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Typically, the first stage of the Re-Entry Draft is a quiet affair, building up to the more active second round. However, D.C. United became the first-ever team to select two players in the first stage, picking up Sean Franklin from the LA Galaxy in Round 1 and bringing Bobby Boswell back from the Houston Dynamo in Round 2. D.C. United immediately addresses their problems on the back line by bringing in an organizing central defender as well as an experienced right back who can get forward. Franklin can also deputize as a center back, which is a useful skill to have.
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D.C. United general manager Dave Kasper had some brief quotes about Sean Franklin:
"We are thrilled that a high-quality defender in Sean was available in the Re-entry draft. Sean is in the prime of his career, and we are excited that he is now part of D.C. United."
As well as about Bobby Boswell:
"We are pleased to welcome Bobby back to United. Bobby is seasoned veteran and a winner, and he will provide our back line with solid leadership."
Then there is the question of how much each of these players will be paid. Since they were selected in stage one, D.C. United will either have to pick up their option for 2014 or pay them slightly more than their 2013 salary if there was no option. For Boswell, that means that he will be paid at least $220,000; for Franklin, that means that he will be paid at least $225,000. That is a lot of money into the defense, which makes me wonder if they have a way to move Dejan Jakovic up their sleeves. Regardless, the team has improved their defense, with more moves surely to come in the upcoming weeks.
