C.J. Wilson is currently the best pitcher on the free agent market, and he could probably use a break after making 39 starts this year. Paul Salfen of Scoreboard Daily caught up with Wilson on Saturday; here are some highlights.
- Asked the chances he'll be back with the Rangers next year, Wilson replied, "Yeah, there’s a great chance because I like it here and I’ve won here." He added later, "It’s now all about figuring out how all of the guys on the team – not just me – there’s Elvis, Nelson, Josh, Ian – a lot of guys have contractual things that are coming up. I think one thing the Rangers want me to know is what they’re planning on doing with all of these other guys in the long term. So that gives me confidence that we’re going to keep winning."
- Wilson expects the Rangers and other teams to call, but doesn't think there will be an actual offer for a while. He is not expecting a quick resolution.
- On ESPN's Galloway and Company show yesterday, Rangers president Nolan Ryan said, "You don't really know what that market is going to be. That market will develop as we go forward. Do I think we'll be competitive? Yeah, I do. I think we'll be competitive." Earlier this month, SI's Jon Heyman wrote there's little chance the Rangers get close to a five-year, $75MM offer for Wilson.
- Predict the landing spots for Wilson and 49 other free agents in our new contest for a chance to win cash and baseball-related prizes.
I want him back in a Ranger’s uni but for no more than 15 per year for 4-5 years. anymore than that and it gets sketchy real quick.
There’s a great chance CJ Wilson leaves too. Wilson does seem to like it in Texas, so maybe the Rangers and Wilson will find common ground. I do think there will be an owner or two that will come close to what the Rangers will offer.
Who told you CJ doesn’t like it in Texas? He loves it here.
I’m more worried about the time it’s going to take him to make a decision. He could cripple us if he takes too long.
I do think the Rangers have a number in mind right now. If CJ gets multiple offers well over that number they’ll immediately stop pursuing him and move on to plan B.
I’m not sure what the back-up plan will be, but I think Jon Daniels has earned every Rangers fan’s trust by now.
That sort of sounded like he might be willing to take a hometown discount to stay in TX and keep the team together, or at least consider it.
Sounds like a deal with the Rangers would be for a max of 5/70.
I’d expect the Nationals and maybe Yankees to go at least $20 million higher.
I cannot see teams going to $90MM for CJ. The numbers are almost always lower than everyone predicts.
I’m sorry, but he crippled the Rangers during the postseason for the second year in a row. What good is a pitcher who wins in the regular season, when he can’t get it done in the postseason. He was the first pitcher EVER to lose the All-Star Game, a Divisional Series, Championship Series, and World Series games in the same year. Guy can’t pitch in big games, I say let him walk. Good riddance from this jaded Rangers fan.
I feel your pain, and i’m as frustrated by him as anyone. The fact is that he is a good #2. He’s proven he can pitch in our ballpark and he puts in the work to be able to pitch in our ballpark. He also posted the best road ERA in the AL, which is highly impressive.
If he will give the Rangers any kind of a discount I think they should keep him, but no larger than a 5 year $70MM contract.
That should leave us with enough money to go get someone else, like Darvish, although I have doubts about him in our ballpark. He’ll give up a HR or 2 and it could shatter his confidence.
There’s always the potential for a trade too. Plus, Oswalt and Buehrle are out there.
It’s getting pretty tiring saying it, but SSS.
Get a new argument, he pitched to a 3.00 ERA in last years world series and a 2.92 ERA in this year’s world series (2.95 ERA total in 18.33 IP). It’s not his fault his team can’t score runs. He did fine, and I’m not even a Rangers fan so it’s not biased, like your argument likely is
Not many pitchers have even had the opportunity to do that. How long has the divisional round been around? Come on.
Not many pitchers have even had the opportunity to do that. How long has the divisional round been around? Come on.
This is asinine.
Writers of the game are saying the CC contract has somewhat set the market for starting pitchers, and the fact is none of the starting pitchers come close to the caliber of CC Sabathia. Because CC is the same age as the next best starter CJ and CC just signed a five yr deal; I think if any team gives CJ a 5 yr deal is going to be a bad contract. Considering CJ has only been a starting pitcher for 2 seasons. I think a 4 yr $65 mil. with a 5th yr vesting option should be his next contract. and if thats the case the Angels should go after him.
Teams like the Red Sox and Yankees are going to be wary after the Burnett and Lackey deals. I think if they make him a competitive offer, he stays. And I think Daniels keeps the offer reasonable, knowing he has four starters already and with Oswalt an option. I do think the Nationals and maybe a couple of other teams outbid the Rangers, but CJ may go the route of Weaver and take a little less money to stay with his current team.
Then again, plenty of teams have had terrible signings. I’m sure all teams will closely evaluate Wilson and his career. (He only has a couple seasons as a starter and struggled in the playoffs)
Texas would be smart to let him go and get a real first baseman.
Like who? I assume you mean Prince Fielder. You think he’s a defensive first baseman? Then what do you do with Michael Young? He’s still great and a huge part of our team.