Jack Wilson, our veteran

John Perrotto takes up two of our favorite subjects today: Jack Wilson's approach at the plate and Jack Wilson's status as a veteran on this club. It's about time more people thought about the implications of Jack Wilson being one of the older players on the team - in terms of service time, at least. A lot of "pundits" who claim to study and be experts on all 30 teams savagely attacked the Bucs for signing Stynes, Mondesi, and Simon. Without these guys, Jack Wilson and Jason Kendall would the only position-player starters with full-time playing experience, and going into the spring, a lot of people thought Kendall would be gone by April 1.

People hate what they don't understand. It's human nature to resent subjects that you neglect to study. Guilt works that way. Following one team is enough as it is. I don't care how much you love the game, it's pretty impossible to pay close attention and actually care about every team in the majors. One of these days the know-it-all national pundits might be out of business if they don't start admitting that there are some teams they just don't follow carefully or care to understand. Fans deserve better and will get better. Specialization is a good thing.