Wilson apologizes for post-trade remarks

I accept Jack's apology.  Now please trade him for a fungo bat and a sack of wet baseballs.  He's beyond, beyond useless.

I accept Jack's apology. Now please don't trade him unless we get real value in return. He's crucial to the team's success.  (Especially the pitchers' success.)

"I accept Jack's apology.  Now please trade him for a fungo bat and a sack of wet baseballs.  He's beyond, beyond useless."

@ FOZZY,

        What a ridiculous statement

I give Jack credit for apologizing.  

He had me all the up to the point where he said 'I gave up free agency years to be here'

I personally could not care less about what he said.  He has been here as long as anyone through this mess and has always given me the impression he was never anything less than professional. He has never brought any frustrations or bad feelings onto the field, from what I have ever noticed, and has always seemed to be a very positive influence and person off it.  Just my thought, I like him and always have. And he fields well.

BAB,

I believe that a fungo bat and a sack of wet baseballs is good value for a .270 hitter with no pop, a B glove and a bad teammate.  No player is more overrated in recent (since 2000) Pittsburgh sports memory.

I cant stand when a grown man says what is really on his chest, then turns around and says sorry, What is Jack sorry for, he's busted his tail since he became a Pirate, he knows what used to go on here but he meant every word he said yesterday, he should get a pass to say those things, he has earned the right...Now today all of a sudden you are sorry, That really bothers me, Jack is a captain and said what was in his heart and didnt give a damm how anyone took it, SO I THOUGHT, I loose a lil respect for him now, I know like he could give a damm but serioulsy , this was the wrong move..So now he wants to stay here and its sunk in that he didnt embrace himself with Management and he is backpedalling....Wish he wouldnt have done that,

CURRENT PIRATE STANDINGS AS OF 2.24 PST

6.0 GB 0F THE BREWERS FOR NL CENTRAL

6.0 GB OF THE SF GIGANTES FOR NL WILDCARD

It's funny how a sincere apology sounds so different than one penned by some PR pro.  "I' apologice to anyone I might have offended by comments some might have deemed inappropriate."

And it's not even like Jack had to apologize.  He's a solid guy, and a good player.  Granted, he has his shortcomings as a hitter, but I'll take his glovework and character.  Sure, it would be nice to have Hanley Ramirez, but you're never going to be able to get a super slugger at every position.  Jack's good 'nuff for me.

Jack's a great teammate.  Criticizes Jose Castillo.  Criticizes management and, by implication, many of his teammates.  Arguing with his manager.  Great guy!  Real stand up character.  He'd fit in with any organization that appreciates a "me first, throw everyone else under the bus" attitude and Pittsburgh, apparently.

Good enough for me Jack...you're a high quality ML shortstop. The Pirates are fortunate to have you.

daryle

He's apologizing because he doesn't want the new guys to feel like he threw them under the bus before they even got here. And because he was wrong, these trades have worked out...like the one that brought him here.

i give credit to anyone who says whats on his mind respectfully and who does so with passion.  jack did that last night, and probably ruffled a few feathers because he wasnt the front office cheerleader in the process.  and he also did that today, in apologizing, not because anyone told him to or because he wanted to look good for his boss, but because of the effects that his comments could have had in poisoning the season.  the guy wants to be heard, and he wants to win, and both are apparent in the way that he has handled this, and so (too) many other situations like it.

@Flip Diggity

I tivo ROME everyday and I was looking forward to KEYSHAWN doing the show but he has a problem getting his words out and he has been a dissapointment to me thus far,

At work, I havent seen it yet,  but I cant beleive we made the burn section ..YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

I give Jack credit for his apology. He's a good man and this team clearly cannot afford to lose his defense at shortstop.

That Jason Christiansen deal for a AA prospect worked out pretty well.

@Fuzzy

If you check, Jacks batting BA and SLG are 6th in the NL for SS with 150+ at bats.   Not as "lightweight" as most people assume.

The true test of this apology will be after the next trade which is sure to come soon probably Adam Laroche...

Depending on his reaction to it will determine if I accept it.  Of course it could be him and then that would be an interesting reaction...

And don't get me wrong I am not advocating a trade of Wilson; though I think some over rate him I think he is a very good defensive shortstop and could be a good enough hitter on a championship team so I don't think he needs to go.  I would actually like to see him and Sanchez stay...

@Fuzzy

Now, I'm not typically a huge JW defender, but your comments are a bit delusional.  

