Tuesday, April 13, 1999
Bowden pursuing Wohlers
But money will likely be deal-buster
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
CHICAGO — The Reds are extremely interested in obtaining hard-throwing Atlanta Braves reliever Mark Wohlers, but financial constraints probably will prevent them from doing so.
Reds General Manager Jim Bowden said Monday that he spoke twice with his Atlanta counterpart, John Schuerholz, about a possible deal for Wohlers, who has refused an assignment to the minor leagues. The Braves are trying to trade Wohlers before he becomes a free agent Friday.
Bowden would not comment on the financial commitment any club acquiring Wohlers must accept, but it's known to be considerable. The 29-year-old right-hander is due to earn $5.2 million this year and has a guaranteed $800,000 buyout for 2000. It's believed that a team acquiring Wohlers would have to add at least $2 million-$3 million to its payroll.
“We cannot take on the type of salary that at this point needs to be taken,” Bowden said.
The Arizona Diamondbacks, saddled with a weak bullpen but with deep-pocketed owner Jerry Colangelo, and the Pittsburgh Pirates, who reportedly have the wherewithal to increase their $23 million payroll, are known to be the leading suitors for Wohlers.
But Bowden, who covets power pitchers, is still trying. Ideally, he'd send Wohlers to Triple-A Indianapolis to regain his effectiveness. Wohlers recorded 97 saves and 282 strikeouts in 211ô innings from 1995-97 before enduring repeated bouts of wildness.
“I don't think his situation is similar to Steve Blass,” said Bowden, citing the Pirates right-hander who mysteriously lost his ability to throw strikes after being a World Series hero in 1971. “He's the type of reclamation project I love. He has tremendous upside. He can be a dominant closer.”
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