No more fearing of the beard?
It isn't often that a fan can say they have something in common with a sports hero. While I don’t have anything in common with former all-star pitcher Brian Wilsons’s MVP awards, his career 171 saves, or his role in the 2010 San Francisco Giant World Series win, we both grow some pretty sweet facial hair. Along with that, Brian Wilson and myself are both currently in the job market.
After undergoing his second reconstructive elbow surgery (also know as a Tommy John surgery) that ended his 2012 season, Wilson has found no suitors for the 2013 season. The Giants decided to not extend a contract to Wilson (he would have been guaranteed 6.8 million this season) after 2012, and interested teams seem to be few and far between for the 30-year-old closer. The Florida Marlins, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers and Milwaukee Brewers all expressed interest in taking on Wilson earlier this off-season, but have moved in different directions, leaving Wilson jobless.
While Wilson does have quite a track record of winning, two reconstructive arm surgeries and a penchant for playing through pain to injury, have left many fearing more than just the beard. Along with a concern that Wilson may not recover, many teams may find his antics somewhat abrasive. Wilson is known for obscuring answers in interview questions, wearing Speedo tuxedos to awards ceremonies and basically being an all-around goofball. While this was a great fit in the bizarre Bay Area, some teams fear that Wilson may be more of a distraction from their team dynamic than an added winning-force.
While offers are non-existent at the moment, analysts still believe the New York Mets might take a chance on Wilson. Along with that, though the stubbornness of Wilson may nip the idea in the bud, a stint in the minor’s may be necessary to show he can still throw the speed ball. Regardless, the road ahead for Wilson is about as lucid as his bizarre interview answers.
Photo courtesy of Daily Stache