Wolf, Baez to new homes
Looks like Randy Wolf is about to become a Dodger. Apparently LA is set to sign him to a one-year deal with an option for 2008; I’d guess it’s in the $6-7M range. The same article speculates that Greg Maddux is looking for a raise on his $9M salary from last year–a two-year deal for Mike Mussina money. I guess I didn’t realize quite what a stud he was after the trade last year, but I don’t know who’s going to give him that kind of cash. I’ve been a Maddux fan since the first time he was with the Cubs, but if you had the choice between Maddux at $22.5M/2 and Ted Lilly at $27M/3, isn’t that a no-brainer? Then again, we don’t know that Lilly won’t get more than that.
Also, Danys Baez looks to be headed to Baltimore. The Orioles seem to think that, whatever their problems were last year, they can be solved with a very expensive bullpen. It’s a three-year deal, according to the Baltimore Sun, and I suppose it could open up the possibility that Chris Ray could be traded for something that the Orioles really need. Like, oh, I don’t know, an 1B/OF/DH type who can hit above replacement level? (Otherwise known as "the Fahey line.")
By Jeff Sackmann
Waiver Trade Candidate: Randy Wolf
Phillies’ southpaw starter Randy Wolf makes $9MM this year in the last of a four-year deal. This makes him an ideal candidate for a waiver trade before August 31st.
Wolf turns 30 this month. He made his first start since June 12, 2005 last Sunday due to Tommy John surgery. His return was also delayed a bit because of a broken hand bone from a line drive. As you would expect with a recent Tommy John guy, Wolf’s control was lacking in his ’06 debut. He probably won’t get his walks down to below 3 per nine innings until 2007. For what it’s worth, Wolf says his arm feels "incredible" now. His velocity still hasn’t fully returned despite 25 rehab innings.
Still, like Kip Wells, Wolf could be a helpful addition as a fifth starter for a contender. His next few starts (against the Mets and Braves) will be crucial in building up some trade value. Teams like the Red Sox, A’s, Braves, and Reds could have interest in Wolf assuming they are still in contention in a few weeks.