M's trade for SS Jack Wilson (1 Viewer)

[TenTimes]

The Mariners acquired Wilson and P Ian Snelling (ERA ~0.95 minor league) for SS Cedeno, who had been hitting pretty good from the 9 spot, 1B/C Clement, and 3 single A RHPs.

According to ESPN, the pirates didn't want to pay Wilson the $8 Mill. This is an obvious upgrade at SS but SEA is 7.5 G behind the Angels and about 6 behind the RSox for WC.

They were 5-2 out of the break, losing a game each in CLE and DET, but got lit up by CLE 3 straight in SEA, and Bedard just went on the DL.

Does the deal make sense? I try, but can't see the Mariners in the playoffs. I haven't heard any Washburn trade rumors here either, fwiw.

 

[Eephus]

A trade with Jack Wilson as the centerpiece is pretty much the definition of a minor deal, but I like it from the Bucs' perspective. Snell has had a number of chances at the big league level and Wilson is pretty average offensively and defensively. He's a big league SS but at his age and salary doesn't really offer much to a team like Pittsburgh.

Cedeno is nothing special but he comes cheaper than Wilson. Matt Clement is a former top prospect but isn't a catcher due to injuries and probably won't hit enough to hold down a regular 1B job. Maybe a change of scenery will help him more than the loss of a chance to play at DH will hurt. I don't know anything about the prospects but if one of them puts together a better career than Snell, the trade is a win for Pittsburgh. When you're a team like the Pirates and you can shed salary and take a flyer on some young talent, it's probably makes sense to do so.