Drew Hallowell/Getty Images

Earlier today, the 16 MLS clubs announced their protected players from being selected by Portland Timbers or Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 2010 MLS Expansion Draft. 

One thing I noticed from the list was the mass of talent that could be not only a playoff-bound club, but a club finishing inside the top five. At least...I believe it's possible.

After analyzing the list, I have come to a best starting XI combination of available players using a 4-4-2 formation (a goalie, four defenders, four midfielders, and two strikers).

We will start out with the goalie which would be...

Andy Marlin/Getty Images

Current Club: D.C. United

You might think I'm out of my mind to even remotely consider a D.C. United player. Perhaps, but I believe a lot of Perkins' hardships from the Black-and-Red came from their horrifying back line, which was practically nonexistent the entire year. 

He has had his fair share of success during the majority of the season, making several saves to keep the United...well...from even more embarrassing defeats. A fresh start in either Portland and Vancouver might be what he needs.

Now on to the back-four...

Abelimages/Getty Images

Current club: FC Dallas

I would worry a bit about his knee surgery, but I feel he could recover promptly enough for the season to begin. He did, after-all, play with an injury in the MLS Cup Playoffs, and didn't do all that bad.

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Current Club: Columbus Crew

Columbus couldn't have made it any more evident that they are stripping themselves of their aging core and rebuilding themselves. So in other words, Columbus is a team that will not be close to snatching a playoff spot. 

Even though Hejduk is in his late 30s, the shape and performances he has given on a consistent basis could mean about two or three years left in his career. And no better defender than Hejduk in terms of experience in the Expansion Draft. I could see him being the defensive leader more likely for Portland...since Vancouver already has Jay DeMerit.

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Current club: New York Red Bulls

With the rise of Tim Ream and company, Boyens has not seen a lot of playing time. He's had much experience and it can be a golden opportunity to become a main-stay defender on a club.

Current Club: FC Dallas

A tough, smart and aggressive midfielder like McCarty makes me wonder why on Earth FC Dallas would be willing to see him go to the Pacific Northwest.

Gail Oskin/Getty Images

Current Club: Seattle Sounders FC

Going to either club would cause unanimous dissent to Levesque anytime he'd enter Qwest. A player that always puts in effort could receive much more playing time in the City of Roses or north of the border.

Victor Decolongon/Getty Images

Current Club: Los Angeles Galaxy

It goes without saying that any player on the Galaxy who is not David Beckham, Landon Donovan or Edson Buddle is going to be in the shadows.

A hardworking, rather underrated player would fit perfectly into either Portland or Vancouver's mix, based upon how the two sides are structuring their squads.

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Current club: Philadelphia Union

Either Portland or Vancouver will need an experienced midfielder to control the pace and tempo. Fred seems the right type of person who can also bag some goals, and also set up goals.

Victor Decolongon/Getty Images

Current club: Toronto FC

He's young, but has experience in the league and is a frequent goalscorer for the Reds. Maybe he can use his talent to give either Portland or Vancouver a playoff push or...close to one. 

Brandon Wade/Getty Images

Current club: FC Dallas

Cunningham is still scoring goals, and probably has about five to six years left in him. He should easily pass Jaime Moreno for the crown of being the top scorer in league history. Having two strikers capable of bagging goals regularly is a nice feature for any club.

I mean, look what it did for Colorado Rapids...

G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images

They wouldn't make my starting 11, but I wouldn't mind putting anyone of these guys on the pitch: