Quakes sign Denton; ink four more to developmental deals

With the start of the season just two days away, the San Jose Earthquakes are finally filling out the last few spots on their roster. General Manager John Doyle confirmed that the Quakes have signed veteran defender Eric Denton, who will occupy a senior roster spot. This is Denton’s ninth year in MLS, having previously played for D.C. United, Tampa Bay, Columbus, and Colorado. He’ll be expected to provide cover at either outside back position.

San Jose has also signed four players to developmental slots. The lucky, suddenly flush-with-cash performers are defenders Jay Ayres, Jamil Roberts, and Greg Curry, as well as midfielder Matt Hatzke. Midfielder/forward Adam Smarte is also expected to sign, but the Liberian is in the process of transitioning from the student visa he was on at UC-Santa Cruz, to a P-1 visa, and wading through the red tape is expected to take some time.

Roberts and Hatzke are Santa Clara products who were originally taken in the fourth round of the SuperDraft by Dallas and Houston respectively. As such, San Jose sent a fourth round pick in next year’s supplemental draft to Houston in exchange for Hatzke, while a third round supplmental pick was sent to FC Dallas in exchange for Roberts.

If you’re wondering if the Quakes will have any picks by the time the 2009 draft rolls around, you’re not far off. Doyle confirmed that, at least as far as the supplmental picks were concerned, the selections dealt to Houston and Dallas “were all we had.”