December 8, 2004
Woody Williams a Padre?
By Ray Mileur
The Cardinals failed to offer arbitration to Woody Williams yesterday, but it doesn't appear that Williams will be without a job very long.
The Padres are close to making a deal with Williams in a report today from SanDiego.com Williams said the Padres' improved infield defense and ability to contend for a playoff berth in 2005 make them a compelling option.
"I'm excited about the possibilities," said the right-hander, who went 45-22 for the Cardinals in the three-plus seasons after Towers dealt him to St. Louis for outfielder Ray Lankford in a trade that Towers has rated the worst of his nine-year tenure.
Last season, Williams went 9-3 after June 1, and he was 2-0 in four postseason games for the Cardinals.
"When I became a free agent, I definitely had the Padres in mind," Williams said. "For them to show interest definitely makes me feel good. And it's definitely a comfortable place for my family."
Williams would get about $3.5 million in guaranteed salary, with a buyout that could raise the guarantee to $4 million, plus incentives on games pitched that could raise the total income to about $7 million.
Williams had indicated that he wanted to play for St. Louis or Houston or he would consider retiring, but for now retirement is on the back burner and Woody Williams could be on his way to San Diego very soon, both parties in the ongoing negotiations are optimistic that this deal can get done.
