Comments on: Tough love for Ed Wade

By: Stephen Higdon

Stephen Higdon — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:19:30 +0000

I think the ‘Stros will offer him arb, because they really have no options, and he’s expressed an vested interest in staying on the West Coast so he’s likely to walk. Having stated that deal isn’t all that bad because of the compensation pick, I’m backing off that certainty, given that Wolf is on the edge of the Type-B player as is. So it’s a gamble, and probably not a very wise one. At least the bullpen may get some rest — especially Wesley Wright.

REPORT COMMENT

By: Nick Kapur

Nick Kapur — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:36:14 +0000

I don’t see why Drayton McLane would just so happen to order Ed Wade to get Randy Wolf, who just so happens to be an ex-Phillie. Nay, this smacks of rampant Ed-Wadism, as he continues his mad quest to collect all the ex-Phillies who were developed while he was Philadelphia’s GM.

REPORT COMMENT

By: Paul Moro

Paul Moro — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:03:13 +0000

Stephen, the compensation pick will only happen if the Astros offer him arbitration and he declines. If the Stros’ are afraid he says “yes”, then they won’t offer him arbitration, and no compensation pick.

REPORT COMMENT

By: Stephen Higdon

Stephen Higdon — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:41:46 +0000

First of all, they hardly gave up a prospect. Secondly, Wolf will probably wind-up as a type B FA and net the Astros the compensation pick. Thus this move becomes giving up and low ceiling AAAA guy, for a thrird round compensation pick. Not to shabby. It also adds someone to eat innings and help the bull pen from losing every single arm due to overuse.

REPORT COMMENT

By: Paul Moro

Paul Moro — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:06:21 +0000

Personally, the idea of “owners forcing the hand of GMs to make stupid moves” is a new area for me. I know it’s probably been an issue since the advent of the current baseball organizational structure, but it’s a topic that I admittedly haven’t given enough consideration to when evaluating GMs. Take Bill Bavasi. I’ve criticized him on many occasions, but only after he was fired did I learn that ownership forced him to make certain moves (i.e. the Johjima extension).

Then again, part of being a good GM, I suppose, is the ability to navigate these waters. But some GMs really have a disadvantage as a result of this.

REPORT COMMENT

By: Coley Ward

Coley Ward — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:03:27 +0000

I think it’s possible McLane had a hand in earlier transactions as well. Though maybe that’s giving Wade too much credit.

REPORT COMMENT

By: The Modernish Father

The Modernish Father — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:52:18 +0000

I think we’re seeing Astros owner Drayton McLane assert himself once again. He was content to let Wade clean house a little and bring in some guys at the beginning of the season, but now he’s chomping at the bit to go out and do something stupid just for the sake of doing something.

I don’t expect Houston to make any real progress while McLane remains the owner, regardless of who the GM is.

REPORT COMMENT

By: Danny O

Danny O — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:21:05 +0000

That’s pretty bad. WGN and Sunday Night on ESPN makes me realize how fortunate I am to be a listener/viewer of Braves broadcasts.

REPORT COMMENT

By: Eric Syversen

Eric Syversen — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:02:31 +0000

Did you expect him to jump out of his seat and utter out a completely random phrase like the Pittsburgh Penguins announcer?????

REPORT COMMENT

By: Alejandro Leal

Alejandro Leal — Sat, 31 May 2008 18:07:26 +0000

hehe, what’d you expect?

“You can puuutt it on the boooarddd???!!!”

NO!

REPORT COMMENT