This just in: Randy Wolf has agreed to a one-year contract with the Padres, pending a physical exam. Financial terms aren't immediately available, but the deal is believed to be packed with performance-based incentives to supplement a low base salary.Clearly, the Phillies wanted Wolf. Pat Gillick, Ruben Amaro Jr. and others put on a full-court press this week, trying to lure Wolf back here. Ultimately, though, he opted for San Diego's pitcher-friendly Petco Park, a move that keeps him close to home (Wolf grew up in Los Angeles).
So, what now for the Phillies? Well, they may have to look toward someone like Kris Benson or perhaps Bartolo Colon. They also may take a closer look at Jon Lieber.
More on this tomorrow before I head to Nashville for the winter meetings.
2 comments:
It's a shame for us but a good move for Wolf to help re-establish his value in one of the biggest parks in the league. Who knows, maybe a Wolfpack redux is still in the cards somewhere down the line.
Obviously, the Rowand situation is the most talked-about issue regarding the team right now, and Gillick has said several times that money isn't the problem - it's a matter of spending it wisely. I know that's every GM's mantra and I'm not talking trash on Gillick, but do you think he's learned from the Eaton and Gordon signings? Eaton has never been an outstanding pitcher and Gordon was 38 with an injury history at the time he signed his current contract.
Recent reports have been saying that Rowand is holding out for a five-year deal, so I'm curious as to why Gillick is so reluctant to sign a 30 year-old centerfielder in his prime who has no real injury history besides those sustained from smashing into walls. It's an dead horse, but an outfield of Burrell-Victorino-Werth/Dobbs/Snelling isn't too settling. Signing Rowand would be a lot better than giving a 38 year-old quickly aging closer/setup man a 3-year deal with an option for a fourth.
Or has there been a rapidly ascending CF prospect in the minors that's been flying under the radar? Keep us updated this week Scott - I've been waiting for the winter meetings since the lights went out in Denver.
Zach: Thanks for the note. Regarding Rowand, money is not the sticking point. It's all about length of contract. Rowand is insisting on five years, and the Phillies aren't the only team that won't give it to him. The White Sox reportedly have stopped their discussions with Rowand because they don't want to guarantee him five years.
It's hard to blame them. You're right: Rowand hasn't been injured except for 2006 when he broke his nose in May and his ankle in August. And, certainly, that's a point agent Craig Landis has been making in negotiations with various teams. But considering Rowand's daredevil style, it's hard to justify giving him a five-year contract. The next time he crashes into a wall could be his last.
I addressed the Rowand situation in my Sunday baseball notes in The News Journal (http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071202/SPORTS01/712020386/1002/SPORTS).
No rapidly ascending CF prospect, unless you count Greg Golson, who remains extremely athletic but very raw, according to a scout I spoke with last week.
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