Padres battle Dodgers for Wells
Padres General manager Kevin Towers yesterday renewed talks with the Boston Red Sox regarding David Wells and spoke to the agent of Pedro Astacio as division rivals also pursued both pitchers.
The Dodgers have reportedly put together a package of prospects in their attempt to get Wells.
And Colorado has made an offer to Astacio, a free agent who has a home in the Denver area and is the Rockies' career leader in wins and starts.
"We're talking with parties regarding both pitchers," said Towers. "There's still a gap with Astacio. The Red Sox know what we're prepared to do regarding Wells.
"We could wind up with both, one or none. We're still having discussions. But we're not going to overpay, either." Towers said he spoke yesterday to Larry Lucchino, the Red Sox's president and Towers' former boss with the Padres, about Wells. The pitcher, a San Diego product, has expressed a desire to conclude his career in Southern California. Most believed that to mean San Diego before the Dodgers made their own pitch last week.
But the Dodgers' package of pitching prospects could make them the favorites in the Wells derby. The Red Sox earlier rejected the Padres' offer of Woody Williams, although Boston is interested in outfielder Dave Roberts – whom Towers has ticketed as his starting left fielder and leadoff hitter.
"If we got Wells, it probably would mean a pitcher going back the other way," said Towers.
Since the Red Sox have rejected Williams, Jake Peavy is untouchable, Akinori Otsuka is gone and it's extremely unlikely that the Padres would part with the recently acquired Chris Young (from Texas for Adam Eaton and Otsuka), the list of starter candidates shortens to Tim Stauffer and Clay Hensley.
The Padres cannot trade any pitchers taken in last June's draft (rules require players remain with the organization one year before they can be traded).
Wells was 15-7 with a 4.45 ERA for the Red Sox last season. He was 12-8 in 31 starts for the Padres in 2004. Before signing as a free agent with the Red Sox last winter, Wells had talked to Towers about a post-playing career position with the Padres.
Astacio was 4-2 with a 3.17 ERA in 12 appearances (10 starts) with the Padres after they signed him off waivers from Texas in June. He was the Padres' second-most effective starter at the end of the season.
The Padres have reached an agreement with right-handed starting pitcher Dewon Brazelton for a one-year contract for $500,000. The Padres acquired Brazelton from Tampa Bay this month in a trade for third baseman Sean Burroughs.
The Dodgers have reportedly put together a package of prospects in their attempt to get Wells.
And Colorado has made an offer to Astacio, a free agent who has a home in the Denver area and is the Rockies' career leader in wins and starts.
"We're talking with parties regarding both pitchers," said Towers. "There's still a gap with Astacio. The Red Sox know what we're prepared to do regarding Wells.
"We could wind up with both, one or none. We're still having discussions. But we're not going to overpay, either." Towers said he spoke yesterday to Larry Lucchino, the Red Sox's president and Towers' former boss with the Padres, about Wells. The pitcher, a San Diego product, has expressed a desire to conclude his career in Southern California. Most believed that to mean San Diego before the Dodgers made their own pitch last week.
But the Dodgers' package of pitching prospects could make them the favorites in the Wells derby. The Red Sox earlier rejected the Padres' offer of Woody Williams, although Boston is interested in outfielder Dave Roberts – whom Towers has ticketed as his starting left fielder and leadoff hitter.
"If we got Wells, it probably would mean a pitcher going back the other way," said Towers.
Since the Red Sox have rejected Williams, Jake Peavy is untouchable, Akinori Otsuka is gone and it's extremely unlikely that the Padres would part with the recently acquired Chris Young (from Texas for Adam Eaton and Otsuka), the list of starter candidates shortens to Tim Stauffer and Clay Hensley.
The Padres cannot trade any pitchers taken in last June's draft (rules require players remain with the organization one year before they can be traded).
Wells was 15-7 with a 4.45 ERA for the Red Sox last season. He was 12-8 in 31 starts for the Padres in 2004. Before signing as a free agent with the Red Sox last winter, Wells had talked to Towers about a post-playing career position with the Padres.
Astacio was 4-2 with a 3.17 ERA in 12 appearances (10 starts) with the Padres after they signed him off waivers from Texas in June. He was the Padres' second-most effective starter at the end of the season.
The Padres have reached an agreement with right-handed starting pitcher Dewon Brazelton for a one-year contract for $500,000. The Padres acquired Brazelton from Tampa Bay this month in a trade for third baseman Sean Burroughs.
posted by Michelle @ 9:57 AM
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