Blue Jays covet Craiggers

Geoff Baker reporting for the Toronto Star:

"We've always liked him, but I don't know what his availability is," Ricciardi said.

The Pirates have said they're going to hold on to Wilson, but that sounds like posturing by the budget-conscious team. Ricciardi said he'd only do a "one-for-one" trade for Wilson, meaning a current major leaguer or a better minor-league prospect, but no more packages like he did in the Lyle Overbay trade with Milwaukee.

The more I think on it, the more I like the Burnitz signing if the Pirates keep Craig Wilson. Odds are, he will see plenty of playing time. I don't buy the argument that the Burnitz signing eats significantly into his play. He won't start on Opening Day, sure. But he'll see plenty of action. And if one of the middle-of-the-order guys goes down with an injury, he can step in. If the rookie centerfielders flop, he can play right and Burnitz can play center. If everyone stays healthy and productive, the Pirates might enjoy a pretty good season. And Craig Wilson will make a much bigger difference as a pinch-hitter than Noonie or Bobby Hill.

They need to keep this guy if they are serious about being a better ballclub in 2006. They've told us repeatedly that money is not an issue. They can prove this is more than posturing. If I ran the circus, that's what I would do. And I would enjoy doing it.