Tim Dierkes over at MLB Trade Rumors posed the question earlier today:
↵↵↵If Rodriguez seeks an extension that buys out free agent years, Joe Blanton's deal might be an apt comparison. Blanton, entering his final arbitration year, signed a three-year, $24MM deal with the Phillies in January of 2010. Aside from strikeouts, their numbers stack up quite well. Check out Wandy's projected career numbers through 2010 (with ZiPS projecting the rest of the season) and Blanton's through 2009:
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The article was spurred by a report this weekend that Rodriguez is open to a multi-year deal and that the Astros may have started discussions. Does Wandy deserve a big contract, though?
↵He started off the 2010 season horribly before finding his way lately and becoming a dominant pitcher. He was the best pitcher on the 2009 staff and strikes out a ton of batters for a soft-tossing lefty. With Brett Myers locked up long-term, can the Astros afford to invest in two pitchers with good seasons but bad track records?
↵I like Wandy and think he's going to be a good investment, but it has to be at the right price. Around 6 or 7 million a year would be perfect and it'll be interesting to see where this deal shakes out.
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