Shakeout of Wolf, Rauch trades

Well, Astros fan, at least it's something.

Trying to keep up with the Brewers (C.C. Sabathia) and the Cubs (Rich Harden), Houston made a small splash today, dealing for Padres lefty Randy Wolf.

And all Astros Nation just yawned and said...not bad.

Wolf may have been a distant third pitcher that was available but it's not the kind of pitcher that gets your blood moving. With a career ERA of 4.30 and average stuff, Wolf is no more than a No. 3, but more like a 4 or 5.

His 4.74 ERA and 1.42 WHIP this year shows how inconsistent Wolf can be, especially considering he pitches in one of the best pitcher's paradise in Petco.

The only thing giving Wolf fantasy value was his 105 Ks in 119 IP. Now, Wolf is pitching for a much better offense, but in a considerably worse park.

Bottom line: Don't go snagging him off the wire, thinking his value will skyrocket.

Although sometimes getting dealt gives a pitcher new life. Still, don't expect miracles here.

Wolf was traded for AAA prospect Chad Reineke.

Rauch dealt to Arizona

The Diamondbacks, perhaps nervous because of the recent meltdowns by Brandon Lyon, added Washington closer Jon Rauch, who sports quite a goofy mug.

This was a tall move, indeed. Rauch, who sports a 3.62 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP, is 6-foot-11 and just looks like a closer, despite being unconventionally left-handed.

Joel Hanrahan, who is not as tall, but still 6-4, takes over the closer job as Chad Cordero is out for the season.

Pick up Hanrahan immediately if you need saves although Rauch's role in the desert has not yet been defined, so it's hard to say whether he's worth holding onto.

I see him closing by year's end, but he might not be worth the roster space right now.