St Louis trades to get Finley. Now the Reds are trying to get Kenny Rogers. Meanwhile we wait for the strike and for Drayton to not answer the phone when a possible trade deal comes down. I can see it now... Draytons secretary: "Mr McClane, you have a phone call from the Expos...they say they might have a good pitcher you might be interested in..." Drayton: "Uh, er, tell them I'm in the shower..." os
Finley is an old, ineffective pitcher. He is not the early 90's star that we saw with the California Angels. He is 4 - 11 this season and has had an ERA over 4.00 for the past 4 seasons. I was unimpressed by St. Louis making the move. Also, there's been talk about unloading JD Drew for a pitcher. Now that would be a big deal, IMO. Drew has a world of potential and they could really get a top-line player or two for him.
Gerry Hunsicker publicly said that the Astros are interested in KC pitcher Byrd. This public statement is quite a departure for Gerry who usually does not comment on specific players. BTW, Byrd has fantastic stats this year.
The St. Louis pitching coaches are up there in a class just below the Braves in rehabbing and getting the most out of previously ineffective retreads like Finley. Woody Williams over the past two years is but one of many examples, and I imaging if Finley has anything left that he will pay big dividends for them. Rogers has done rather well this year and isn't nearly as old as Finley is, either. Cincy has a darn good pitching coach as well, and he'd immediately be their #1 or #2 starter. Not quite as effective as the Finley move, but noteworthy nonetheless. With the market drying up as players get traded to rivals and the Astros being in the worst position of all of the remaining pitching staffs due to injury & demotion, they almost have to make a move to keep contending in the NL Central.
The Astros will be trading some combo of Redding, Cruz, Saarloos and Munro shortly for Carlos Hernandez and Dave Mlicki....
That's a good point, Major. Cruz and Munroe have been pleasant surprises so far but it would be optimistic to think they can continue to pitch like that. Saarloos looked great yesterday over 5 innings. Dave Mlicki is the guy I'd like to see back. He pitched very well down the stretch last season and had a great game in the playoffs that was ruined by horrible fielding behind him and no hitting. Tim Redding is one who I'm ready to give up on. He is not a *pitcher*. He is a thrower. He has incredible stuff, but has no command and doesn't change speeds well. In the minors he looked like a star, but unless he starts mixing things up, major league hitters will always be able to time his fastball.
This team confuses me. I know they can play better ball than this. I know Moises Alou could not possibly be that big of an impact. I also think we need a pitcher that will get things started over a stretch like we had with Hampton.
