New Year MLS transactions

January transactions

Chivas USA - Named Stephen Hamilton Vice President of Soccer Operations.

Colorado - Acquired defender Jose Burciaga Jr. from the Kansas City Wizards for a second-round pick in the 2009 SuperDraft.

FC Dallas - Re-signed midfielder Arturo Alvarez.

Los Angeles - Acquired Carlos Ruiz F from FC Dallas for Allocation and Draft Pick; re-signed defender Chris Albright, goalkeeper Steve Cronin and forward Alan Gordon

New York - Signed goalkeeper Zach Thornton; re-signed goalkeeper Jon Conway

San Jose - Acquired defender Nick Garcia from Kansas City Wizards for first pick in 2008 SuperDraft

Comments:
Ruiz's return to Los Angeles could be a significant move for L.A. who struggled to score last season. LD led scorers with just eight goals, followed by Edson Buddle who had five.

San Jose's decision to trade away the number one pick in today's Superdraft for Nick Garcia indicates one of two things: Either San Jose believe that there is no significant value in this year's draft or they have overvalued Nick Garcia. Garcia is a terrific defender. But is he someone you trade a potential star for? Probably not, which leads me to believe that SJ doesn't believe there are any stars in this year's draft.