Rapids Sign Barnes

2017: M Stefan Aigner - 5 starts, 9 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist
2016: M Sebastien Le Toux - 8 starts, 11 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist
2015: D Sean St. Ledger - 12 starts, 12 appearances, 0 goals, 2 assists
2014: D Zat Knight - 3 starts, 4 appearances
2013: F Gabriel Torres - 5 starts, 7 appearances, 3 goals, 1 assist
2012: F Edu - 3 starts, 9 appearances

For the last 6 summers the Rapids have gone out and acquired a, lets say notable, international player.  To that track record today Colorado added F Giles Barnes after he had been released by Mexican side Leon.  Barnes is a Jamaican international but does hold a green card so he doesn't take up the open international slot left by Mason's departure.  His contract is for 6 months with a team held option for 2019.

Another commonality in the names above is their lack of contribution both in the season and they acquired and beyond.  Gaby Torres is actually the only one to get any significant playing time after the season he signed and even that was less than successful.  I sadly expect the same from Barnes.  He's going to be 30 years old probably before he gets his first start in Colorado (Aug 5th), he's only played 3 times in the last year for Leon, and his production has been dropping off from the highs of his career.  By the time he gets here and gets fit and acclimated to the altitude we're probably looking at mid-August at best.  I'll put the over/under at 9 starts and 3 goals (there are currently 16 games left).

I don't see him making a big enough impact to have his option picked up for 2019 so I think this is going to be a depth signing for this lost 2018 season and then we'll move on.