We are less than a week from the trade deadline and trade rumors will start to pick up in the next day or so. Today we are going to look at starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez and where he may end up, if traded at all.
2011 Stats
Win-Loss: 6-7
ERA: 3.60
WHIP: 1.32
Strikeouts: 100
Wandy has had a very up and down season so far. He started off slow this season, which has been the norm for him, but had a strong May and June going 5-1 over that span. July has not been as friendly, giving up 16 earned runs in four starts for an ERA of 6.00. Even with the up and down this year, Wandy has been one of the Astros best pitchers. He has started going deeper into games, averaging over 6.1 innings a start. His 3.60 ERA is lower than his last three years when he had an average ERA of 3.80.
What he brings to the table?
A left handed pitcher who can go deep into games who has World Series experience. He has developed into a solid veteran pitcher, who is not necessarily an ace but a very good number two pitcher. He is 32 years of age but does not have the normal wear and tear of a 32 year old as he has only been in the league six years. He is under contract through 2013 so it would not be a half season rental for whoever made the trade for Wandy. His wins above replacement or WAR is 2.1 which falls in the category of Starter.
Who might be interested?
I think Wandy will draw a great deal of interest as he is the second best pitcher available this season behind Ubaldo Jiminez. The Arizona Diamondbacks have had initially conversations with the Astros about Wandy and I think that would be a perfect fit. They are in the playoff hunt and have a young rotation who could use a veteran arm. The article also says the Reds might be interested in Wandy but I think that is very unlikely, trading within the division.
Most American League teams have been afraid of trading for National League pitchers but I think the Detroit Tigers would be the ideal fit for Wandy. They have a need for another pitcher, are in a tight playoff race, and Wandy would be a great number two behind Justin Verlander.