Loading ...This is a signing that I kinda like:
The Cincinnati Reds signed outfielder Craig Wilson to a minor league contract on Saturday.
Wilson, 31, appeared in just 24 games for the Atlanta Braves last season, batting a career-low .172 with one homer and two RBI.
He signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago White Sox on May 28 after his release from the Braves but ended up having season-ending shoulder surgery in June.
The versatile Wilson, who has played four positions during his seven seasons of major league service, has a career batting average of .262 with 99 homers and 292 RBI in 698 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees and Braves.
He can play some outfield, some first base, has plenty of power, and is a good choice for the bench, in my opinion.
As long as it doesn’t portend a Votto trade, I like this.
It’ll def add some pop off the bench that Freel/Hopper/Keppinger cant provide
This is a good sign. He could be that RH bat with some pop off the bench that the Reds need. He can play 1B, OF, and he has caught a little in the past also. He could also stand in against tough LHs at 1B for Votto or Hatteberg. Wilson crushes LHs.
Wilsom BA OBP SLG OPS
Career vs LH .290 .389 .527 .916
Hopefully, his shoulder has healed and his bat will return to its .800 OPS plus form.
I like it too. Could it mean a Hatteberg/Wilson platoon at 1b and…………a trade involving Votto. I hope not.
This is like getting one of those fancy new iPods that Apple just came out with.
I don’t know how long I was bitching and moaning about the Reds getting Craig Wilson. I’m sure there are records of it dating back to 2002. I finally stopped about a year ago, one it was apparent that he was done.
I love this pickup. I remember when the Reds were trying to pursue him either last year or the year before. He definitely brings a right-handed power bat off the bench…something we don’t have now.
Finally, a right handed hitter with to power off the bench. This has been sandly needed for awhile now.
I’m all for this. Let’s just hope that shoulder is OK.
I like this pickup too, but not because I’m in love with his talent or anything. I just like the idea of setting up competition for playing time. Between him and Philips, one of them should pan out. Whomever hits better the last 2 weeks of ST should win the job. I just don’t like the assumption that Votto will not hit lefties, though.
Yeah this is a good move, a right-handed power bat off the bench and a very versatile player.
Also, his best years were in the NL Central, playing for the Pirates.
From Mark Sheldon at MLB.com: In 2004 “in 87 career plate appearances at Great American Ball Park, he has six homers and 14 RBIs — and 17 strikeouts.”
i like
since hatte will be gone soon
votto will need a backup
I agree… I like Hatteberg and he’s been amazingly good these last 2 years… but he’s not part of the future Reds resurgence. He’s 38.
I hope he is around to be trade bait.
He spent quite a bit of time behind the dish. It appears we have a new emergency catcher.
But, why ax Cantu to pick up Wilson? Still doesn’t make much sense to me.
Craig Wilson is at that age he might bounce back with a decent year.
The Reds have had some luck of late finding guys at the bottom of the pile, so who knows.