For Red Bull fans pained at the mere thought of Juan Pietravallo’s bloated guaranteed contract, it seemed the overpaid Argentine had been in New York for eternity. Today, he’s history. The team finally bought him out for an undisclosed sum, saving a portion of his salary and creating a roster spot that will likely go to Ernst Obster.

“Obviously it became clear he was not going to have any playing time with the team. We have to move forward,” said coach Juan Carlos Osorio. “The physicality of the league is too much for some players to adjust and make an impression.”

The 27-year-old Pietravallo made an impression on the Red Bulls’ salary cap, in the second year of a guaranteed contract that was paying him $205,000 despite playing just three games this season with two starts. His salary was the second-highest on the club behind only Designated Player Juan Pablo Angel, and albatross considering he just couldn’t play. Pietravallo simply didn’t read the game fast enough to compete here in MLS. And while I knew Gabriel Cichero would excel once he went back to Venezuela, and I think Jorge Rojas would too _ don’t get excited guys; I’m not predicting that _ I have my doubts about Pietravallo.

“We felt it was in the best interest of the club and for Juan,” said sporting director Jeff Agoos. “We’re focusing on strengthening the team and brining in players to turn around the results we had in the first part of the season.”

And what a first half it’s been. They’re 2-11-4 going into tomorrow night’s game at Columbus. Hard to believe these two met in last year’s MLS Cup, isn’t it?

Anyway, what do you guys make of this news? Excited to see him gone? Sorry it didn’t work out? Curious to know how much they save? Hollar at us…