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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

ESPN: Astros in serious talks about Padres lefty Wolf

The Houston Astros are engaged in serious discussions to acquire veteran left-hander Randy Wolf of the San Diego Padres. Wolf, 31, is 6-10 with a 4.74 ERA this season. He began his career with the Philadelphia Phillies—the former employer of Ed Wade, the current general manager for the Houston Astros.

Earlier this week, the Astros were forced to place veteran pitcher Roy Oswalt on the disabled list with hip and back trouble.

Wolf has a no-trade clause that includes 14 teams to which he cannot be dealt without his permission, but the Astros are not among those.

Wolf must be coming cheaply, because the Astros’ system isn’t exactly loaded.

UPDATED: Houston Chronicle: Astros land Wolf in trade with Padres

NTNgod Posted: July 22, 2008 at 03:44 AM | 60 comment(s) | Login to Bookmark
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1. Social media assassin (Templeusox) Posted: July 22, 2008 at 03:47 AM (#2867603)

Derek Dietrich, straight up.

2. The District Attorney Posted: July 22, 2008 at 03:52 AM (#2867613)

The Houston Astros are engaged in serious discussions to acquire veteran left-hander Randy Wolf of the San Diego Padres.

May I ask why?

3. Russlan will never be fond of Jason Bay Posted: July 22, 2008 at 03:53 AM (#2867614)

Someone needs to tell the Astros they need to be selling, not buying.

I am surprised that Wolf has such a poor ERA. He's got some nice peripherals and has pretty good stuff for a lefty. A 4.74 ERA in that park and that division is discouraging.

4. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L)

Posted: July 22, 2008 at 03:55 AM (#2867616)

Ed Wade believes the Astros are playing in the NL West.
Then again, the Astros could use the extra offense

5. SouthSideRyan Posted: July 22, 2008 at 03:57 AM (#2867620)

The Astros are 10 games out of a playoff spot. And Randy Wolf has been Lima-esque outside PETCO. Ed Wade is an awful GM.

6. PASTE is not impressed by Albert Pujols (Zeth) Posted: July 22, 2008 at 04:17 AM (#2867636)

Ed... Wade... is... a... moron.

7. Russlan will never be fond of Jason Bay Posted: July 22, 2008 at 04:20 AM (#2867640)

Ed... Wade... is... a... moron.

I am not sure this is Wade. He could just be following orders.

8. PASTE is not impressed by Albert Pujols (Zeth) Posted: July 22, 2008 at 04:45 AM (#2867651)

If he was under orders to do this, then I submit this as a true-to-life representation of a day in the offices of Drayton McLane.

9. Raskolnikov Posted: July 22, 2008 at 04:51 AM (#2867652)

I just hope the Astros put Berkman on the market someday.

10. Justin T contains indigenous nudity Posted: July 22, 2008 at 04:55 AM (#2867656)

Berkman could be part of a package for Holliday.

11. akrasian Posted: July 22, 2008 at 05:20 AM (#2867658)

Berkman could be part of a package for Holliday.

Based on what they are reputedly asking, so could Pujols. Along with several top prospects.

12. Justin T contains indigenous nudity Posted: July 22, 2008 at 05:24 AM (#2867659)

I dunno about several. Pujols and Rasmus might get it done if the Rockies feel pressured to make a deal as the deadline gets closer.

13. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L)

Posted: July 22, 2008 at 05:26 AM (#2867661)

Well, Holliday does come along with Jesus Christ as the Messiah To Be Named Later

14. Gern Blanston Posted: July 22, 2008 at 12:20 PM (#2867734)

So the Astros fancy themselves contenders, do they?

15. Barry`s_Lazy_Boy Posted: July 22, 2008 at 12:42 PM (#2867752)

I know home/road splits must be taken with a grain of salt, but Wolf is posting a WHIP/ERA of 1.26/3.17 at home and 1.62/6.63 on the road. I have Wolf in a free yahoo league and only pitch him at home...

16. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: July 22, 2008 at 12:58 PM (#2867770)

"I know home/road splits must be taken with a grain of salt, but Wolf is posting a WHIP/ERA of 1.26/3.17 at home and 1.62/6.63 on the road. I have Wolf in a free yahoo league and only pitch him at home..."

PETCO pretty much is the perfect park for a flyball lefty.

Whether this is the doing of Wade or Drayton, I think it's hilarious. Though for it to be a real Wade deadline, he should probably pick up a few relievers too, just to be on the safe side.

17. Suff Posted: July 22, 2008 at 01:01 PM (#2867774)

So the Astros fancy themselves contenders, do they?

