Astros dump All-Star closer: In cost-cutting move, Wagner sent to Phillies
In a move that will do little but reinforce the perception of fans that the Astros are satisfied to be a medicore baseball team, closer Billy Wagner was traded to Philadelphia yesterday. Wagner, who has held opposing batters to a .183 batting average over his career (only Troy Percival's .182 is better), probably sealed his fate after the Astros last game on Sept. 28th. Voicing his frustration, he said that he seriously doubted that Astros management would have him back next season, since they probably would feel that they can't afford his $9M salary for 2004 along with Richard Hidlago's $13M.
Yes, the Astros did pick up a serviceable 3rd or 4th starter in Brandon Duckworth, and the prevailing theory seems to be that Octavio Dotel can step into the closer's role. Perhaps so, but Billy Wagner was one of the most popular athletes in Houston. I understand the economic ramifications of this trade (Wagner also has a $2M buyout in his contract after next season), but do Drayton McLane and Gerry Hunsicker understand the message this trade sends to Astros fans? I wonder.
Clearly, McLane seems happy owning a team that is mediocre, that wins more games than it loses as long as it draws well and the bottom line looks good. I wonder how long fans will keep supporting a team that is more concerned with profit margins than victory margins? The allure of a new stadium has worn off; will the allure of a mid-level team with no aspirations for anything greater also wear off? Time will tell, but I'm guessing the Astros will be playing in front of a lot of empty seats next season.
