Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Before 12:01 a.m. Saturday, teams must decide whether to tender contracts to their arbitration-eligible players. Those who don’t get offers will become free agents.
One player worth watching: San Francisco Giants reliever Brian Wilson.
Not long ago, Wilson was an elite closer, averaging 41 saves per season from 2008-11, throwing the clinching pitch of the 2010 World Series and gaining notoriety for his runaway, jet-black beard and quirky personality. But he had Tommy John elbow surgery for the second time in his career in April, and the Giants won another World Series without him.
By going to arbitration, Wilson would see his annual salary rise from $8.5 million, and although the Giants want to keep him, they prefer to pay him less, an industry source told the Herald this week. If the 30-year-old right-hander becomes a free agent, the source suggested he may draw interest from the Red Sox, Dodgers and Phillies, among other teams.
Herald: Wilson may be a target
Scott Lauber brings up an interesting view by saying the Sox could consider bringing in Wilson on a short term, low salary deal to further bolster the bullpen. We've seen this trick before, bringing in a former closer to work in a non closer role and it ended in disaster. (But Eric Gagne still got himself a ring!)
But with Buster Olney mentioning that Andrew Bailey could be available, the Sox could sign Wilson and then trade Bailey. This of course would not only plummet Bailey's already low trade value considering the Sox wouldn't need him anymore, they would be replacing him with someone that is older & somehow even more banged up than Bailey.
Wilson had himself a strong run as closer from 2008 to 2011, but after coming off of his second Tommy John surgery and moving from the NL West to the AL East, he shouldn't be on the Sox radar for the bullpen or the closer role.
Also, I wouldn't want him here for the fact that the way he carries himself, would drive the media CRAZY. I don't mind him but i can see the scathing article Shaughnessy would write if he had a 5.05 ERA and continues with the bizarre behavior. It would not end well.
Rest of the Links: Globe: Clemens, Bonds will get votes | Sox trade Stewart | Herald: Deal with it: Bonds, Clemens in the Hall | Colbrunn to help hitters | CSNNE: Colbrunn a very clear choice | Sox make three minor moves | WEEI: Why Upton's deal matters to the Red Sox | No trade talks with Ellsbury |
