Year after year, it seems like Wandy Rodriguez’s name consistently finds its way into trade rumors. The offseason of 2011-12 appears to be no different, as Stephen Goff of examiner.com is reporting that several teams have contacted the Houston Astros regarding Rodriguez’s availability. The Red Sox and Rockies are reported to have interest in Rodriguez, while the Yankees, Marlins and Nationals are known to be seeking rotation upgrades this winter.
Yesterday, Nick Carfado of the Boston Globe reported that the Red Sox were just one of several teams to call the Astros about Rodriguez. With the lack of starting pitching talent available on the free agent market, Carfado hears that the Astros are receiving “more and more inquiries” on Rodriguez.
Houston’s new owner Jim Crane has made it known that his new franchise will be undergoing significant changes in the coming months. These changes have begun, as Crane and the Astros dismissed front office executives Ed Wade and Tal Smith.
Houston made it clear that their focus moving forward will be building one of the best farm systems in baseball to allow them to compete year in and year out. What better way to jump start this rebuilding process than by trading away one of your more sought-after commodities for prospects?
Over his career with the Astros, Rodriguez has maintained an ERA of 4.07 and 1.346 WHIP. While these numbers aren’t overly impressive, the left-hander has posted ERA’s south of 3.61 in four consecutive seasons, making at least 25 starts a year over that span.
The Yankees have shown interest in Rodriguez in the past, and Carfado said the Red Sox have checked in on the left-hander this offseason. The Marlins are targeting pitchers this winter, and have said that they hope to acquire a starter via trade.
For more on the Astros, be sure to check out Climbing Tal’s Hill.