Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Wandy Situation is just another case of the Astros' terrible timing

One day before the Mitchell Report was released, Ed Wade traded five prospects to the Orioles for Miguel Tejada - who was, 24 hours later, then named in said report.

This is worse. Because at least the Astros got something back in return from the Orioles. Tejada posted a 6.2 WAR in 2008 and 2009. Luke Scott had a 6.1 WAR from 2008-2010. You can validly question the wisdom of trading for Tejada, but from an offensive standpoint, it sort of worked. It would have worked a lot better if the Astros were a good-hitting shortstop away from the playoffs. But they weren't, and that's why it got panned.

But if the reports are true - that the Rockies will not want to trade anyone at all for Wandy thanks to the raise he got less than eight months ago - then you can expect Wade to pull him back. If he lets Wandy walk with no return, then it's time for Wade to go - as he clearly has no sense of time or space.

With Tejada, Wade was just a hair too early. With Wandy (and Myers), he was far, far too late.