Notes to avoid the doldrums from the Rapids

I wish I could give a speech like Bill Pullman's President Whitmore in Independence Day. I wish I could tell you with confidence that the Colorado Rapids will make the playoffs. I wish I could say that the Rapids will win a game against their most hated rivals Dallas FC or Real Salt Lake. But with the loss of Drew Moor and current form of the team it looks like a permanent lightning delay should happen for the rest of the season at the DSG in Commerce City. But let's look on the bright side of the situation. Here's a few suggestions to make Rapids fans feel better.

Not having our own first round draft pick. Even if we get the first pick and lose it to Portland, the chances of getting a franchise player are slim. Danny Mwanga was a top overall pick in 2010. The best player drafted first overall was probably Steve Zakuani of the Seattle Sounders in 2009. Marvelle Wynne was a first overall pick of the MetroStars in 2006. So really we fans should not freak out about the pick that the Timbers receive for the Mwanga trade.

The designated player rule. The "David Beckham" rule has not had much in the way of success. Some will say that the Los Angeles Galaxy bought the 2011 & 2012 MLS Cup with their signings of David Beckham, Robbie Keane, Omar Gonzalez, and Landon Donovan. The Colorado Rapids didn't have a DP when they won. Real Salt Lake didn't have a DP when they won. Kansas City didn't find gold until their fourth DP, Claudio Bieler. This year, despite being in the running for a supporters shield, Bieler has only played three matches for Sporting KC.  So designated players are just as likely to not work as they are to guarantee silverware.

We have won a title fairly recently. We still have executives that are in place that won the MLS title. Bravo has won and knows how to build a winner. If that means bring in only 10 plus experienced veterans and hope for a great run then maybe we should do that again.

So cheer up Rapids fan. This team is not as bad as their current form looks. With the parity in MLS and looking back to last year it is not over. The Rapids need to send a message to the MLS starting today. That message is, " We will not go quietly into the night. We will not vanish without a fight!" The veteran players have championship experience and must pass it on to the younger players. Pablo knows what it takes to win an MLS Cup. It can happen again. This guy believes.