          Jack is a consumate professional that could be a championship quality shortstop if we had championship talent at other positions. The stements being made about Jack being a waste go well beyond ridiculous .  To me he didnt have to apologize for what he said, just like i wont apologize to the TROLLS who only want to show their ignorance like its a badge of courage.

Some people will see this as a positive and others will see it as a negative no matter what.

I just know that he is a hard worker and gives all his effort to his job all the time and that's what I would love to see in all of our players.  

What would you expect me to say about my grandson!

Well hopefully JW's statement means he's still interested in renegotiating next years deal into more guaranteed by cheaper by the year

Top 10 picks to sign, in no particular order

1. Jordan Cooper (stated asking price $900K)

2. Zach von Rosenburg

3. Colton Cain (talking, asking for Bud’s permission???)

4. Trent Stevenson (talking)

5. Victor Black - Signed

6. Evan Chambers - Signed

7. Aaron Baker - Signed

8. Michael Heller (7 digits)

9. Brooks Pounders - Signed

10. Matthew Den Dekker

No need, Jack.  You resemble exactly the passionate Pirate needed around these parts and with the proper ensemble, would already have achieved the winning.  Because you are a team player with exceptional skills, fan favorite, and community contributor, you already are a winner.  No harm done.  I'd take 25 with your attitude and demeanor.  God speed!  

I can understand the comments Jack made when the trades first happened. After all, how would anyone like it if they knew that TPTB didn't think they were good enough to be successful so that wasn't going to be the focus during that year (especially when the same thing happened the previous year)?

Furthermore, I can understand apologizing. I'm sure we've all said that we regret after we've had time to reflect on it even if what we said was at least partially true.

I can understand frustration, but I think Jack's remarks yesterday can best be characterized as "thoughtless."  After giving them some thought, he realized how they sounded and took the initiative to explain and apologize.  I was critical of Jacks remarks, but he followed-up like a stand-up guy, which I respect.

Fuzzy - I won't go so far as to call you a ***, because a *** serves some useful purpose.

Re:  Jack’s apology

I’m satisfied……thanks Jack

Is there any chance that the PBC and Jack are interested in working out an extension?

@48jj

Exactly, he was being told ,by the trades, this year is over, we are working on the future.

The deleted words rhyme with poosh-tag.

Jack apologized.

But we all know what his true feelings are.

Now that they have traded Nyjmo, Jack is this years position player MVP.

smart thinking on jack's part- the young guys are clearly the future and some are clearly the leaders on the field...so if he wants to be part of the future he had to try and clear the rift between the old and new. the tude is showing up a bit too often. it did sound a bit eddie haskell...canned.

advise: keep mouth shut, get bat in gear, practice patience. shoot at cubs, not own foot and BEAT EM BUCS

Fuzzy

What the heck is your problem with Jack? Your posts about him the last two days have been some of the dumbest posts I've ever read during my time spent here in the asylum.

Cave

Both before and after the Nyjer trade, Freddy is the team's position player MVP.

roxtar

"Fuzzy - I won't go so far as to call you a ***, because a *** serves some useful purpose."

Thank you!!! I was thinking about the exact samething lol.

I understand where Jack's statements yesterday came from...just as I understand the need for backtracking today. And I accept both views.

Jack should realize...being the patriarch of the players on the team...that the media is going to come to him first...and be somewhat prepared for the questions. Not that he necessarily has to agree with the trades or the FO plan. Choose your battles...and words...wisely.

@Jacks Granny, i have a question for you do you check your email?  

Jack Wilson is to the Pirates as Aaron Smith is to the Steelers......

He may never be an all star again, but when he isn't in the game, this team clearly suffers, just like when Smith is out for a Steeler game.

uglyken

Wow what a perfect perfect analogy.

I say retard and I am crucified.

Roxtar calls someone a *** (rhymes with poosh-tag) and someone agrees with him.  I guess my points about calling the wrong people it was correct.

Do we have an official countdown to July 2nd going yet?  Tomorrow is going to be a big day, and I expect the blog to be bombarded no matter the outcome.

Does anyone know how quick these signings start?  Should we be expecting to see guys come off of the board around midnight, or is this a bit more of a process?

I like the Aaron Smith analogy, but I dont think it quite works.  Aaron Smith stops the run extremely well, and can get to the passer.  He wont be a pro-bowler though because DE's in a 3-4 defense cannont put up the pass rushing numbers that a 4-3 end can, and are very underappreciated.  When he is taken out, Kirschke is a decent backup, but Smith is a top talent.

