meanwhile....cards pursuing veteran DAVID WELLS in a trade.
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Boston Red Sox starting pitcher David Wells throws against the Seattle Mariners Saturday.
(Elaine Thompson/AP)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Increasingly uncertain about the identity of their potential No. 3 playoff starter, the Cardinals have joined a mix of National League clubs involved in trade discussions for Boston Red Sox lefthander David Wells, sources told the Post-Dispatch on Tuesday.
The Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres represent the most active bidders for Wells, a talent of both considerable size and playoff experience.
Wells, 43, carries a 4.98 ERA and 2-3 record after only eight starts this season. Knee problems have cost him much of the schedule as he has appeared consistently only since July 31. As of Tuesday, he had a 2.65 ERA in August, with 20 strikeouts and five walks in 34 innings pitched.
Wells underwent surgery on his right knee in the offseason and wasn't activated until April 15. He made one start, returned to the disabled list, then was drilled on the same knee in his May 26 return against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. <SCRIPT language=javascript type=text/javascript><!-- // beginDisplayAds("Frame1","","");// --></SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=JavaScript1.1 src="http://OAS-Central.RealMedia.com/RealMedia/ads/adstream_jx.ads/www.stltoday.com/sports/cards/1298041598@Frame1" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT>
Postseason play typically has brought out the best in a pitcher who sports a 226-146 career record and 4.07 ERA. In 26 postseason games, including 16 starts, Wells is 10-4 with a 3.15 ERA. He defeated the Padres in Game 2 of the 1998 World Series after becoming the first lefthander in ALCS history to win two decisions in the same series. Wells has appeared in the postseason seven times.
The Red Sox would appear to be in need of starting pitching. Their 8-19 record this month is the worst in the game, leaving them barely within shouting distance of the AL East-leading New York Yankees and the wild card.
The Cardinals would presumably assume the pro-rated portion of Wells' $4,075,000 salary.
