The Morning Word: Why Wells Doesn't Make Sense For Yankees

Former Yankee David Wells has been training for the past couple months in preparation for a team possibly signing him midway through the season. However, Wells will be 45 in about two weeks and is well past his prime. Although he was 9-9 last season, he had a high ERA on two different teams that put up runs for him. Out of the twenty-nine games he pitched in last season, he had just one game where he gave up no runs while he had just four games that he gave up just one run. Not pitching to live batters and going back to the AL could cause this to rise, a risk the Yankees shouldn't take.

Although Kei Igawa was rocked for eleven hits and six earned runs tonight, David Wells might not do much better. His strikeouts have dropped significantly, his walks have gone up, and his homeruns have jumped as well. Although the Yankees are a run scoring team, Wells would not do the job that could be done by one of their younger pitchers.

David Wells’ Recession
Year	ERA	WHIP	BAA
2004	3.73	1.14	.266
2005	4.98	1.31	.296
2007	5.33	1.50	.309

NOTE: 2006 is not included because he was injured most of the year.

If you look at the chart, you notice that Wells' ERA rose significantly despite a switch to the NL. His WHIP also rose nearly twenty points each year and his batting average jumped significantly as well. Obviously, his veteran know-how is a factor that the Yankees are weighing, but if the Yankees were smart they would stay away from him. His power is gone and is curveball was inconsistent last year.

Joe Blanton would make for a good replacement at the trade deadline. Although it would cost them several low level prospects, the Yankees would be smart to make the move. Blanton is known for turning it on in the final months having compiled a 17-9 record with a 3.71 ERA in August and September. However, if the Yankees need someone to come in within the next couple of weeks, a guy that would be good and is probably available is Vicente Padilla.

The Rangers would probably be willing to sell high on Padilla while he is hot and take on most of his salary for a pair of decent prospects. This is just speculation on my part, but it known that the Rangers are unhappy with the contracts they are holding in both Padilla and Millwood. Trading one of them is a priority for the Rangers this season.

QUICK HITS

The Rockies are very serious about landing a big name pitcher at the trade deadline, according to sources. My money is on them going after Joe Blanton.

With Ryan Ludwick showing he can play successfully everyday, it opens up speculation that the Cardinals will trade Chris Duncan. The Indians are a possibility.

FANTASY

Here are two guys you should pick up if you haven't already.

Justin Duchscherer, Athletics: He is 3-1 with a 2.45 ERA in 4 games. He is keeping his walks down and hitting his spots, something that he wasn't always doing last season.

Chris Iannetta, Rockies: After taking over at catcher from Yorvit Torrealba, Iannetta is hitting .345 with 3 HR and 14 RBI. Iannetta was once regarded as a top prospect, but struggled in his first couple years. It looks like he is finally starting to come around.