Jack Wilson is okay, but appears to be so valuable because we dont have anything close to a competent backup on the roster.

Personally, I think he should have said those exact words...but behind closed doors.

That being said, trading him leaves a HUGE hole at SS.  There does not look to be any better options at SS with the pending free agent list (not that they would sign one anyway).  

wwwyp

You're absolutely right. That kind of name-calling should not be encouraged.  Most of us try to just ignore it, but you are right. And you're right that sometimes there are shifting standards based on who you say it to.

Goodtymes

No, Jack is valuable because his glove is elite.  Just like Smith's elite contribution is taking up space and occupying guys so others on the defense can make plays...Jack covers a lot of ground and prevents hits so our pitchers get through innings unscathed.

Jack Wilson is a stand up person however some people will never be happy with him no matter what he says or does.  

At least he had the class not to break out the standard athlete's excuse "I was misquoted" or "taken out of context"

Apologizing for telling the truth????

Nah....I think I'll rack this one up to management more less making him do it.

One thing I've noticed about this current front office regime.....

They remind me quite a bit of the government in China.

Don't say or do anything and you will be fine.

IF you say or do something against them, they will tear you down to nothing....and perhaps ship you where you don't want to go.

Jack Wilson speaks the truth....and they know it.

wwwp

Yes, everyone should read the guide to commenting--

I was not one of those who jumped on Jack,but it takes a big dude to admit you screwed up to thousands of people.No one put him up to it either.From time to time there have been knee jerk reactions right here on this blog. Heck Daryle has had to apologize too!Take it from a guy who has said stupid or incorrect things.(ME)

Jack Wilson = all star one time

Aaron Smith = pro bowler one time

Even though others outside our city don't give them much credit, we see the results of their absence with our own eyes time and again.

Goodtimes,

Kirschke’s OK, but he hasn’t had to fill in for any extended period, the last time we lost Aaron for more than a game it was a disaster.

By the way, calling a post ridiculous or thoughtless is fine, just don't call the poster names.

Flip

For your info--a good PR pro can write an excellent apology.

I'm sick of seeing Jack Wilson on the Pirates, it has been far too long.  Please trade him to be someone's 8th inning defensive replacement.  He wasn't the whole problem while he was here, but he was certainly part of the reason the Pirates have been losers.  If he wants to whine so much about having a winning team, why doesn't he produce with the bat?

JAL  << For your info--a good PR pro can write an excellent apology.>>

Unfortunately, not all players can deliver it in front of a microphone.

daquido_bazzini =wakerider429 =UncleDirtNap=PAMT.Say you guys wouldn't the modern day version of Cybil? Just Kidding

Fuzzy---your posts about JW are ridiculous and thoughtless

Any insight whether we sign Sano? July 2 correct?

Wake... he is 6th amongst NL ss in slugging, and is an exceptional defensive player. What DID he do to you????

Just like I said yesterday. The guy was in shock and I knew he wished he had just took a deep breath and kept his mouth shut.

You see, we are all very similar when in situations that shock us. That is why I remained calm and refrained from making a fuss about it like many others did. It really helps to have some empathy in these situations. As I said yesterday, the thing that I gathered from all of the comments was not anything baseball or Jack Wilson related, but instead that so few people have even an ounce of empathy. To me, that's really scary.

uglyken,

Way to throw Aaron Smith under the bus and disgrace him by comparing him to Jack Wilson.  Jack Wilson on any other team is probably out of the majors by now or is a defensive player.  Jack Wilson is most properly compared to the best defensive player on the Detroit Lions, who doesn't put up a lot of stats -- If you are going for the football comparison.  If you want to compare him to a Steeler, try the long snapper.  Not great, but Steelers struggled without one.

goodtymes,

Jack Wilson = Steeler's long snapper.  Not a great player, but things fall apart without them.

Doc-wake goes on and on.Hey wake..what college did you play for?I wanted to see your stats on the internet.

All I know is, we need to sign SANO, I thought there was an investigation in regards to his age, which in turn would delay any MLB club sigining him...Is that done with ??? I dont understand , I hope it is so we can sign him..Someone please bring me up to speed...

wakerider

Your posts are so far from insightful that they don’t even warrant a response. However, since you mentioned my name….....Oh……..I thick I hear your mommy calling…..

Slugging? Jack Wilson is tied for 25th among SS in homeruns, 24th in RBIs and 34th among SS in runs.  Sounds like he is really bringing the bat to the ballpark.  

