improved as they are this year. Juan Toja in Dallas, Carlos Marinelli in KC, Carlos Pavon in Los Angeles, Luciano Emilio at DC United, and Ronald Watterus with New York are further examples of the trend of buying foreign on the cheap.

After all, why buy a BMW when a Honda will suit you just fine?