Updated On Jan. 17 by Joe D.
From Marc Carig of Newsday, the latest on The Beard:
Source: Mets still haven’t closed the door on a major league deal for former Giants closer Brian Wilson.
Fear the Beard Rumors!
Updated On Jan. 16 by Joe D.
This from Mike Puma of the NY Post:
Brian Wilson probably shouldn’t change his ring tone to “Meet the Mets” anytime soon.
According to a baseball source, the veteran closer didn’t impress the Mets during his workout at UCLA on Saturday and wasn’t deemed worthy of a major league contract at this point in his rehab from Tommy John surgery. Wilson, the source said, wasn’t interested in a minor league deal.
“Physically, he’s not ready,” the source said. “He’s got a ways to go.”
We haven’t heard the last of this yet. There’s only a few household names left on the market, and the Mets will keep up the pretense that they are engaging these players as long as they can.
Updated On Jan. 14 by Joe D.
Sandy Alderson watched former San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson in a private workout Saturday, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
However, Mike Puma of the New York Post confirmed the Mets are not likely to pursue the one-time closer, “Alderson said he’s not sure the Mets will extend Wilson an offer.”
Fueling that is the fact Wilson wants a major league deal and the Mets are still only doling out minor league deals until further notice.
Wilson is returning from Tommy John surgery and will reportedly be ready for the start of the season.
I thought Wilson would be a good target for the Mets which you can read below,…
Original Post
The San Francisco Giants declined to tender a one-year contract to their former closer, Brian Wilson, thus making him a free agent as he recovers from a second ligament-replacement surgery on his right elbow.
Wilson, 30, earned $8.5 million during his injury-shortened 2012 season, and according to CBA rules could not be tendered less than $6.8 million for the 2013 season.
The Giants will try to sign him for a lower price, but Wilson has hinted that he prefers to move on and sign with a new team after learning he would be non-tendered.
Before his injury shortened 2012 season, Wilson went 6-4 with a 3.11 ERA and 36 saves in 57 appearances in 2011 for the Giants.
The three-time All-Star was one of the league’s most dominant closers before his elbow problems, but given the incredible advances with Tommy John Surgery, I wouldn’t be averse to giving him a shot to close for the Mets.
The procedure is not as scary and career threatening as it once was, and some pitchers are back on a mound in as little as seven months after surgery with no loss in velocity.
With Wilson most likely looking for a chance to close on a one year deal to establish his value, the Mets might be just the opportunity he’d be looking for.
