Jack Wilson was almost traded at last year's deadline, then again in the offseason but the Pirates should think about signing the shortstop to an extension. With Wilson out with an injury, we have gotten a look at what his replacement might be in the organization in Brian Bixler and Ramon Vazquez. It's obvious the Pirates do not have a shortstop ready for the majors now or in the near future.
Wilson was being shopped because of his salary - about $7 million this season - and that's a lot for a weak-hitting, good glove shortstop in the league. On the free-agent market, he won't get much interest.
After watching Bixler strike out four times in a game in Milwaukee and Vazquez limp along at a .171 pace, the Pirates should extend Wilson, obviously not at $7 mill per, but something workable in the budget. His contract is up after this season and he's 30, still young enough to play the position effectively for two or three more years.
Bixler is a stiff, who won't be anything more than a bench player and Vazquez is just an older version at 33.
The other intangible for Wilson is that the fans like him and he seems to like playing here. Now, that might change with the next offer but the Pirates should at least try to keep him.
A new home
7 years ago
Jumpin' Jack Flash isn't the best shortstop in the league, but he's been one of the steadier ones. And, yes, the fans do like him. But he'll probably get a better offer in free agency than the Pirates are willing to go. Then we can watch Bixler hit like Mario Mendoza!
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