Wilson Talks Extension, and Other News

The Official Site reported today that earlier this week shortstop Jack Wilson approached the Pirates about a possible contract extension. Wilson is in the final year of his current deal, though there is a team option for 2010 for $8.4 million, with a buyout of $500,000. Since Wilson has been involved in trade talks the past couple of years, and $8 mil is a bit much for the cost-conscious Pirates to pay for a light hitting middle infielder, the option is sure to be bought out. However, in his discussions, Wilson has stated that he would like to stay in Pittsburgh, and for less money than the option year would call for. Just how much less, I don't know. Also, Wilson implied that he's only asking about a 1 year extension, at least for now, since he hopes to spend much more time with his family before long, and may consider retiring as soon as after the 2010 season. So, since we're talking only a one year extension, it might be worth it. That would certainly depend on the dollar figure for that one year, and how much of a cut Wilson would be willing to take. If he'll play for $4 million or so, that's a fair deal. And it's not like Wilson is blocking any can't miss prospect at the moment. Maybe Brian Bixler can turn into a solid everyday shortstop, though, last year, he proved convincingly that he was not ready. Bixler has looked better this Spring, but I'd rather see him ease him into the starting role as a utility player. And Luis Cruz feels more like his cap could be utility player. Brian Friday, Chase D'Arnaud and Jordy Mercer are at least a couple of years away. If the money fits, I'm all for bringing Wilson back another year.

In Rule 5 News, the Pirates have taken Kyle Bloom back from the Detroit Tigers and reassigned him to AA. Bloom, a left-handed pitcher, struggled this Spring with Detroit. With the Pirates' Rule 5 pick Donnie Veal struggling a bit on his own for Pittsburgh, I'm starting to get the feeling that he might be returned to Chicago before long. By the way, Bloom is nothing special. he's a 26 year old, with a career minor league ERA of 4.25, and has never pitched above AA.

I watched the Pirates defeat Philadelphia 10-4 yesterday on the MLB Network. Ian Snell looked very good out there, aside from a rough 4th, where he allowed a mammoth home run to Ryan Howard, and followed that up with a walk and a hit batsman. Andrew McCutchen was the offensive star for the Bucs, going 5 for 5, with 3 doubles and a homer. Though the wind certainly played a factor in this game, possibly assisting McCutchen with his line, and carrying Howard's homer 500 feet. Still, it was a nice game to watch.