In this morning's El Paso Times "In brief" section (towards the middle), it was reported that the Pat's have loaned three players to Mexican 1-AA (2nd division) team Club Deportivo Zacatepec thru June 15. The 3 players are Jose Lomeli, Omar Mora, and Luis Macias.

It should be mentioned that considering that the EP Times is always strapped for space, there is no doubt in my mind that this news of the loans is probably a couple days (if not a week), old.

So, we're going to miss these guys (veterans) for about 40% of the season including the start of the season (critical in my mind), including 5 games against divisional rivals, a three-game road trip, a two game road trip, two games against Atlanta and one against Charleston.

Not to mention the fact they could be injured in Mexico and lost for season.

not knowing anything about Mexican soccer, especially finances, is it possible the Mexican team "rented" the players? I know in Europe most "loan" deals the loanee pays the loaner some $ for the temporary use of players. If this is the case, it might not be a bad deal for the Pats.

It could be possible that the Pat's are getting some money from "renting" these players, but I suspect this might work out more like a trade. I have nothing to back it up right now, but I have a hunch that EP might get the services of some Mexican players in exchange for these guys.

Sorry I but think some of you have a weird idea as to whats up with this deal. Most of what all you have said is based on the idea that the PATS are CURRENTLY PAYING these players...on going...off season..and that they are CURRENTLY signed by the PATS. I doubt if any of that is true.

Even if these players had signed a "three year deal", I'd bet it was a contract that ran only during the season. Most all of the teams do that. Very, very few do otherwise for most of their players. Milwaukee says they hope to have all their players under contract year round "in the future". They've probably got the most ambitious off season marketing/promotion/business in the league.

As dead as the PATS are in the off season, I can't imagine they're paying these players anything and, if they are, it must be in returnable soda bottles and/or aluminum cans.

Why do I say this? If they were on the payroll, wouldn't something be going on with the team? Something like clinics/camps or the so called "Academy"? Something that would generate funds for PATS to pay for these players. Or, are they working for the owner's furniture company somewhere?

I believe these players contracts are from opening of training camp to last game of season/playoffs. Period. Yes, this might present "oportunities" to loan them out but seems a bit unfair to the players themselves if the PATS have them signed to a contract during season but not off.

There might have to be some "permission" given by PATS for the "loan" and maybe the PATS even arranged it but can't see a Mexican team paying anyone but the players. If they are, the PATS have a real neat deal going.

But there's a good chance I'm wrong. But it doesn't add up in my mind.

http://www.uslsoccer.com/eng/stats/teama...edId&id=1351778

this was on uslsoccer.com today..

I had no idea Carlos Bracamontes was the coach of CD Zacatepec. Interesting.

Begs the question: who is the PATS coach?