Wandy for Three-perfect!

The Astros signed Wandy Rodriguez to a three year contract on Tuesday.  In my way of thinking that was perfect.  I am not getting into money since that is up to the club.  If they want to pay $34-million (or more) that is their business.  I am thinking more of the length of the pact.

Three years give Rodriguez some security, but it does not tie the Astros hands if an unforseen injury or degradation in Wandy's skills should occur before the contract has expired.  Pitching is the most important single feature of winning baseball teams.  Unfortunately, due to the stress on the arm, pitcher's are also the most fragile and capable of being good one inning and injured irreparably the next.

Clubs that sign pitchers to contracts longer than three years--especially those who have been pitching awhile--are taking a major risk.  A three year contract for a 32 year old six year major league veteran is just right.  When it expires he likely will be in the "year to year" point in his career.  The Astros won't be on the hook,  but Wandy will have made a lot of money before that point.

The Astros staff has a very good makeup.  Brett Myers is signed for two more with an option.   Rodriguez now for three more.  J.A. Happ won't be arbitration eligible till next year and free agent eligible in 2015, Bud Norris is under club control for several years and whoever is finally the #5 starter will either be a year to year guy like Nelson Figueroa or another young pitcher under club control for multiple years.

That is a good workable unit.  Ed Wade has manuervability while still also having a solid group.

One item for today (Wednesday).  Former Astro Morgan Ensberg will be co-hosting the 7pm show on the Baseball channell of XM/Sirius radio tonight.  As Morgan points out on his web site it is really an audition to see if he can join the roster on the network.  If you have satellite radio tune in...and maybe give Morgan a call.  He has done some analyst work on TV on the West Coast and for ESPN college games.  There have been good reports on his work.  See what you think tonight.