Brian Wilson is being sought after by the Seattle Mariners as the free agent reliever continues to look for employment. The last time we checked on Wilson, he was rejecting the New York Yankees, who wanted to shave his beard. Can the Mariners lure the bearded bullpen arm into their organization? Why would Wilson go to Seattle?
Firstly, Wilson could bring some attitude to a Mariners' roster that is fairly dull. Aside from Felix Hernandez, the Mariners have talented players with low profiles. Not that a quiet locker room is bad, but the Mariners could use more character. Ultimately, this could create some craze in the fan base, attracting fans to Mariner games.
Of course, many will argue that there will only be so much one player can do for an organization. The Mariners are not one of the Top 3 teams expected to compete. in The A.L. West, the Oakland Athletics have taken control of the division in back-to-back seasons. The Texas Rangers were the dominant team in previous years, but they have digressed and the Los Angeles Angels are trying to regain their form though their roster is stacked with veterans who are making quite a chunk of cash.
With that being said, chances are Wilson would want to challenge himself, take the bullpen under his shoulders and guide the Mariners' relievers. He is a two-time champion who led the N.L. in saves. Wilson loves the west coast as he came up with the San Francisco Giants and briefly did a stint with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 18 appearances with the Dodgers, the bearded righty posted a 0.66 ERA, pitching 13.2 innings and recording 13 strikeouts. He only allowed one earned run on eight hits, proving very capable and dominant in his short time in the majors in 2013.
Seattle is relaxed. There is no pressure, which should only make Wilson thrive. Not that he was bothered by pressure, but Wilson and the younger Mariner players can have some fun in the clubhouse. Once the team starts having some fun, then maybe the game will become easier and the talent will spring forth.
The Yankees were offering Wilson $5 million for a year, but, of course, the beard had to go. However, Wilson and the beard are one, excuse me, The Beard. It will be interesting to see if Seattle would be a place of interest for Wilson.
