White Sox Snag Craig Wilson

According to Ken Rosenthal, the White Sox have signed 30 year-old 1B/LF Craig Wilson to a minor league contract.  It was a good move before the Pablo Ozuna injury, but now the need is even stronger.

Wilson, at the least, can probably help the Sox as a lefty-masher.  He’s at .290/.389/.527 against them in his career.  The White Sox aren’t known for their skills against southpaws; in fact, their .583 team OPS against them is the worst in the AL.  Compare that to the Blue Jays, who have an .851 OPS vs. lefties.  Oddly, the only member of the team who has hit lefties is the left-handed A.J. Pierzynski, who hasn’t fared well against them in his career.

If they can stomach his glove, the Sox should try Wilson in left field regularly.  They’ve gotten a .233/.327/.340 line from their left fielders, collectively.  Scott Podsednik may not necessarily provide any offensive lift to the club, but he could be out til July anyway.

First things first – Craig Wilson needs to remember how to hit.  He hasn’t had a decent month since June of 2006.  Since July 1st of last year, Wilson has hit .200/.263/.325 in 200 ABs for the Pirates, Yankees, and Braves.