There are two opposing theories about the importance of the MLS combine for draft-eligible players.
One is that it's the final chance to see the best college players in action to help make those critical decisions on draft day in St. Louis on Thursday.
The other is that it is largely a waste of time, that most GMs already know what they need to know and that they spend most of their time discussing trades involving current league players.
After watching it all unfold, I subscribe to the latter, for the most part. That might seem a little harsh. There are players here who will make the rosters of the teams that draft them but the consensus is you could count them on one hand.
And wouldn't you know it, Toronto FC seem to be holding the hammer here. By dangling the 2nd and 4th choices in front of other teams, it's difficult for them to finalize their plans. Trader Mo didn't earn that moniker for nothing, and he's playing his savvy parlour room tricks to the hilt here. Everyone is trying to guess what he'll do in the end and I haven't a clue. I wouldn't be surprised if he deals his top picks away if he can get a proven defender or two in return.
On the other hand he might just snag the No. 1 pick from Seattle and then move it as well. It's a chess game everyone is playing for keeps. Picture it. The coaches and GMs are huddled team by team in the sun-splashed stands at Lockhart Stadium in balmy Fort Lauderdale. Cell phones are constantly ringing. Conversations are taking place everywhere. Everyone is wearing sunglasses so you can't see exactly where they're looking. Mostly at each other. And sometimes a glance at the actual scrimmage being played in front of them.
