If the Astros aren't in a position to be spending money on elite talents, that's fine and certainly understandable. But if money is such a stumbling block for McLane in bringing in a strong pitcher, then why essentially throw away $3 million for two months of Randy Wolf in a season that's already down the tubes? I've long been a McLane supporter, and it's true that the Wolf trade is a decent deal when you consider the relative little cost from a personnel standpoint. But there's a definite financial cost for something that's not going to help the team this season, and I hope McLane doesn't use finances as an excuse this offseason for not making the necessary improvements, given the haphazard manner in which he's throwing money around right now. (Yes, I understand that $3 million isn't equivalent to the $100 million a Sheets or Sabathia would cost. But it's about the bigger principle. If finances are going to be a big factor in the winter, don't throw away money on a season already lost.)
I'd like to point out that this is another reason in favor of trading the older players. Even if you can't get A-Level prospects, if you can get multiple Wandy-types (not even great Wandy, just 4.00 ERA Wandy), that lets you fill the middle and backend of your rotation without having to spend $7MM on a Randy Wolf or $6MM on a Woody Williams. That clears up money to to help go get replacement star-level talent a few years down the line when you are ready to compete at whatever positions you're most lacking. The way MLB is going, mediocre talent gets paid a lot for no good reason (the Randy Wolfs and Juan Pierres of the world). The really good teams (that don't have Yankee/Red Sox budgets) will be built with a few expensive super-talents, and a whole bunch of younger players that are average, but not yet free-agent eligible. If you get stuck having to fill your middle and back-end starters with free agent mediocrity, you're screwed.
All I want Ed Wade to do is to get Bobby Heck the resources necessary to restock and rebuild the farm system post haste. Wade did a great job in Philly drafting and signing prospects that have contributed on the major league level and now has the Phillies contending. All McLane cares about is keeping @sses in seats and thats why he won't rebuild. The Astros are really going to need to open up the purse strings if they plan on contending next season. They are going to need at least two starters (Sheets, Sabathia, Garland, etc.) and I figure they'll probably re-sign Wolf, for how much remains the question. Some bullpen help and a catcher.
Dead on! You need a farm system that delivers players who are cheap and at least serviceable at the MLB level. If not, you must either overpay for "mediocre talent" or just accept being bad. It also helps to have a great GM (like Hunsicker). Priority #1 has to be rebuilding the farm system and that will take time. The Astros probably aren't going to be good for a couple of years.
I don't think that the Astros will not try. I just think that the Astros will utimately not be able to compete with the big market cash machines for the premier guys. I think the Astros will try, and will just get outbid. This isn't anything new.
you're missing the point. right now, today, it is set-up to be anything but "pretty thin." two legitimate aces will be on the market, along with a host of (for lack of a better word) tier 2-level pitchers. unless ed wade can see into the future, at this point and time, the market is "pretty fat." so to say, in july, that you're breathing a big sigh of relief because you were able to pry randy wolf from the padres' cold, dead hands and got a jump on a "pretty thin" pitching market is just.... it's just stupid. unless he meant "prior to the deadline." major, harden, iirc, has a club option; garland pitches for the angels.
