Making sense of the roster for Colombia 
With two weeks to go to the friendly matchup with Colombia in Miami, we know at least part of the list of players who will be convening for some winter sunshine and, likely, a fast-paced friendly against the Cafeteros. The FMF took the rather bizarre step of releasing the list of foreign legionnaires called into camp ahead of the rest of the squad -- answering some questions about Chepo De La Torre's plans right off the bat, but also bringing up several more in terms of who will play what role as El Tri moves towards World Cup qualifiers later this year.
This is an unusual lone FIFA date at the end of the winter calendar -- the first of 2012 and also the last until a slate of summer friendlies before El Tri gets down to the business of qualifying for the World Cup. But judging from De La Torre's selected European contingent, we can expect more of the same from 2011, as he refines a team that has provided continuity and results for over a year running.
Let's tackle some of the key takeaways from the first part of Mexico's latest roster announcement.
The return of Carlos Vela
Among those called from Europe, Vela's inclusion was a no-brainer for most. It turns out it was for De La Torre as well, despite all the hand-wringing about recent snubs and what it meant for Vela's status with El Tri. Vela has been lighting it up at Real Sociedad -- tallying two goals and three assists in his last two games in one of the best leagues in the world.
There's no arguing with those numbers, and with Chicharito struggling for health and strikers in the domestic league running hot and cold, De La Torre didn't try to. Vela is in, and this is his chance to establish himself as a regular for the long run alongside or behind Javier Hernandez.
No Nery Castillo
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El Tri: The Mexican National Team blog
Have you ever worn an Aztec headdress to a stadium? Have you ever put on a lucha libre mask to watch a soccer game on your couch? Have you ever worn your Mexico jersey to a special occasion and tried to pass it off as formal wear? Then you've come to the right place. Insider's El Tri blog will be your English language authority on the Mexican national team. The first blog of its kind, El Tri will provide regular up to date reports on the Mexican national teams of all levels, whether it's Chicharito, or the next superstar on one of the youth teams. We'll provide exclusive game reports, player features and analysis.
Jorge Arangure Jr.
Jorge Arangure Jr. is a senior writer for ESPN The Magazine. He was born in Tijuana, Mexico, and grew up in San Ysidro, Calif. Jorge joined ESPN in May 2007 after spending three years as a baseball writer for The Washington Post. Previously, he covered baseball for The Bergen Record, in Hackensack, N.J. Aranguré has a B.A. in history from the University of Southern California and a M.A. in journalism from Syracuse University.Brent Latham
Brent Latham is a soccer commentator who covers the Mexican and United States youth national teams for ESPN.com. He has attended youth World Cups from Peru to Egypt, and places in between. Based in Guatemala, he also hosts a television show and writes for national daily La Prensa Libre.Contact us with comments or tips at jorge.arangure@espn.com or follow us on twitter @ESPNTri
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