What he's done to me?  Nothing, he's just been a reason the Pirates have been a bad team his entire career.  He had one decent year, and since then nothing.  I'm just sick of us holding on to these average players.  I want more out of Pirates players than Jack gives.

Look, I know I'm taking on a sacred cow.  And perhaps I'm too hard on Jack.  After all it's not his fault that he's overpaid, I'd take the money too.  I just get so sick (beyond, beyond?) tired of hearing people praise him for being things that he simply is not (great defender, true pro, etc.).  He's a decent person who is simply adequate at his job.   Nothing more.  I suppose my problem is really with all the supporters who think that staying with the team - not his choice, they can't trade his horrible contract - entitles him to say whatever he likes.

His apology was great and I believe it was heartfelt, but let's not forget that he has a history off spouting off and quickly backtracking (as listed above).  

uglyken,

I "thick" you're just a Pirate fan who thinks Jack is great just because he has played for the Pirates for a long time.

It's funny how JW can get so many over-the-top inaccurate negative posts.  I guess it's the "popular guy" syndrome.  Some people want to knock him down because he's popular.  Nobody is saying he is going to the hall of fame.

that was a very long HR by Lee...

Fuzzy, he is a pretty decent defensive SS, and can handle the bat OK at times. He is not the best in the NL by a long shot, but is light years better than anyone on the horizon for at least 2 years, and I cannot fault a guy who gets upset when ownership does things that reduce his chance to win now. I like guys who want to win. I want more of them. If there was a decent alternative to Jack ( or Freddy or even Adam if Doumit insists on being a catcher and not a 1b) in the next 2 years, then OK. But I don't see them. I juts don't

I'm not knocking JW because he's popular.  I'm knocking him for complaining/criticizing and then backtracking time and again. I'm criticizing the fans for giving him a pass because he's been here a while, had a few great defensive seasons several years ago, and appears to be plucky.  If he was a better player who kept his mouth shut, I would not criticize him no matter how popular he was.  Not a hater in that sense I assure you.

Popular never equal production though.  If we're gonna be comparing, he is like the Colby Armstrong when he played for the Penguins.  He was an average player, but he was very well liked.  He wasn't good enough for a championship caliber team, much like Jack.  The Pens moved on without him, it is time the Pirates do the same with Jack.  He is only going to have less range and even less pop (amazingly) as he gets older.  Trade him now for anything.

'attaboy moss!

I feel bad that the poor patient Nationals fans had to see the real Sean Burnett in action so soon today. I read their Washington Post blog comments after the trade, and I truly do feel for them. The Nats have absolutely no defense and their pitching has suffered immensly from it. We might think we have it bad here, but I'd hate to be a Nats fan.

I really hope Nyjer can give then something to cheer about, cause ol' Sean Burnett is already showing his gopher-itis.

wake

You haven't been here very long, so I will cut you a break concerning what you think I think.

For the last couple years, I’ve been advocating the trade of Wilson. The backend years of his contract were too expensive, and I thought that Bixler should be an adequate replacement. Well Bixler failed, we have no one else in our system close, and nobody else wants to trade us theirs.

Now I advocate resigning him to an extension for a lower per year salary. If he is not willing to earn significantly less than the $8.4 million of next year’s option, then he should be traded. He is a good player, a fan favorite, but we can only give something closer to his true market value.

PIG LEGS

It was his FIRST batter faced as a Nationals player, protecting a lead in a 3-2 game. That's just rip-your-heart-out stuff for fans that have to have almost no heart left.  Ouch.

@candyman - re - SaNO

There is some concern about how old he actually is, there are teams shying away from him as they can't believe someone that big and strong, from what I read anyways, is only 16.

So the budmeister might be keeping things on hold, offer wise, but thats just my take

@JAL - re policeing this place

Its up to all of us to do that, much like its up to all of us to keep our rec room clean, the next time I see UKens socks in there, well, don't know what I'll do, probably get the tweezers and antiseptic and throw them in the trash...

Seriously, IMO everyone deserves the right and respect to post as they feel, IMO no one has the right to violate the rules

IMO, the Pirates don't need adequate replacements for any players because they are rebuilding.  If they are able to get someone to take Wilson, try Bixler for a while, if not try another SS, and another until one is determined to be the future SS when they are a contender.  As long as they get pieces via trades of Wilson, Sanchez, LaRoche that benefit the future, then who ever fills in for them in the meantime doesn't really matter.  We are building towards a contender, not towards a mediocre finish to this season.

