The Philadelphia Phillies did not hesitate to take a look at the 2010 MLB save leader, Brian Wilson. As the famously bearded reliever is recovering from Tommy John Surgery and holding workouts for major league teams, the Phillies will be one of the many teams sending scouts over to see if Wilson can make any contributions to their bullpen.
In 2013, the Phillies' bullpen is below average in many categories. They have the fourth worst ERA (4.34), allowed the 10th most runs (143) and walked the seven most hitters (120) in baseball. The Phillies are trying to realistically analyze their situation. They could either buy or sell before this year's trade deadline. Currently, they are in second place behind the Atlanta Braves. However, they are two games under .500 and trailing the Braves by seven games.
Wilson could be considered a risk. The simple fact that he hasn't pitched since Apr. 12, 2012, doesn't make Wilson a very popular choice as a reliever. Wilson, however, looks affordable because of two facts: one, he is a free agent and two, he is coming off an injury. Wilson can't can't dictate negotiations with teams about his salary. It's a possible low risk-high reward situation for the Phillies.
From 2008 until 2011, when Wilson was healthy, he was one of the dominant closers in baseball. He saved a total of 163 games during this time period, cementing his stature as a very reliable closer. However, after he was unable to pitch for the San Francisco Giants in the 2011 postseason, Sergio Romo took over his role and ultimately became the closer for the Giants.
There are plenty of MLB teams that could use Wilson's help in the bullpen, but of course, they will have to see how well he's throwing and they will have a chance to do so on Thursday.
