Timbers Round 1 Draft Pick

The Portland Timbers enjoy the Number 8 selection in both the First and Second Rounds

Portland Timbers round 1 draft pick in the 2012 MLS Super Draft...

Nothing official yet, but there are reports that the Timbers have traded Kenny Cooper to New York for allocation money and a future draft pick. I will update more as news comes in.

With the 8th pick of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, Timbers FC select Andrew Jean-Baptiste

Jean-Baptiste is a 6-2 center back out of Connecticut. He played two seasons there and was Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2011.

Jean-Baptiste is the first defender off the board. A raw center back, helps with the defense and doesn't count against the cap.

Timbers Acquire First-Round Draft Pick, Allocation From New York In Exchange For Kenny Cooper

See Timbers first-round pick Andrew Jean-Baptiste in action

Andrew Jean-Baptiste (UCONN - D) | MLSsoccer.com

http://p.mlssoccer.com/SAu5a/video/8...3725.640hq.mp4

The Timbers had said in the days leading up to the draft that they needed help in the back. And that desire was heightened when starting central defender David Horst was sidelined for up to seven months after undergoing successful hip surgery two weeks ago.

With just three players - Eric Brunner, Mamadou "Futty" Danso and Steve Purdy - with experience at the position currently on the roster, Jean-Baptiste is a player many MLS scouts considered one of the most MLS-ready prospects in the draft.

Quote:

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"I like to play the ball around the back. I like to get the game going," Jean-Baptiste said. "But when in doubt, kick it out."

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One last thing about the Cooper trade.

I'm sorry to see Kenny go IMO he was the face of the franchise.

Creative, dedicated and a hard-working guy. He'll be missed.