Welcome Back Sam Vines!

Colorado made the very well known signing of Sam Vines official today, announcing that he's been signed to a 4 year contract.  The headline for the press release said that the Rapids acquired him from Royal Antwerp, but the text mentioned him signing, nothing about a transfer fee.   If there was one it was probably minimal, since Vines would have been out of contract this summer.  

Sam will also wear a new number, as the Rapids put together a nice "handoff" video of Drew Moor putting Vines' new jersey in his locker with Drew's old number 3 on it.  It makes me think if #3 is going in the same category as #17 for the Rapids.  Other than the year after Balboa retired, when backup goalkeeper Preston Burpo wore it for the season, the #17 has been held back and only given to long-time homegrown player Dillon Serna.  It feels like maybe 3 and 17 will only be given to players that have more of a connection to Colorado than just a contract.

There's also been multiple reports that Colorado is preparing to loan LB Miguel Navarro to Tallares in Argentina.  Navarro was acquired as part of the trade for Gutman and was expecting to come here and start as he fights for a spot on the Venezuelan National Team for this summer's Copa America.  Now that Vines is back and the clear starter Colorado is finding a place he can go and play.  The rumors are than the loan is for the full season with an option to buy.