Astros trade star closer

I hope the rumors are true that we're trying to free up money to get Pettitte from the Yankees.

Besides, he can't be any worse than Jose Mesa! Woo-hoo!

[ November 03, 2003, 01:46 PM: Message edited by: Joe in Philly ]

The BoSox were supposedly hot and heavy for Wagner. Wonder what happened there?

I was very surprised the Phillies got Wagner. Every sportscaster in town and especially the boisterous Howard Eskin said, "There is no way the Phillies will spend that kind of money on a closer". Well I guess that shows just how much the local media think they know about the team.

Now they just need a #1 starter and they should be ready for next year, although another stud hitter would be nice present as well.

Um, so the Phils have a new ballpark coming on line and they have The Anaconda, Jim Thome. And Wagner. If they don't win their division by 10 games, Bowa should fall on the sword and quit immediately.

I really hope the Outsports convention can be scheduled around a Phillies game in their new ballpark.

Uh, exactly what is going to turn the 15-game deficit the Phils have to make up on Atlanta into a 10-game advantage? Wagner and a new park? Jim, not even a hash-laced cheesesteak should produce such a vision!

Thome is no kid, and unlikely to match this season's numbers in 2004. In a smarter world, the local sportscasters would've said was "There is no way the Phillies SHOULD spend that kind of money on a closer."

A great move by the Astros, any one of whose young, CHEAP relievers can be a good bullpen ace. Again ... read Moneyball.

[ November 04, 2003, 07:05 AM: Message edited by: Bill W ]

Phils' website still doesn't have the schedule info. I can't imagine what the holdup would be, unless they're waiting because there's a chance that some of their road games against Montreal will be played in San Juan...

As for winning the division, they still need more than what they currently have. Among other things: they need another starter, since Millwood surely won't return, they need to add to the bullpen depth so that they don't overuse Rheal Cormier, and they need Pat Burrell to wake up.

Here's more on the possible pursuit of Pettitte.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1654437

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/stor...yson&id=1653312