Jamie Moyer agreed to a 2 year, 10.5 million dollar extension earlier today. He was one of the bright spots during the Phils stretch run for the NL Wildcard until their elimination on the final day. In the month of September Moyer recorded a 4-1 record to the tune of a 4.03 ERA. The eternal pessimist n me whispers the stat that Moyer has pitched 1200+ innings over the last 6 seasons. I can’t help but reckon that at one point over the next two years, Moyer will simply run out of gas. After all, Philadelphia is where star players from the sports universe come to beach themselves when their careers are finished.
But, the most interesting part of this story is the collateral damage to Randy Wolf. With the electric left handed dynamo Cole Hamels already solidified in the rotation the services of a 3rd lefty will not be needed. Wolf is coming off of a 4 year, 22.5 million dollar contract which eclipsed to 9 million for 2.5 months of work during the 2006 season.
Wolf returned from Tommy John surgery July 30th for a start against the Marlins which he pitched 4 1/3 innings to render a no decision. In 11 starts afterward he figured into the decision only 4 times, though all wins. His paltry 35 earned runs in 56 1/3 innings didn’t give me any indicator to exhume optimism about Wolf’s return to the club in ’07.
Sure, he was coming off surgery. With an entire off season to rest he could come back to full Randy Wolf form. But, what is Randy Wolf form? Averaging 6 innings of work and bolstering a 4.21 career ERA? That could get him a starter’s role anywhere in today’s MLB but not for the 2007 Phillies.
If he was willing to accept 1.5 million dollars and a specialist role I’m sure Pat Gillick would be happy to have him. Then we can all watch in excitement to see the Wolf Pack up in left field cheering on their guy as he comes out of the bullpen to pitch to the powerhouse left hander at the plate. Unless Randy Wolf has a gut check on his ability I doubt we will see number 43 in the pinstripes next year.
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