Pirates' Wilson wins in arbitration

[WebHamster]

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson emerged victorious from his arbitration case Thursday and will be paid $1.85 million this upcoming season.

The Pirates had requested that the slick-fielding Wilson be paid $1.4 million in 2004. The young shortstop, however, was awarded quite a significant raise from the $335,000 he pocketed for last season.

The 26-year-old Wilson established career highs in games, at-bats, home runs and RBI in 2003. He batted .256 with nine homers, 62 RBI, and 558 at-bats in 150 games last season.

Entering his fourth major league season, Wilson owns a career .246 average with 16 homers and 134 RBI.

[Mercer Boy]

He was definitely worth more than he was making, but I don't know if he's worth what the arbitors gave him. His average last year was in the .260's...

I know a lot of people on the ESPN boards who think this guy needs to go since they feel he is a McClendon "favorite" (he played for Mac in the minor leagues) and is taking a position from someone who could help the club more. I like him and don't really feel he needs to be drummed out of Pittsburgh. But, I would like to see him bat better and maybe go for the "sure" play instead of the flashy stuff that he is prone to do.

Besides, what are the Pirates going to do otherwise? They wouldn't pay Travis Lee $2 million to have an answer at first base, so now they either have to go back to Randall Simon (who's going to want a similar amount to play) or play Craig Wilson there all year. If they can't pay for a bigger name 1B, why argue about what you have at SS? Keep Jack and hope he improves!