Big surprise: Cardinals get better... Astros don't

This deal is pretty big. Tomko can be a very good pitcher, similar to Woody Williams after he got to the Cards.

Cards add depth, acquire righty Tomko for two players
Dec. 15, 2002
By Scott Miller

NASHVILLE -- The St. Louis Cardinals added depth to their rotation Sunday by acquiring right-hander Brett Tomko from the San Diego Padres for reliever Luther Hackman and a player to be named later, sources have confirmed to SportsLine.com.

Tomko was 10-10 with a 4.49 ERA for the Padres in 2002 in 32 starts. While his arm is universally praised by scouts, Tomko, 29, never has figured out a way to become a consistent winner.

The Cardinals, defending NL Central champions, likely will use Tomko toward the bottom of a rotation that also is expected to include Matt Morris, Woody Williams, Jason Simontacchi, Garrett Stephenson and Chris Carpenter. The Cardinals also are negotiating with free-agent lefty Chuck Finley , who went 7-4 with a 3.80 ERA in 14 starts for the Cardinals after they obtained him from Cleveland in July.

Hackman was 5-4 with a 4.11 ERA in 43 games (six starts) for the Cardinals last summer.

 

Kent is an ass, but if Hunsicker trades Wagner or Hidalgo (or both, glory) to make room for him, I would gladly deal with any lockerroom problems Kent brings along.

 

Thats what I like to see. All I can ask is to at least try. If it doesnt happen then it doesnt happen.

 

maybe the best thing for the astros...is to not do anything...maybe a couple of these things will happen to improve the team without upping the payroll.
1. hidalgo breaks out offensively
2. reynolds comes back strong and gives the astros 10-15 wins
3. wagner does not get off to a horrible start
4. wade stays healthy throughout
these things should improve this team.

 

#2-4 could happen. I'd bank on Miller being solid year-round, and being one of the top #2 pitchers in the MLB. Reynolds is up there in age, so I'm not sure about him. As for Wagner, I think he could be consistent, but not as great as he once was.

I have given up all hope in Hidalgo. The fact that he asked for a trade makes me feel like he doesn't think he can do anything in an Astros uni. Once a player has that mindset, he is doomed to fail.