Wolf is Toast

The news isn't good for Randy Wolf with the injury to his ulnar collateral ligament (that's his elbow), and it looks like he is going to be headed for the dreaded Tommy John surgery. While this sort of surgery has been quite successful over the past several years (just ask Jon Lieber), it still means Wolf would definitely be out for the rest of this year, and likely much, if not all of 2006. Wolf hasn't decided on surgery yet, since he could opt to rest and rehab the elbow. However, this seems unlikely since this has been a recurring problem since last year and is likely to continue in the future. While not for certain, it seems he is headed for the surgery and we all wish him well as he will be sorely missed in the Phillies rotation.

With the expected loss of Wolf for the year, what are the Phillies options for filling his spot in the rotation? Had this question been asked at the beginning of the year, the answer would have been obvious...Gavin Floyd would have finally taken his much anticipated spot in the rotation. However, Floyd has been struggling at AAA since his stint as a reliever and subsequent demotion. One can't help but wonder if this kid's confidence has been shaken so badly from his outings as a reliever that it has translated to his starting. Perhaps bringing him back to the majors would restore the confidence, but that may not be a chance the Phillies want to take.

For now, it looks like Rob Tejeda will get the first crack at the open spot in the rotation. He did have a great outing last week against the Rangers tossing 5 shutout innings, but he has come from relative obscurity in the minors to do so. With only 15 major league innings under his belt, it may be a lot to ask.

If Tejeda doesn't work out and Floyd can't find his groove, then Ed Wade will have to step in and start the dealing. With Ryan Howard as the most likely bargaining chip, let's look at 6 starting pitching options likely to be on the market.

First the A List, meaning it may take Howard plus something to get these guys.

Roger Clemens - Astros
One of the aces of the Astros staff, Clemens sports a gaudy 1.64 ERA. With the Astros going nowhere this season, and Bagwell's career seemingly over, this looks like a good fit. However, The Rocket has a no-trade clause in his contract, and had retired before last year, only to come back because of the chance to play for his home town team. So, unless his competitive juices are flowing strong enough, this would be a tough deal to close.

Barry Zito - A's
Zito's name always seems to come up as a trade possibility for the Phillies. It seemed like Polanco was going to be traded for Zito last year, but that never materialized. The A's could definitely use a power hitting first baseman since Durazo doesn't seem to be turning into the hitter he was expected to be. Zito is a solid lefty, and is due a substantial raise in the near future (always a good reason for the A's to trade a player). This would seem to be a good fit for both teams, though Zito, an ex-Cy Young winner has struggled through the last 2 years at times, giving up a few too many home runs. Even so, he would provide a solid replacement for Wolf.

Jason Schmidt - SF Giants
The Giants are stuggling mightily without Barry Bonds in the lineup, and they might just start cleaning house to rebuild if it looks like Bonds won't return. JT Snow can't last much longer at first base, so they might have some interest in Howard. It may take awhile for them to decide to throw in the towel on this season, but if they do, Schmidt could be on the list of players to shop. Schmidt has been a perennial Cy Young candidate the last several seasons, though he has a 6.12 ERA this year. With his track record, he would be a welcome addition to the Phillies staff.

Now for the B list.

Mark Redman - Pirates
The Pirates are surging, but are unlikely to challenge the Cardinals this year. Once they feel they are out of the race, their annual trading spree could begin. Redman who is putting together a nice year (2.80 ERA) could be used as their bargaining chip. As you may recall, Redman was a solid piece of the Marlins rotation the year they won it all, so he has the playoff experience. He also has a 4.17 ERA and 33-36 record over the past 3 years. Solid numbers for a back of the rotation starter.

Jamie Moyer - Mariners
Seattle is having a tough year this year, and Moyer is about at the end of his career, so he doesn't seem to figure into their long-range plans. And, Moyer is a name Phillies fans may remember as a guy they were trying to sign in 2003. Moyer is a crafty veteran, but may not have much left in the tank. The Mariners are also set at first with Richie Sexson, but in the AL they do have that DH spot to fill.

Kevin Millwood - Indians
Would the Phillies brass dare bring back Millwood? Not likely, and the Indians are still in the race in the AL Central, and set at first base with Travis Hafner. But, who knows, stranger things have happened, and if Millwood isn't looked to as the "ace" of the staff, he could be a serviceable middle of the rotation guy. Just don't boo him too loudly.