Bay Area Sports Guy – After watching Brian Wilson work out, Mets choose to remain beardless

Brian Wilson worked out for New York Mets general manager Sandy Alderson on Jan. 14 and apparently did not impress.

The 30-year-old two-time Tommy John surgery recipient showed off the goods at UCLA on Monday, but failed to convince Alderson that he would be ready for opening day.

“Physically, he’s not ready. He’s got a long way to go.” a source told the New York Post.

The Mets were prepared to offer Wilson a minor league deal, but Wilson is looking for a high-profile Major League Closer job, not a spotlight in Triple-A.

Word on the street is Wilson may be asked to work out with the Mets again during Spring Training if he remains a free agent, but the Flushing-based team is not looking to rush into anything. Maybe they’re hoping he’ll shave by then.

As a reminder of Wilson’s resume, he had his best season in 2010, recording 48 saves, 1.81 ERA, and striking out 93 in 74 2/3 IP. He’s had two Tommy John surgeries – the first in 2003 and the second in April 2012, when he only pitched in two games before his season-ending surgery. Oh, and he’s also a Certified Ninja. In fact, I think I know where his workout with the Mets went wrong:

Sandy Alderson: “Can you run a couple sprints for me?”
Brian Wilson: “Like a Ninja?”
Sandy Alderson: “Um no. Just … regular, please”
Brian Wilson: “I don’t understand. So you don’t want me to run away like a stealth Ninja?”
Sandy Alderson: “Oh hey, look at the time…”

Apparently he thought all he had to do to get the job was this:

Only time will tell how everything will shake out with The Beard, but I’m thinking he may be coming back to San Francisco after all. Where else is he going to find 40,000 weirdo fans wearing fake facial hair every night who’ll love him unconditionally always and forever (unless he goes to the Dodgers)?

What do you guys think? Is Mr. Wilson going to stay in the Bay?

11 comments

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Thrillhouse

I don't think he's being selfish, it's a business first and foremost to the athletes and franchises. He probably won't have the longest of careers and is looking for a big payday, good for him. On the flipside, since he probably won't have the longer of careers, the Giants (and apparently other teams) don't want to shell out millions long term for someone who might not be there a full season. Best of luck to Brian and of course, Go Giants.

Tod

I'm hoping he can come back with an incentive contract to the Giants, assuming he can still pitch.

Slam

When Wilson blew up his arm back in April, he said he would play for the Giants in 2013 " for free ". He said that, quote unquote. Now he's a typical spoiled athlete listening to his lying agent trying to snooker some idiot team like the Cubs or Mets or Red Sox to give him a multi year deal. He'll ALWAYS live in our hearts as a legendary Giant during the miraculous season, but that doesn't mean Sabes should do some dumb ass Aubrey Huff pay off. He should sign 1 yr league minimum with SF and rehab. He already said he would do that. Now he just looks like a LIAR

His beard was just offered a million dollars to convince people that Mante Te'o is straight

Giants Gamer Babe

burn :)

Paperback Writer

Patience. Hyper, over-amped Willie needs to rehab and chill, aim for comeback with giants at All Star break with incentive laden contract, by end of 14 hell be fully back and rockin - JUST NOT NOW OR BY OPENING DAY. Relax.

Celeste

he may come back. The Giants have offered a major league contract to Wilson just not as much money. Wilson may find that an attractive offer and comes back. the decision is his.

adrian reynolds

Enough of the Beard, let's move on. I'm talking about Hugh Jackman's wife.

Greg Wurz

I think he is done with the Giants. The best the Giants will offer him is a AAA deal as well. There just aren't that many closers who have long and prosperous careers. Usually they are dominant for 2-3 years, some stretch it out to 5, and then they are burned out. The Hoffmans and Riveras of the world are just few and far between.

The Giants had needs this offseason. They were all addressed with the signing of Scurataro, Affeldt, Pagan, and Torres. They even got Casilla an extension too! So, the Giants have already moved on and built their pitching & bullpen without Wilson in mind. Wilson still is looking for a multi-year deal. If he holds out for that, then he'll get nothing. If he is looking for the league minimum, he'll still get nothing. He is better off signing a minor league contract, pitch like a stud in 2013 (he probably needs at least 2 months in the minors), and then sign a big contract in 2014.

Eric

I think it'll be tough. Since they won without him (on the mound at least) last year, there is less imperative to re-sign him, especially if he wants any sizable money. 'The Beard' will have an indelible part of Giants history, but he'll only be back in the fold with a league minimum, incentive laden deal. The Giants already added some extra years for a few of their recent deals with other players based on past performance. As a two time Tommy Johner, and with a warier front office doing deals after the Huffs of the World, He is most likely gone. 20 years from now, there will still be the legend of the beard.