Maybe they just fancy themselves a team that would like for Runelvys Hernandez to be out of their rotation.

18. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: July 22, 2008 at 01:05 PM (#2867778)

"Maybe they just fancy themselves a team that would like for Runelvys Hernandez to be out of their rotation."

Run, Elvis, Run! actually didn't look bad last night. I mean, physically he looked terrible, but in terms of pitching he wasn't bad. Painted the corners pretty well, and was hitting 93/94 pretty regularly on the TV gun.

19. rpackrat Posted: July 22, 2008 at 02:15 PM (#2867862)

PETCO pretty much is the perfect park for a flyball lefty.

And Minute Maid is, um, not.

20. Crispix Attacks Posted: July 22, 2008 at 02:25 PM (#2867868)

Runelvys Hernandez is good if they keep him in the role of "starting pitcher used only against the Pirates".

Wolf is on a one-year contract. If they do this the Astros are trading for a couple draft picks in the upcoming draft, I suppose. Either that or they have gone completely bonkers and we can't imagine who they will trade for next. Erik Bedard? Omar Vizquel? Todd Jones? Adam Eaton?

21. Gern Blanston Posted: July 22, 2008 at 02:25 PM (#2867869)

Maybe they just fancy themselves a team that would like for Runelvys Hernandez to be out of their rotation.

To paraphrase Harveys Wallbangers: If you think Randy Wolf's the answer, you're asking the wrong question.

22. RJ not in TO

Posted: July 22, 2008 at 02:28 PM (#2867873)

To paraphrase Harveys Wallbangers: If you think Randy Wolf's the answer, you're asking the wrong question.

hmm...Whats wrong with: Who is the only MLB pitcher whose brother is a MLB umpire?

23. Suff Posted: July 22, 2008 at 02:31 PM (#2867877)

Current Astros rotation:

1. Wandy Rodriguez (ace!)
2. Brian Moehler
3. Brandon Backe
4. Runelvys Hernandez
5. Jack Cassel

24. Justin T contains indigenous nudity Posted: July 22, 2008 at 02:44 PM (#2867893)

Wolf is on a one-year contract. If they do this the Astros are trading for a couple draft picks in the upcoming draft, I suppose.

I know the grading process is arcane and ludicrous, but is Wolf really likely to garner compensation at all, let alone be a Type A?

25. Gern Blanston Posted: July 22, 2008 at 02:49 PM (#2867899)

hmm...Whats wrong with: Who is the only MLB pitcher whose brother is a MLB umpire?

I stand corrected.

Current Astros rotation:

1. Wandy Rodriguez (ace!)
2. Brian Moehler
3. Brandon Backe
4. Runelvys Hernandez
5. Jack Cassel

I can't believe the Cubs scored 2 runs in 2 games off Wandy and Scuffy.

26. Greg Franklin Posted: July 22, 2008 at 05:59 PM (#2868122)

Though for it to be a real Wade deadline, he should probably pick up a few relievers too, just to be on the safe side.

How many middle relievers is "a few" in Wade's Universe? Twelve?

One of the joys of last year's improbable Rockies run was discovering how many long forgotten washed-up relievers had ended up in the Colorado bullpen, and were pitching well. Wade may be gambling on the same.

27. bbc is prejudice bout men Posted: July 22, 2008 at 06:14 PM (#2868136)

The District Attorney Posted: July 22, 2008 at 12:52 AM (#2867613)

The Houston Astros are engaged in serious discussions to acquire veteran left-hander Randy Wolf of the San Diego Padres.
May I ask why?

1 - because drayton mclane either thinks the astros can have an incredible second half run or he wants fans to think he thinks that. and yes, i think that drayton really REALLY thinks the astros could be contenders if only the guys would ask them self what have they done to be a champion today. and it seems he thinks that won't no fans show up if he rebuilds in any way so he gotta just keep stockpiling crappy veterans. i got no idea what wade could trade away except for manzella, muecke or norris. everyone else is hurt/sux

2 - ed wade is a moron

3 - drayton/ed/tal actually really think that a Proven Veteran lefty who stinks like a 3 day old dead thing is better than runs elvys/any minor leaguer and cooper, who is a worse manager than tony muser i shtt you not, hates cassel

4 - ed wade is a moron

5 - ed wade tried to sign randy wolf this past winter and randy wouldn't sign even though the astros offered more $$$

6 - as for trading berkman, from what i understand, he won't agree to go anywhere but the rangers. he does NOT want to be traded

sigh

hard to believe that this organization won the pennant just 3 years ago

even harder to believe that ed wade made things even worse than drayton's pupperet

28. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L)

Posted: July 22, 2008 at 07:28 PM (#2868215)

The Astros acquired Wolf for minor league pitcher Chad Reineke, according to mlbtraderumors.com

29. bbc is prejudice bout men Posted: July 22, 2008 at 07:32 PM (#2868218)

levski

sigh

i HATE ed wade even more then i did tim purpura and i didn't thnk that was possible

30. DL from MN Posted: July 22, 2008 at 07:50 PM (#2868228)

If Carlos Silva was a type C (no compensation), I can't see how Randy Wolf would qualify as a type B.

