Malman Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Astros near deal for slugger Center fielder Wilson looks like club's top target By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ Copyright 2006 Houston Chronicle Astros general manager Tim Purpura's hopes for landing a run-producing outfielder may come to fruition today. And if those plans work out, it's most likely free agent center fielder Preston Wilson will land with the National League champions. "I would think within the next 24 hours, we'll know where we stand with everybody," Purpura said Monday at 6 p.m. The Astros now appear to be Wilson's first choice. Purpura had been in negotiations with the representatives for Wilson and Conroe High graduate Jeromy Burnitz. But the Astros are starting to believe their chances of signing Wilson are much better than their chances with Burnitz. Wilson, 31, hit .260 with 25 home runs, 90 RBIs and 148 strikeouts for the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals in 2005. All-Star third baseman Morgan Ensberg, who had 36 homers and 101 RBIs, was the only Astro with more RBIs last year than Wilson. He has played center field most of his career. It remains to be seen what would happen with Willy Taveras, the center fielder who was second in Rookie of the Year balloting in 2005. Wilson, who earned $12.5 million in 2005, would likely get a contract worth less per year than the one-year, $6 million offer Nomar Garciaparra spurned from the Astros. But Wilson's stay in Houston could be longer than a year. Both sides are still mulling over contract options for a potential second year. "Things are more positive than not," Purpura said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FutureGM Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 I'd also like to know how he made $12.5 million a season, and what idiot agreed to that contract. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuickGold Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 Preston Wilson is not the answer to their prayers of a RBI machine. Maybe if it was 1999 but Wilson would be a nice compliment to a real RBI guy that they need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skully Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 I think Preston can do really well in that park... And didn't the Marlins give him that contract, after the season he had 121 RBI's?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish4Life Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 What about Willy Tar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TSwift25 Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 I'd also like to know how he made $12.5 million a season, and what idiot agreed to that contract. That was the final season of a heavily backloaded John Henry deal. I guess I'm the only one who thinks this is a good signing for the 'stros. Dead-pull righty hitter like him is built for Houston. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rferry Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 What about Willy Tar? Berkman's probably taking over for Bagwell, and Preston moving to right where his terrible defense won't hurt them. Nearly every team has seen Wilson as a corner outfielder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Das Texan Posted January 3, 2006 Share Posted January 3, 2006 so jason lane to left field then? and does chris burke resume the role of super sub all over the field? I mean its concievable now that jose vizcaino is gone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuickGold Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 so jason lane to left field then? and does chris burke resume the role of super sub all over the field? I mean its concievable now that jose vizcaino is gone. From Yahoo! Sports... If the Astros keep Taveras and play Wilson, they would have to move either Lance Berkman or Chris Burke out of left field or Jason Lane from right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prinmemito Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Maybe we can trade for Taveras? I doubt they'd go for it, but perhaps they're willing to send them to the Marlins for a pitching prospect. I have no idea if that's feasible or likely... just throwing it out there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Passion Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Wouldn't Berkman go to first? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Das Texan Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Wouldn't Berkman go to first? provided bagwell is done, i know he is working feverishly to get back for this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CardsJimEdmonds15 Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Wow gotta love these mediocre outfielders joining the NL Central.. Maybe the Encarnacion move will pay off eventually :lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuickGold Posted January 4, 2006 Share Posted January 4, 2006 Wow gotta love these mediocre outfielders joining the NL Central.. Maybe the Encarnacion move will pay off eventually :lol Preston > Enc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catchoftheday Posted January 5, 2006 Share Posted January 5, 2006 I still think Preston has plenty left on his tank ... he has gone through so many injuries in the past couple of seasons and we have seen what has made of him either way I think he can put up great numbers in minutemaid and will be a respectable 5-6 hitter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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