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Here we are two games into the 2010 preseason. Admittedly, very few of us have seen the games or the training, and I have seen none. But that won't keep me from projecting my initial depth chart for the 2010 season.

Projected Opening Day Starting XI

Working under the assumption that Nicol will use a traditional 4-4-2 with this group:

Most of these selections will be obvious, but some merit discussion and will surely change before the first kick, even without injuries. The most contentious area will be the left side of the field, including the entire left half of the defensive line, the left midfield spot, and the central midfield partner to Shalrie Joseph. I've chosen the players I have in these spots under the assumption that Nicol will opt to be conservative away in the first match of the season. That includes some stability and continuity from last year's squad. Here is where Phelan starts next to Joseph, Mansally beats out Castro (and Tierney) at the left midfield, and Osei starts next to Barnes in the center of defense. Gibbs beats out Badilla and Tierney on the left defense due to MLS experience.
Now let's take a closer look at the positions.

Forwards

In the magical world where everyone, especially Mr. Twellman, is healthy, the clear depth probably: Twellman, Jankauskas, Dube, Schilawski, Videira, Colaluca, Mansally. Until Twellman returns and is game-fit, the middle of that list, from Jankauskas to Colaluca, will be battling to establish themselves as the clear number 2 forward and staking a claim to be that first forward off the bench. Let's hope that Twellman returns soon, that Jankauskas can remain healthy, that Dube becomes more consistent, and that Schilawski adjusts well to the professional ranks. That's a lot of hoping...

Left Midfield

Mansally and Castro should battle out for this spot most the season. They'll need to prove they can produce offense to claim top spot. Last season, both had games where they provided the needed creativity. But both also had very mediocre games, as well. Tierney is good depth here and could put himself into the fray for the starting spot with his crossing and dead-ball skills.

Right Midfield

This is Nyassi's spot to lose, at this point. Colaluca would likely provide depth here. Nyassi needs to show the willingness to take on defenders on the wing that was getting him hammered by the Mexican defenders in SuperLiga 2008. If he's getting by that defender and getting deep, he can cause a lot of trouble. Improving his crossing would open his game up quite a bit. Schilawski may find himself getting minutes here if Nyassi gets injured or becomes ineffective.

Central Midfield

Joseph has this spot locked up for very good reason. It will be good to have some extra options here in case, heaven forbid, we are desperate enough to need Joseph up front for any period of time in 2010. Among the candidates, Phelan has the most experience in this position under Nicol and would have to feel he has the advantage. But he can't be complacent. Videira offers less defense (though a willingness to work), but more offensive abilities. He might offer some ability to control the tempo in the middle of the park. But we've seen so little of him that it's unclear. This will be a critical year for both Phelan and Videira to prove they belong at this level. The wild card is Niouky Desire who recently signed out of Senegal. He's booked as a two-way traditional central midfielder, but little is known until his visa gets approved and he shows what he can do. There's also some noise, but not from management as far as I can tell, that Osei may find a place here making room for Gibbs in the center of defense.

Left Defense

This is sort of a log jam of players who's best position is somewhere else. Gibbs and Badilla have both played this position for other clubs, but are probably better suited in central defense. Tierney has some experience here, but his lack of speed and crossing ability better suit him for wing midfield. I guess it's also possible that Osei finds himself out here as well. I'm secretly hoping that the draftee, Sinovic, is an Alston-like revelation and provides the same threat coming forward as Alston does on the right. Tierney can provide some going forward, but Gibbs and Badilla are more stay at home defenders.

Right Defense

Much like Nyassi in front of him, Alston has this spot to himself. The problem is that the cover we had last season with Heaps and Albright is gone. Badilla can probably play here in a pinch, as could Tierney or Osei. This will be an interesting spot if Alston continues to struggle with the hamstring that has kept him out of two national team camps over the winter.

Central Defense

Barnes and Osei laid claim to these spots last season, but will have to do more to hold on to them this season. A healthy Gibbs and/or Badilla (playing up to their billed potential) could make life difficult for Barnes and Osei.

Goalkeeper

Matt Reis is the clear #1, but he'll be out until May or so recovering from a pair of off-season surgeries. Preston Burpo was brought in to provide an experienced backup who can start when needed. Reis showed some chinks in his armor last season with some communication and judgment errors. I don't think he needs to worry about Burpo taking his spot, but he'll need to get back on track if this team is going to make a challenge for silverware in 2010. I don't know anything about Shuttleworth apart from the fact that he knows the drills from his time as the #3 last year.

Holes and Needs

The biggest need for the Revs is to stay healthy. The depth can get real thin, real quick with a couple key injuries to injury prone players. Even if everyone gets and stays healthy, this team needs some bolstering in the right midfield to challenge Nyassi and some depth in the wing defense positions. These are places that Boggs and Sinovic have a chance to fit into the roster.

Currently, there is one senior roster spot available and 2 development roster spots open. If Castro or Badilla can't make themselves invaluable to the team, during this preseason, they risk being the first to go to make room for additional players.

I'll revisit this in a few weeks as preseason unfolds and opening day approaches. What do you think?