31. Sam M. Posted: July 22, 2008 at 07:58 PM (#2868237)

This is not a well-run organization. When you're hungry for the Wolf, you really don't know what you're doing. And when you are the Astros, from their position in the standings, in that division, and you think you should be acquiring mediocre 31 year old pitchers, you really don't know who you are.

The pointlessness of it all is kind of staggering.

32. JPWF13

Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:00 PM (#2868238)

Wolf, 31, is 6-10 with a 4.74 ERA this season.

Randy Wolf last posted an ERA better than 100 in 2004.

He put up a 4.73 ERA in Dodger Stadium and is posting a 4.74 in Petco

Going to MinuteMaid could be ugly...

33. Los Angeles ALBERT F. PUJOLS of Anaheim

Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:04 PM (#2868239)

...hard to believe that this organization won the pennant just 3 years ago

To be fair, it was hard to believe that they won it that year. They were near unbeatable the last three weeks of that season, IIRC.

34. JPWF13

Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:10 PM (#2868251)

even harder to believe that ed wade made things even worse than drayton's pupperet

Really?

Wade was hired because he blew smoke up the bosses' a$$, if he turned around and immediately reversed course and said rebuild, the owner would have gone WTF, that's not why I hired you.

In Philly wade was NOT a terrible GM (not particularly good mind you)- right now, he appears to be catastrophically bad- but that may be what the Stros need to get the owner to wake up and smell the caffeine.

With Oswalt injured and ineffective, Tejada "prematurely" aging, the only things keeping the Stros from being comically bad are Berkman and Lee having the years of their lives simultaneously.

35. Gambling Rent Czar Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:18 PM (#2868254)

The Padres found a willing trade partner for left-handed pitcher Randy Wolf on Tuesday, sending the veteran to the Astros for Minor League right-handed pitcher Chad Reineke
link

36. Esoteric Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:20 PM (#2868257)

Anyone want to tell me whether Chad Reinecke is any good at all?

37. Gambling Rent Czar Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:28 PM (#2868268)

he is a 26 year old prospect, ex-college reliever, the Astros were trying to turn into a starter. His k/bb is nothing special and he gives up the longball. I am not impressed. I figured they could get something back for the guy, but another bullpen arm? bleh.

38. TerpNats Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:29 PM (#2868269)

The only way this trade makes sense for Houston is if the team is returning to the Astrodome. Otherwise, the Astros suddenly become contenders in the Stephen Strasburg sweepstakes.

39. Gambling Rent Czar Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:31 PM (#2868270)

Siskels had him as their 13th best prospect in 2007, rated C+

40. Gambling Rent Czar Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:32 PM (#2868271)

Otherwise, the Astros suddenly become contenders in the Stephen Strasburg sweepstakes

so the padres just sandbagged their chances at Strasburg?

41. Teheran's Uranium Enriched Missiles Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:34 PM (#2868273)

the Astros suddenly become contenders in the Stephen Strasburg sweepstakes.

Ed Wade is smarter than all of y'all!! But then , Drayton probably won't pay Strasburg's astronomical bonus! They much rather pay Astro-economic bonuses to mid tier prospects! :)

42. Dan Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:36 PM (#2868276)

Apparently Arizona traded Bonifacio to Washington for Jon Rauch.

43. Crispix Attacks Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:38 PM (#2868277)

The same Bonifacio who was supposed to be off-limits in exchange for Xavier Nady? I knew that story made no sense.

44. Los Angeles ALBERT F. PUJOLS of Anaheim

Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:39 PM (#2868278)

I don't understand this trade from either side. Wolfe has some value here; why're the Padres settling on someone who isn't going to make them better today, and doesn't look to make them better tomorrow?

This trade is a waste of time.

45. Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Griffin (Vlad) Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:51 PM (#2868290)

"Apparently Arizona traded Bonifacio to Washington for Jon Rauch."

Yay, no Bonifacio in Pittsburgh!