@UKen - no offense intended but when I take those socks past the plastic plant, it melts...

Wilson projects to 39 2B - 2 3B-7 HRs-61 RBI  from the 8 th spot in the batting order.

sports.espn.go.com/.../profile

biz

Those weren't my socks last time, I don't wear socks anymore. They keep getting holes in them………..since the nurse took away my spikes.

Yikes! First batter & a 3-2 lead.

Well, their expectations are not sky high on Nyjer at least. I think he will pleasantly surprise them, because he pleasantly surprised me.I for one was totally against him starting in left before the year began, and he definitely won me over... and this is from a fan who loves the longball first & foremost. (having grown up during the Lumber Company era, It's all I know).

From what I hear of them in their blog, Willie Harris seems to be a Nyjer clone, in personality and skill. I wonder what two Nyjer's can accomplish? It's gotta rub off on the team and help them to some extent.

-----

By the way, if the negative commenters bother you, don't let it.

When I was growing up in the 70's, I had to contend with those types daily at school, and the Pirates back then were perennial contenders. Nothing will ever satisfy them, believe me. They are best ignored. Even in '79 when we won it all, they still said "the Pirates suck".

These negative nellies have only one track in their mind, and everytime something goes wrong they are in nirvana - It's all they live for.... and when things go right, they will still ***, no matter how illogical that seems. They will never admit when they are wrong, so it's best to ignore them always. Arguing truth with them will only frustrate you. Don't give them the satisfaction.

What ever happened to Derek Lee?  He was on fire a few seasons ago, now he looks to have fallen apart.

PIG LEGS

They called Nyjer a "cornerstone of the organization" and said they expect him to leadoff and ignite the offense.  That may be asking a bit much. He has made himself into a decent little player though.

wake

I think Derrek Lee has just aged.  True story: he's still the all-time homerun king of the Florida Marlins organization.  At 33, though, maybe .330 is behind him?   Still, .285 with 12 HR and 41 RBIs isn't bad, when you consider he's not had Ramirez behind him in the lineup.  He's also missed about 9 games, not sure if that's injury or what.  After hitting 46 homers and batting .337 in 2005, he played just 50 games the next year. 150 and 155 the past two, but maybe starting to break down?  

I've always liked him, for what that's worth. Great defensive player too.  Broke in in 1997 as a 21 year old, and now has over 1600 games played.  

Well at least no one will confuse him with the steroid era.  I wonder how McLouth will do if he isn't on steroids anymore.

Heh, or maybe Lee got off the juice when they started testing.  Funny you say that about Nate, I always had my suspicions too.  He's got a bum hamstring right now, thanks to karma (Charlie Morton's bad hamstring).  I don't expect to see Nate on any league leader boards anytime soon...or anytime at all.  As I've said, that was a very good trade.  

That's awesome that Jack apologized.  Now maybe ha can apologize for fleecing the Pirates of millions of dollars for his all glove no hit career.  

Seems like it was a combination of things for Nate.  He overachieved at the right time to play with the protection of Bay and Nady around him.  Pitchers thought they would pitch to him with Bay and Nady coming up.  I've heard the steroid rumor before, probably because he busted out quickly after not doing that much in the minors, and given he doesn't seem like he's naturally talented.

I can't say what I'd like to do to Tony Beasley, on here, but I"ll think it,  lets just say i'm sick in tired of him running us out of innings, retard...

seems like the balls are really carrying tonight, especially to right center.

I'm out for the night...fyi there are people chatting about the game on the gameday thread too.

@UKen, ok, now I know why they are pointy, thought is was a new trend

"What ever happened to Derek Lee?  He was on fire a few seasons ago, now he looks to have fallen apart."

@ WAKE

"FALLING APART"  he will end up in the 30 hr 100 rbi range, where do you get this stuff???????

sports.espn.go.com/.../profile

@ WAKE

I hope our 1st baseman can "fall apart" like that hee hee

sports.espn.go.com/.../profile

@ WAKE

I hope our 1st baseman can "fall apart" like that hee hee

Anyone know if we're in the running for any other of Baseball America's top 25 Latin America prospects?

@ WAKE,  1 more thing in the midst of Derreck Lee falling apart  as you put it managed to put together a 22 game hitting streak, your still on that comedy trip:)

ants marching to post game thread===========================

As far as I'm concerned, he does not need to apologize.  I see nothing wrong with his comments.