The Pirates today acquired shortstop Cesar Izturis from the Chicago Cubs for a player to be named later and cash.
Is this the end of Jack Wilson? The Pirates have made it known for the past month Wilson is on the trading block. This deal backs that argument. Wilson is hitting .254, with a .309 on-base average. Wilson is signed through 2009: His salary is $5.25 million this year, and he will make $6.5 million next year and $7.25 million in ’09. Wilson has drawn minimal interest since being on the trading block. The problem is the only true contender with shortstop issues are the Boston Red Sox. Trading Wilson might be easier during the off-season as teams such as the Cardnals and Giants could be losing Eckstein and Visquel
Potential suitors for Wilson
1. St.Louis Cardnals – David Eckstein leaving via free agency.
2. San Francisco Giants – The Giants will lose Omar Visquel after this season
3. Boston Red Sox – Buster Olney speculates. I asked a source about this just a couple minutes ago and he said although the Sox signed Lugo to a 4yr -16 million deal, they are looking for a upgrade at the position. According to the same source, it is unknown if the Red Sox would be interested in Wilson, which he doubts.
4. Toronto Blue Jays – ?????