46. Chrysler Town & Country Slaughter (Walewander) Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:51 PM (#2868291)

Current Astros rotation:

1. Wandy Rodriguez (ace!)
2. Brian Moehler
3. Brandon Backe
4. Runelvys Hernandez
5. Jack Cassel

I sent this to a friend and he wrote back "No wonder Chacon was so angry - not being able to crack that rotation."

47. Steve Sparks Flying Everywhere Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:52 PM (#2868292)

Wade was hired because he blew smoke up the bosses' a$$

Ed Wade is the perfect example of a "yes man". Drayton needs to go back to his ranch and let real baseball people do their job. Besides Wade, the Astros have a talented front office that isn't being used.

48. DL from MN Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:55 PM (#2868294)

Best case scenario for the Astros - they deal Wolf again in a post-deadline deal and get someone they like better in return.

49. Crispix Attacks Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:55 PM (#2868296)

Geez, wasn't Wandy Rodriguez the 6th starter the year they went to the World Series?

(it appears that he and Ezequiel Astacio were 5.5th starters)

50. Teheran's Uranium Enriched Missiles Posted: July 22, 2008 at 08:58 PM (#2868299)

All the Nats could get was Bonifacio?

Wonder if Rizzo is in charge right now, with Bowden being under investigation.

51. Esoteric Posted: July 22, 2008 at 09:01 PM (#2868302)

Nationals also signed Guzman to a 2 year contract extension. Can't find the $$$ yet.

52. Steve Sparks Flying Everywhere Posted: July 22, 2008 at 09:04 PM (#2868306)

So do the D-Backs now get a discount on uniforms for players who are 6'10" and above?

53. Esoteric Posted: July 22, 2008 at 09:08 PM (#2868311)

Congratulations, D-Backs: you now have the tallest player in Major League history. His nickname, appropriately enough, is "The Wookie." He has it emblazoned on the underside of the bill of his cap.

54. zonk Posted: July 22, 2008 at 09:12 PM (#2868314)

Wow.

The best the Nats could get for their most marketable commodity is basically a lighter hitting Eric Patterson that can actually play 2B?

55. greenback

Posted: July 22, 2008 at 09:13 PM (#2868315)

Are the D-Backs building a pitching staff to stop Shaq?

I hope Rauch kicks Lee Tinsley's ass.

56. Crispix Attacks Posted: July 22, 2008 at 09:13 PM (#2868316)

I hope they only airbrush this picture and don't replace it!

57. NTNgod Posted: July 22, 2008 at 09:59 PM (#2868369)

Houston Chronicle:

He will start for the Astros on Sunday at Miller Park against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Astros will split up the two lefties in the rotation by starting Brandon Backe Saturday in between Wandy Rodriguez and Wolf.

Wolf was 5-4 with a 3.17 at pitcher-friendly Petco Park this season compared with 1-6 with a 6.63 ERA on the road.

“Randy is an experienced starter and a great competitor,” said Astros general manager Ed Wade, who was with the Phillies while Wolf was there from 1999-2006. “We tried to sign him as a free agent during the offseason, but the chance for him to pitch close to home prevailed."
...
Reineke, 26, was 5-9 with a 4.41 ERA in 20 games (19 starts) for Class AAA Round Rock this year. Selected in the 13th round in 2004, the 6-foot-6 Reineke was 28-32 in five minor-league seasons with the Astros. He spent a day in uniform with the Astros earlier this year but didn't appear in a game before being sent down.

58. jwb Posted: July 22, 2008 at 10:26 PM (#2868411)

Cecil: I don't wanna hear about no ############' ifs. All I wanna hear from your ass is, You ain't got no problem, Cecil. I'm on the ############. Go back in there, chill them 'Stros out and wait for the calvary which should be coming directly.
Ed: You ain't got no problem, Cecil. I'm on the ############. Go back in there, chill them 'Stros out and wait for the Wolf who should be coming directly.

This will not turn out well.

Has anybody else noticed that Berkman's batting line to date (339/437/632) is a dead ringer for Lou Gehrig's career (340/447/632)? What a waste.

59. Harveys Wallbangers

Posted: July 22, 2008 at 10:29 PM (#2868416)

Lefties against the Crew is unwise. I think about 15 guys in the lineup are slugging over .500 against southpaws.

What is it NTN? 22-8 vs. Lefties? Something like that...

60. bbc is prejudice bout men Posted: July 23, 2008 at 01:47 AM (#2868972)

harveys

nobody running this astros ballclub has even the brains of cement. phil garner looked like billy freaking martin next to this bunch of morons

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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

ESPN: Astros in serious talks about Padres lefty Wolf

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