While Roy Halladay talks cool and Cliff Lee rumors heat up, other teams are closing deals.
Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson, who has been long rumored to be dealt before Friday’s July 31 trading deadline, is heading to Seattle.
Wilson and starting pitcher Ian Snell were traded to the Seattle Mariners for a package of players that includes the highly touted catching and first base prospect Jeff Clement. Joining Clement on his way to Pittsburgh are shortstop Ronny Cedeno and pitchers Aaron Pribanic, Brett Lorin and Nathan Adcock.
The Pirates had recently made an attempt to lock up Wilson with a two-year contract extension worth $8 million, but Wilson rejected the offer. A career Pirate for nine seasons, Wilson, in 75 games this season, is batting .267 with 4 home runs and 31 runs batted in.
Snell has pitched impressively in Class AAA after struggling in the majors early in the season. He is 2-2 with a 0.96 earned run average and 47 strikeouts in 37 1/3 innings.
Both teams may not be finished making deals. The Mariners have made Jarrod Washburn available and will listen to offers. Washburn did nothing to hurt his chances Tuesday night, pitching seven strong innings in the Seattle’s 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. Reports have the Yankees among the teams interested in Washburn.
Meanwhile the Pirates’ Freddy Sanchez continues to be mentioned in trade talks. Foxsports.com has reported that the Giants have discussed acquiring the second baseman, who also rejected a recent contract extension offer from the Pirates.
