Apart from the curious wording used in the Columbus Dispatch report on Brian McBride's potential summer return to MLS - I mean, if they're only in negotiations, can the paper, or the club for that matter, really say "The Crew named McBride its designated player under the 'Beckham rule,'" as opposed to saying the Crew would really like it if he would be their designated player...where was I? - I'm still hung up on the question of whether it would be a good idea.
That's more about the Crew than it is about McBride, who will get essentially what he wants - e.g. to bid a fond farewell to the league that made him. From the Crew's perspective, though, they'll surely get a marketing boost with the return of Columbus' favorite son, but will it be enough to cover his salary? More to the point, how much will they gain on-field for a player of McBride's age? One solid year of service? Is that enough return on cost for a designated player? As much as I hate to admit it, if the marketing side comes together, it's close.
Anyway, I'm all for the guy getting his bow before the crowd - American fans owe McBride plenty. But does the Crew owe him enough to make him "their Beckham?"
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