What’s this all aboot?

Cunningham traded to Toronto FC (ESPNsoccernet)
Have the Cannucks been drinking their own strange brew? First, they tried to grab Guevara. Now, they trade away their future for MLS’s past. Wow, what must their locker room be like if they are willing to bring in either of these chemistry killers? ESPN reported that Toronto FC sent Alecko “my father played with Pele” Eskandarian, 24, and a 2008 Superdraft first-round pick, cash, and I believe a keg of Molson to the Real Stupid Names for ... 31-year-old Jeff Cunningham?

Even though his concussion helmet makes him look a bit like a hyperhypo, Alecko has the potential to be a productive forward in this league for the next six or seven years. In his sophomore season, Eskandarian was named MLS Cup MVP with DC United and his MLS future looked bright. But he hit roadblock (apparently with his head) in 2005, with several concussions that kept him sidelined most of the season.

In 2006, he scored seven goals in 22 games for the red-and-black before he was traded this off-season to Toronto, much to his surprise.

When he was traded from United, he told The Washington Post, “It was definitely a surprise, but you could see what direction things were going with the team. It’s a little disappointing the way they handled it. No one contacted me [in advance]; it was a bit unprofessional.”

No word (at least that I found) whether Toronto’s deal was handled professionally, but whether they were polite to Aleko or not, this move makes no sense.

Yes, Cunningham was the Budweiser Golden Boot in 2006 (his first, btw, in 9 seasons) with 16 goals. Yes, he is seven goals away from the century club. Yes, he can still cause headaches for some defenses. But this is his third club in three years. And he has certainly lost a step. And even if he has a solid year in 2007, how many more seasons can he really play? A deal like this might make sense for a regular national teamer, or a consistent performer even, but Cunningham isn’t either anymore. To give away a solid young striker AND your first pick in the draft (not to mention the cash), it's a boneheaded move.

The Real Stupid Names, on the other hand, are making my nickname seem ironic because this is a real smart move for the club. They dump Cunningham’s cap (and bad attitude) on Toronto, get a good young player who can contribute right away, and now they have the fiscal space to go after a marquee player. According to the article, they are eyeing the Revolutions’ Shalrie Joseph.

So in essence, RSL could get Eskandarian, top pick in the draft, Joseph, money, a keg of Molson, a team of moose and the Ottawa Senators for ... Jeff Cunningham?