I never thought I would write these words - "Welcome to the Blue, Brian Wilson!"
Maybe if I was honoring the Beach Boys frontman I'd write that, but to write it about the bearded annoyance from the bay is a little unsettling. On the other hand, this recent move is sure to piss off Giants fans, so why the heck not, right?
This afternoon, Dodger nation received word that former All-Star reliever Brian Wilson chose the Dodgers. Via a tweet from Tim Brown:
Brian Wilson has chosen to sign with Dodgers, according to source. Had three offers. Will start in minors.
— Tim Brown (@TBrownYahoo) July 30, 2013
Brown provides more details about Wilson's immediate future.
Tentative plan with Brian Wilson is to begin return at Dodgers complex in Arizona. Then to Rancho Cucamonga. Report to Dodgers in 2 weeks.
— Tim Brown (@TBrownYahoo) July 30, 2013
So, Wilson will get some work in the minors before eventually joining the Dodgers. Overall, I can't be too disappointed in this move. We get a former top-line closer who is thought to be ready after going through major arm problems, and in exchange it cost us a little bit of dough. At this time, details of a contract have yet to be released, but I'd be surprised if it was substantial.
BTW, I decided to make a fantasy Dodger card of Brian Wilson that you can see at the very top of this post. I used a 2007 Topps Baseball card design.
UPDATE: From a Dodgers press release:
The Los Angeles Dodgers today signed free-agent right-handed reliever Brian Wilson to a one-year contract.
Wilson, 31, has gone 20-20 with 171 saves in 315 career games with the Giants from 2006-12. The New Hampshire native has limited opposing hitters to a .238 batting average during the course of his career with 340 strikeouts in 320.0 innings. Wilson has also historically been a second-half pitcher with a 2.69 ERA in 149 career appearances after the All-Star break and pitched well in the postseason during the Giants’ 2010 World Series run, striking out 16 in 11.2 scoreless innings in postseason play.
From 2008-2011, Wilson was one of the Majors’ top relievers, earning three All-Star selections (2008, 2010, 2011) and leading the big leagues with 163 saves in 186 opportunities (87.6%). During that period, Wilson also ranked among the NL’s best relievers in wins (17, T-6th), innings pitched (264.1, 6th) and strikeouts per 9.0 innings (10.11, 12th). In 2010, Wilson tied the Giants all-time single-season saves record with 48 (also: Rod Beck, 1993), while successfully converting 24 consecutive save opportunities in 2008, which tied for the second-longest save streak in San Francisco history.
Wilson last pitched in the Majors on April 12, 2012 and underwent Tommy John surgery later that month on his right elbow.
Wilson was originally selected by the Giants in the 24th round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft out of Louisiana State University.
The Dodgers now have 39 players on their 40-man roster.
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