Atlanta and Minnesota will select players in Tuesday's MLS expansion draft, and Goal USA's Ives Galarcep projects which players he sees being taken.

If you just look at the list of players available for the 2016 MLS expansion draft, it's easy to get caught up in the star-studded options in the pile. Names like Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane and Jermaine Jones are the ones fans will look at and pray get called in Tuesday's expansion draft, but the reality is the teams selecting players aren't focused on big names so much as on salary sizes, international status and age.

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You see, as entertaining as it would be for Atlanta United or Minnesota United to take a Donovan or Keane, it is extremely unlikely any such scenario happens. Atlanta United has already splashed millions on its attack and doesn't need either player. As for Minnesota United, frugality is the order of the day for a team not expected to splash the millions on salaries in its inaugural season.

The real value in the expansion draft lies in the handful of established MLS starters who are good at what they do, but also reasonably-priced. Salaries matter for first-year teams cautious about taking on big wages at the risk of running out of salary cap room in a hurry. That is why a player like Toronto FC's Steven Beitashour ($244,000 salary in 2016) may not be taken even though he is clearly one of the better right backs in MLS.

With all this in mind, here is one projection of how the 2016 MLS expansion draft could go:

1. ATLANTA UNITED- Jared Watts (Colorado Rapids)

A key part of Colorado's league-best defense in 2016, Watts has the defensive quality and passing ability to fit right into Gerardo Martino's system. Atlanta already picked up Michael Parkhurst, and Watts could be an ideal option next to him, or a strong third center back if, as expected, Atlanta United shops the international market for a strong central defender to partner with Parkhurst. Atlanta could also be tempted to grab FC Dallas' Zach Loyd.

2. MINNESOTA UNITED- Chris Seitz (FC Dallas)

Even though it's pretty well known that Atlanta doesn't need goalkeepers (not with Brad Guzan expected to join this winter), Minnesota can't wait on a goalkeeper because the best ones have teammates who could also be selected (only one player can be chosen per team in the expansion draft). Seitz has been a very good goalkeeper for FC Dallas and tops the list of options available, especially when you factor in his reasonable salary ($136,000 in 2016). Now, if Zach Loyd is the first player taken, and Seitz is removed from the board, then Minnesota United could grab Toronto FC's Clint Irwin.

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3. ATLANTA UNITED- Chris Duvall (New York Red Bulls)

A local product who can fill a need at right back, Duvall is young and steady, and not as expensive as some other options. TFC's Steven Beitashour is a tempting selection, but his high salary probably keeps both expansion teams away.

4. MINNESOTA UNITED- Kofi Opare (D.C. United)

New Minnesota director of player personnel Amos Magee spent 2016 as an assistant coach at D.C. United and surely saw enough of Opare to know that he's capable of being a solid starting central defender in MLS.

5. ATLANTA UNITED- Baggio Husidic (LA Galaxy)

As much as some Atlanta fans might dream of a scenario where their team takes Landon Doovan, Atlanta goes for Husidic, a skilled two-way midfielder with a good engine and good passing vision.

6. MINNESOTA UNITED- Tosaint Ricketts (Toronto FC)

Anyone who watched the MLS playoffs saw what Ricketts can bring to the table. The speedy Canadian does count as an international player, but Minnesota won't care given his skill set and modest salary.

7. ATLANTA UNITED- DaMarcus Beasley (Houston Dynamo)

This seems like a risky pick for a 34-year-old defender who also happens to be a free agent, but it could be a worthwhile gamble for an expansion team with high hopes for year one. Beasley is close with Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra, who could convince him to close out his career as a locker room leader and defensive mainstay on what is shaping up to be a strong Atlanta team. And if he doesn't sign? Atlanta United will receive a $50,000 compensation allocation.

8. MINNESOTA UNITED- Harrison Shipp (Montreal Impact)

If you believe the rumors that Minnesota United isn't going to spend much money beyond the salary cap in its early years, then Shipp makes plenty of sense as a skilled midfield option who would cost much less than international options. The Chicago native shouldn't have a problem playing in the cold, and Adrian Heath could help bring the best out of the former MLS rookie of the year.

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9. ATLANTA UNITED- Jeff Attinella (Real Salt Lake)

Didn't think Atlanta would bother with a goalkeeper? Consider this a value pick. Brad Guzan has yet to finalize his move to Atlanta, so if it falls through, then Atlanta would be covered by a highly-regarded goalkeeper in Attinella, who is expected to take over as RSL's starter in 2017 (if, as expected, Nick Rimando moves on to a new team). Atlanta could turn around and trade Attinella back to RSL once Guzan's services are secured.

10. MINNESOTA UNITED- Michael Stephens (Chicago Fire)

A feisty midfielder with a good work rate and underrated passing ability, Stephens is the kind of sparkplug who can help Adrian Heath's midfield, either as a spot starter of bench option. Portland's Zarek Valentin would be another good option to grab with the final pick of the expansion draft.